Page 161 of Brie's Submission
Finally, he spoke. “Toriko, my father is mistaken.”
She stiffened in his embrace. “What does he mean by telling you I’m not good?” she asked, tears blurring her vision of his face.
Tono leaned forward and kissed them away. “He does not understand. My father has never shared the connection we share.”
“But what did he mean by it?”
Tono closed his eyes and did not speak. It scared her. When he opened his chocolate eyes again he said firmly, “What he says does not matter.”
“But it matters to me,” she insisted.
He moved over to the couch and set her down, then began untying the jute. “My father believes you have a ravenous spirit.”
Ice crystals coursed through her veins at the declaration. “What does that mean, Tono?”
He gazed into her eyes and paused before answering. “He does not believe I will be enough for you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at hearing her greatest fear voiced by his father. Tears threatened to take over, so she squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
“My father is wrong, toriko,” he said soothingly. He was tender as he dressed her.
Brie opened her eyes to stare at her handsome Dom while he dressed himself, wondering the whole time how they could survive his father’s disapproval. The Japanese culture placed a high value on the bond between parent and child. Worse was the fact that Tono’s father had also trained him. It demanded an even higher level of respect. But what really scared Brie—what made it difficult for her to breathe—was the fact his father might be right, and Tono and Brie both knew it.
She stood up and clung to Tono, flinching when the second bell sounded. She struggled to let go of him.
Tono took her face in his hands. “Do not let my father’s words sway you, toriko. Choose the man who will love and guide you.”
Marquis entered the room and encouraged Tono to leave. Brie watched him walk away, heartsick at the separation.
“Do you have what you need to make a decision, pearl?”
She looked up at Marquis and answered with a simple nod.
“Good.”
They walked out of the room to the festivities now in full swing. It would be a full hour before the collaring ceremony. Brie saw Lea already mingling with the crowd. She looked over the sea of people and noticed several familiar faces.
I guess it’s time to begin my goodbyes…Brie thought.
She approached Baron first. He was engaged in a conversation with Mr. Gallant, but ended it as soon as he noticed her. “Ah, kitten…”
She grinned at the striking Dom. “I want to thank you, Baron.”
His white teeth gleamed against his dark skin. “It was my pleasure and honor.”
Brie smiled shyly when she admitted, “Remember that first night? I was so scared of you.”
His large thumb traced the edge of her bottom lip. “It concerned me, but we got past that.”
“You were gentle and kind.”
He chuckled in his deep baritone. “Not too gentle, I trust.”
She kissed his thumb. “Just right.”
“Thankfully, Headmaster Davis picked the best man for the job.” He thrust his chest out and smiled heroically. “He insisted I push you to the edge that first night, but you handled yourself well and I must say you have blossomed since, kitten. You are a true submissive now.”
She stood on her tiptoes to kiss Baron’s enticing, thick lips. “I owe my success to you. You saw me through that first night.”
