Page 17 of The Ties That Bind
“Celestia,” Marquis asked, “would you brew us some chamomile tea and bring a cup for yourself? We could all use a moment of calm.”
After she left, Marquis addressed Sir. “I know it is not my place, and you are within your right to say no, but I would like to be kept informed on how things progress in Russia.”
Brie was certain Marquis was speaking about Lilly and wondered how Sir would respond to his request. Even though Sir had found a solution Marquis approved of, there was no mistaking that the trainer remained concerned about Lilly’s welfare.
Sir stared at Marquis for a long time before answering. “When I have news worth sharing, I will make a point of letting you know.”
Marquis nodded.
Celestia returned, carrying a tray. With grace and a sense of formality, she poured the tea and handed the first cup to her Master. She then handed one to Sir and then poured the next cup for Brie.
Bouncing the crying child in her arms, Brie told her, “No, sit down and enjoy the tea while it’s still hot. Grace and I are getting reacquainted.”
Celestia smiled and did as Brie asked, but never took her eyes off the child as she sat and sipped her tea.
Brie noticed Marquis quietly observing his submissive.
The moment Celestia got up to pour him more tea, he stopped her. “Rather than another cup of tea, I would find a flogging session more relaxing.”
Celestia looked at him with pleading eyes, clearly needing that release. “Yes, Master.”
Glancing at Sir, Marquis asked, “Would you mind caring for the child while we take a few minutes to ourselves?”
“Take as much time as you need. In fact, we could take her home with us if you’d like.”
Celestia’s concerned gaze darted toward the baby.
“No, that is unnecessary,” Marquis assured him. “The child has suffered enough separation for one day.”
Turning to Celestia, he held out his hand to her. “Come with me, my love.”
Celestia took his hand, a little gasp escaping her lips as he lifted her to her feet.
“It has been far too long,” he murmured as he escorted her out of the room.
Brie felt immense joy as she watched them walk out of the room together.
“They have a tough road ahead,” Sir stated once they were gone.
Brie looked down at the unhappy child. “I wish I could let Grace know it’s going to be okay.”
Sir stared at the crying child with a troubled expression. “These next few months are going to be difficult, but she is not the only one I worry about. It’s important that Marquis and Celestia look after themselves, as well.”
Brie perked up. “I know your aunt and uncle have offered to babysit, and I would be happy to help.”
He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, laying his hand on her pregnant belly. “You need to take care of yourself and our own little girl.”
Brie stared up at him, loving how Sir looked out for everyone—especially her. “I know Mary has a long list of people who want to help.”
“Excellent. I’ll speak to Miss Wilson and see if we can’t schedule a rotation of people. Knowing Gray, it’s not something he would consider asking for himself.”
Even with a wailing infant in her arms, Brie was overwhelmed by the beauty of this moment. “I love everything about you, Sir.”
He smirked. “Foolish sub…”
Taking the baby from her, he told her, “Let’s go on a long walk so Celestia can concentrate on her Master rather than a crying child.”
Brie walked the neighborhood beside Sir, moved beyond words by his thoughtfulness. Her heart was so full of love for the man, she felt like she might burst.
