Page 53 of Tied to Hope
Sir glanced at Brie briefly, then nodded. He stared straight ahead to indicate he was ready.
When the music started up again, the intensity of it was so powerful that Sir instantly tensed the muscles in his back.
“Relax,” Marquis called out above the music.
Sir nodded, visibly relaxing his muscles.
Marquis moved into position, lifting the flogger to deliver the first lash.
Brie held her breath as she watched the multiple tails hit Sir’s back with such force that his muscles rippled from the impact.
Sir let out a grunt but remained still as Marquis delivered the next stroke.
Brie’s heart ached as she watched Sir take lash after lash. His silence scared her. She knew he was struggling to let go as Marquis continued, each stroke matching the intensity of the emotional music.
Finally, Sir let out a cry of anguish so primal and raw it sent shivers down Brie’s spine. She longed to run and comfort him, but she knew this was a journey he must take on his own.
Glancing at Marquis, she had to swallow the lump in her throat. The great Master had tears in his eyes as he responded to Sir’s inner torment, connecting with him through it, while he delivered stroke after stroke.
Marquis Gray was well known for using the flogger to heal the broken, but seeing him tonight, she realized that his power came at a cost. In order to help Sir, Marquis Gray took on the role of an empath, absorbing that pain. The two men bound were by it.
Swinging the flogger like a sword, sweat pouring off him, Marquis relentlessly pushed Sir toward the precipice.
Brie sank to her knees. She found it heart wrenching to watch.
Let go…she begged Sir silently.
A rumble from deep within his chest burst forth as Sir raised his arms, his fists clenched.
“Do not resist!” Marquis demanded.
The lashes suddenly became even more fierce and unforgiving.
Sir shook his head, tears running down his face as he continued to fight it. Finally, a tortured scream erupted from his lips, causing Brie’s blood to run cold.
When Marquis turned off the music, Sir slowly sank to the floor as an unsettling silence filled the room.
“Good,” Marquis said, panting heavily as he lowered the flogger and walked to Sir.
Sir’s eyes were closed but tears streamed down his face.
Marquis placed his hand on Sir’s shoulder and said nothing. They stayed in that position for several minutes until Sir opened his eyes.
“What did you learn?” Marquis asked.
“I have fought for so long to protect my brother.” He said it with such sorrow it pricked at Brie’s heart.
“I would do anything for him.”
“And what will you do now?
“Take a step back, so I can see things clearly.”
“Clear sight will prove invaluable as you move forward with Durov.”
Sir’s head dropped. “But I couldn’t bear it if I lost him.” Sir swallowed hard. “Ever since college, I have been afraid… And, time after time, fate has tested those fears.”
Marquis squeezed Sir’s shoulder. “The time to fear is over.”
