Page 158 of Brie's Submission
Brie nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Master.”
He took her hand and helped her up. He nodded to Celestia, who moved gracefully to the bed in the corner of the room and lay down. Marquis Gray guided Brie to it and commanded her to lie beside his sub. He joined them on the bed, sandwiching Brie between them. It was comforting on a level she hadn’t experienced before.
“Remember that I told you not to settle for the status quo.”
She shivered unwillingly and felt both bodies press against her. Brie whispered, “I will miss you, Marquis Gray.”
“You have been an experience, pearl.”
Celestia spoke up, her voice pure, like spring rain. “I’ve been interested in your progress ever since I heard about your near-dismissal, Miss Bennett.”
Brie remembered that night clearly. The panel had suggested Sir step down as headmaster and she had almost been kicked out of the submissive program altogether.
Marquis’ laugh was low and heartfelt. “I saw your strength even then. I knew you would survive the taint of Thane’s interference.”
“Taint?” Brie questioned.
“Admit that you have been influenced by that one private encounter.”
Brie shook her head. “I was influenced the day Sir came into the tobacco shop.”
Marquis Gray snorted. “Still, he used his position to take something that was not his to possess.”
“Marquis Gray, I wanted no other.”
He shook his head angrily. “You were his student. It was unconscionable.”
“Still…I do not regret it.”
“Your defense of the act does not negate the transgression. Coen wanted both of you out. If it hadn’t been for Gallant’s unwavering belief in you, you would not be here.”
“I never understood Master Coen’s aversion to me.”
Marquis corrected her. “Coen would do anything to protect the sanctity of the program. The fact you eventually earned his respect speaks volumes.”
Brie braved a question she had been wanting to ask. “Why does Ms. Clark hate me?”
“Hate is a strong word.”
Celestia answered her. “You act as a whetting stone for Mistress Clark.”
Marquis reached over Brie and stroked his submissive’s cheek. “True enough, love.”
Brie’s heart warmed at the term of endearment coming from the fierce trainer’s lips. Their relationship was exactly what she desired for herself.
“You unbalance our normally controlled Dominatrix. Although it was entertaining to watch, Coen was right to be concerned and we set things in place to limit your exposure to each other. Every trainer comes across a student they cannot instruct. It happens.”
“Then why was I partnered with her this last time?”
“Thane did not want you to leave the school with a negative impression of Dommes. He asked Clark to repair any damage she had done. You should know she willingly agreed.”
“Well, I was almost convinced her feelings towards me had changed.”
“Do not dwell on it.”
Brie looked around the room and said wistfully, “I will really miss this place.”
“The Center is only a stepping stone, pearl. Your true destiny lies beyond. Don’t look back.”
