Page 150 of Brie's Submission
“Thank you, Sir,” she purred, bursting with happiness. “I’ve flourished under your instruction.”
He waved the compliment away, choosing instead to splash cold water on their exchange. “You have two noteworthy Doms who are interested in you. I have confidence both would care for you well, although they couldn’t be further from each other in philosophy.”
Brie shook her head. What was he talking about? Two?
He read the confusion on her face and responded, “Am I wrong to assume you will be choosing between Nosaka and Wallace?”
A nervous giggle escaped from her lips. “Those are not the only two.”
His tone became deadly serious. “Miss Bennett… I hope you are not under the impression that trainers are an option. I told you early on that we cannot partner with our students.”
She stammered, “But… I… We graduate tomorrow.”
His expression changed into one of compassion. “I will always be your trainer. Your graduation does not change that. Feel free to come to me or any of the trainers if you ever have need. We will always be here for you.”
She stared at him dully, trying to process his words. In one fell swoop, he’d stripped away two of her choices. No Marquis and no…Sir. The ice-cold reality of what he was saying washed over her.
A pained look traveled across his face before he spoke. “Miss Bennett, I thought you understood.”
She shook her head slowly.
Within a few seconds the worried look on his face transformed into a reassuring smile. “Well, there is no reason to be upset.” He picked up a pen from his desk and began fiddling with it. “You have two exceptional Doms to choose from. Ren Nosaka is a master at his skill. It is obvious that he has feelings for you. As for Todd Wallace, I had my reservations when he approached the Center about wanting to train as a Dom. However, he has proven himself to me. In fact…” Sir looked at her intently. “I see some of myself in him. That’s why I chose to spend time outside the Center instructing Mr. Wallace. Although I am not a master of one particular area, I have a solid background overall. It’s the main reason I was chosen as headmaster of the Center.”
Brie couldn’t believe that the man who had trained do everything was the one man who chose to rely solely on his touch. It made him…perfect.
“I am unsure if Mr. Wallace is simply infatuated with you, but that is something the two of you can explore if you choose.” Sir’s eyes were gentle, so loving.
A tear escaped and slowly trailed down her cheek.
It seemed as if he couldn’t handle seeing it, so he chose to ignore it by saying, “You are in a win-win situation, Miss Bennett.” Sir pulled a photo out of his desk and placed it in front of her. It was the one that Tono had taken of her. “Any man who can make you feel this way is worthy.”
She stared at him, still in shock. He continued on, choosing to be oblivious of her pain. “Mr. Wallace, on the other hand, can provide you with a variety of experiences. He seems to have an innate talent, one that cannot be taught. I feel he has the capability to stretch you, and that is an important consideration.”
He put the pen down and gazed at her. “The choice is up to you. You can partner with a man you obviously have a connection with or a Dom who has the same desire to grow. Trust that instinct of yours, Miss Bennett. You cannot make a wrong choice if you do.”
How could he deny his feelings for her? Brie wondered if there was something she could do at the ceremony, but he interrupted her thoughts. “If someone were foolish enough to present me with a collar, I would be forced to reject it.”
She stared at him in misery.
“It is important to concentrate on the viable options afforded you, Miss Bennett. Don’t allow anything to distract you from that decision.”
“But Sir, I…”
He held up his hand to silence her declaration of love and then pointed to the collar around her neck. “It is no longer needed. Come.” He gestured to the floor at his feet.
Her body was leaden as she got up from the chair and bowed before him. She closed her eyes as he unfastened the collar. She felt a chill as the warmth of the leather was replaced by the coolness of the air and a sob escaped her lips.
He placed it on his desk and said quietly, “You may leave. You have much to consider tonight. I will explain to the others that you were unexpectedly called away.”
She stood up unsteadily.
“Miss Bennett, this is for the best.”
Somehow, Brie made it out of his office, but she stumbled in her six-inch heels. She angrily ripped them off her feet, throwing them across the hall with a growl. Then the tears came. She pressed her face against the wall, sobbing uncontrollably.
She heard him clear his throat several times and held her breath, staring at the open door, hoping he would come for her. When that did not happen, she slowly picked up her shoes and walked to the classroom to retrieve her coat and purse. In a trance, she left the Center and headed home.
When Brie made it to her apartment, she walked inside without turning the lights on. She collapsed on the bed with her hands covering her ears in a feeble attempt to shut out the world.
