Page 2 of The Ties That Bind
“Mary did say it would happen soon,” she said, laughing nervously. “But there are so many of them. I just assumed…”
Rytsar nodded. “As you should. You can never be too careful.” He placed his hand on her shoulder, stating proudly, “It is time for you to meet your destiny.”
He then glanced down at Hope. “Vorobyshekand I will watch the babe.”
Brie looked at him in amazement. “I can’t believe this is really happening…”
Picking up Hope, Rytsar escorted Brie out of the room. “Your Master wants you to return through the rear door.”
Brie was humbled knowing Rystar and his men had mobilized to defend her and her daughter regardless of the cost. Deeply grateful to them, she smiled and nodded to each man as she walked past.
She headed back to the house and quietly entered through the back door where Sir was waiting for her. He wore an amused expression as he held out his arms to her.
Brie melted into his embrace. “Well, that was a scare…”
“An unnecessary one, at that,” he agreed. “As punishment, I’ve made the men wait outside until you are ready.”
She pulled back, her jaw dropping. “What? They’re all outside?”
Sir nodded with a wicked glint in his eye. “Someone should have called you first.”
Brie’s heart started to race. “Do you think my mystery benefactor is out there right now?”
“I didn’t recognize anyone, so I can’t say.”
She glanced nervously in the direction of the front door. “I’d better not keep them waiting.”
“Actually, I want you to take your time to dress for this important meeting. They failed to inform you they were coming, so now they don’t get the advantage of rushing you. Besides, it will take Mr. Thompson another forty minutes to arrive.”
“You called our lawyer?”
He glanced at the front door. “There are a slew of them out there, babygirl. No point in starting this meeting until you have proper representation.”
Brie smiled up at him. “I’m grateful for your intervention, Sir.”
He gazed down at her lovingly. “With Thompson by your side, you will be able to make a clear decision based on what is being offered.”
“You aren’t going to join me?” she asked in surprise.
He shook his head. “No. I don’t want their attention to shift to me at any point during the meeting. They need to face the businesswoman behind the talent.” He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You’ve earned this moment, Brianna Davis.”
She nodded, feeling both humbled and empowered.
Brie headed to the bedroom. Understanding the significance of this meeting, she was determined to dress for it. She would have preferred wearing the red dress Sir had purchased for her months ago, but she was in her third trimester now and that wasn’t an option for her.
Glancing at her round belly, Brie smiled. It was pretty amazing that she could grow a tiny human inside her while simultaneously advancing her film career.
Brie chose a white blouse and a stylish red jacket. Pulling her hair back in a severe ponytail, she smiled at her reflection. If they had any misconceptions that they were meeting a frumpy pregnant woman, they were entirely mistaken.
Brie was meticulous with her makeup and finished the look off with bright red lipstick. She pressed her lips together to gently blot the lipstick, then smiled at her reflection.
There was only one thing missing.
Brie walked to a drawer in the closet to get the white orchid comb. She wanted Tono to be a part of this momentous occasion. The Kinbaku Master had been with her in spirit every time she filmed, and she needed him to be with her now.
The moment she touched the flower, however, she felt a jolt of sadness. Brie realized that the last time she’d spoken to Tono was just before Kylie’s death. Frowning in concern, she made a mental note to call him after the meeting.
Taking in a deep breath, she walked out of the bedroom and nodded to Sir. “I’m ready.”
