Page 29 of The Ties That Bind
“I am sending you a recording. Play it formoye solntseand the new babe.”
Tears filled Brie’s eyes, touched by his request. “It would be my honor, Rytsar.”
With each passing day, Brie found herself growing increasingly anxious, and it frightened her. “Sir, I think something is seriously wrong, but I don’t know what.”
Taking her fear seriously, Sir had her sit down so they could talk about it. “What’s foremost on your mind right now?”
She rubbed her stomach. “I keep trying to convince myself the delivery will be fine, but after Hope’s difficult birth and knowing what happened to Kylie…” She looked him in the eyes, her heart racing. “I’m scared, Sir.”
“That’s a completely reasonable reaction. I’m sure, like me, you have done plenty of research and found that what happened with Kylie is rare and there is no reason to suspect it will happen to you.”
It brought Brie comfort to know Sir had been concerned enough to research the issue himself.
“What else is bothering you?”
“I can’t help worrying about Faelan and the effect his absence might be having on his baby.”
Sir nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. “We have to trust Durov can guide Wallace through the loss of Kylie. As far as the child is concerned, I have been checking in with Celestia. As you know, they have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. The last time we spoke, Celestia told me Grace is crying less often and smiling more. I think you can set those concerns aside for now.”
Brie smiled, grateful to hear the baby was doing better.
“Is there anything else?” Sir asked, looking at her intently.
Although she was deeply concerned about Mary’s toxic relationship with Holloway, she kept her promise not to share what was happening with Sir. Instead, she brought up her lingering disappointment about the film director, Finn, turning his back on her.
“I understand his actions left you feeling disillusioned, babygirl. But it’s better to know now who your friends are. As unsavory as this experience with Holloway has been, he inadvertently helped you by revealing who you can trust in the film industry.”
“Sir, that’s just it. I can’t trust anyone.”
He corrected her. “Mary has had your back the entire time. Put your trust in the people who would never betray you. One true comrade is worth a thousand wannabes.”
Brie nodded, his words cementing her decision not to break her vow with Mary. She sincerely hoped Sir would understand when the truth eventually came out.
“Is there anything else, babygirl?”
Brie let out a nervous sigh. “Lilly.”
He frowned, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and concern.
“Even though Rytsar is securing a new facility, I still worry about her, Sir. I don’t know if I will ever stop being terrified of Lilly.”
Sir sighed heavily. “Until that creature draws her last breath, she will remain a threat to us. However, you and I made a choice we can both live with. You understand the alternative, so you must hold onto the reasons behind that decision whenever fear threatens to overwhelm you.”
“I’ll try, Sir.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“I mean, Iwill, Sir,” Brie amended, deeply grateful for his understanding and insight.
Sir looked at her thoughtfully. “Baron keeps inquiring about you. Would you be up for a visit tomorrow?”
Brie smiled when she heard Baron’s name. “I would love that, Sir. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen him.”
He nodded. “I agree. Are you still interested in doing a lesson together before the birth? It might prove a welcome distraction.”
She looked at her large belly and laughed. “Do you really think he would want my help in this state?”
“It wouldn’t be an issue unless you’re uncomfortable with it.”
