Page 28 of Her Sweet Surrender
“No. Bring her with you.”
She nodded.
The fact that Hope was coming convinced Brie that Sir was meeting with a mutual friend. Originally, she had assumed he would go to Rytsar because they were close like brothers. However, it now seemed Brie was mistaken, leaving her wondering who he had chosen to speak with.
As if he could read her mind, Sir told her, “While I speak with Gray, you can spend time visiting with Celestia.”
“That’s a wonderful idea, Sir!”
Discussing this with Gray made sense. The two men greatly respected each other, and Marquis had been able to help Sir in the past. It was not only his intuitive powers but the healing aspect of his skills with the flogger that made him an excellent choice.
Yet, Brie was still surprised.
Sir had kept the dark and sordid nature of his relationship with Lilly private from everyone but a few of his closest friends. Revealing something of this magnitude to Marquis Gray was exceedingly courageous on his part.
Brie could feel the tension in the car as they drove to their home. She placed her hand on Sir’s thigh and felt him instantly relax.
“I’m grateful you are here,” he told her.
“There is no other place I would rather be, Sir.”
Marquis Gray and Celestia greeted them at the door when they arrived. The instant Celestia saw Hope, she smiled and held out her hands to the baby. “My, aren’t you growing up fast!”
Even though Celestia was nearly a stranger to Hope, she responded to the woman’s loving nature and reached out her little hands for her.
“I’m impressed,” Sir stated. “Hope is a gregarious child, but it normally takes her a bit to warm up to new people.”
“She and I have an understanding,” Celestia laughed lightly. Hope started babbling at Celestia as if she could understand every word.
“You must,” Brie agreed, tickled by their instant connection.
Marquis spoke to Sir in a somber tone. “Due to the seriousness of your visit, may I suggest we go to my office straight away?”
Sir glanced at Brie before nodding to him. “Let’s.”
Brie was struck once again by Marquis Gray’s intimidating nature as she watched them walk down the hall. His uncanny ability to get straight to the heart of an issue made him both a strong ally and a man to be feared.
“While our men talk, why don’t we go into the living room?” Celestia suggested. “I’ve set out treats for you both.”
Brie blushed. “You didn’t need to go to any trouble.”
Celestia graced her with a beautiful smile. “It was my pleasure, Brie. I always enjoy spending time with you, and having Hope here is an added gift.”
“You are much too kind,” Brie told her when she saw the plethora of homemade refreshments and the bowl of pickles thoughtfully cut up in tiny pieces for Hope.
“When Marquis informed me that Sir Davis had switched the meeting to today, I was so excited.” She glanced down the hallway toward his office. “Although I understand this isn’t a social call.”
“Well, it is for us.” Brie sat down on the floor next to the coffee table. Hope went straight for the pickles the moment Celestia set her down.
They chatted for a couple of minutes before Brie heard Sir’s raised voice. She let out a nervous sigh.
“Don’t worry, Brie. They’ll be fine,” Celestia assured her.
She nodded, popping a small candy into her mouth and chewing on it slowly, trying desperately not to worry.
A short time later, they heard both men raising their voices at each other.
Even Celestia looked concerned as she broke up a cookie for Hope.
