Page 6 of The Ties That Bind
Sir walked out of his office. “I’m sorry to hear the negotiation did not go well.”
Brie looked at him forlornly, but instantly smiled when she heard the doorbell ring. Hurrying to answer it, Brie hoped it was Mr. Cummings wanting to renegotiate. Instead, she found Rytsar standing in the doorway with Hope in his arms looking at her expectantly. “Well,radost moya?”
She took Hope from him as she ushered Rytsar inside. Although she smiled, she was unable to hide her profound disappointment.
“What happened?” he asked in concern.
Trying to keep her answer light, she said in her best mobster voice, “Apparently, I made them an offer theycouldrefuse.”
Rytsar smirked. “Although I enjoy your sense of humor,radost moya,I don’t understand.”
She asked Mr. Thompson, “Can I tell him what I requested since it wasn’t part of the original offer?”
“Certainly, Mrs. Davis.”
Turning to Rytsar, she explained, “When I asked for final say over the film, they withdrew the offer.”
Rytsar narrowed his eyes, pounding his fist against his palm. “Tell me who this person is so I can speak to them posthaste.”
She let out a sad chuckle. “I still don’t know. In fact, nobody who came to the meeting today claimed to know.”
Brie held Hope up and twirled her around, saying with a tinge of regret, “It would have been amazing, sweet pea. The talent they amassed was beyond anything I could have dreamed of.” She touched noses with Hope and added in a sing-song voice, “But that’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
The instant she set Hope down, Shadow appeared. Brie watched as her daughter toddled off to play with the big black cat, wonderfully unaware of the unfortunate turn of events that had just befallen her mother.
Brie mused,Maybe it’s for the best, with another baby on the way…
Mr. Thompson held out his hand to Brie. “If they do reach out to you again, please don’t hesitate to call.” Glancing at Phillips, he added, “We’re both at your disposal, if you should need us.”
“Thank you. Although it is not the outcome I wanted, I appreciated your counsel and do not regret my decision.” She shook both their hands gratefully.
However—the idea that Holloway had won felt like a stab to Brie’s heart.
His Promise
After the two men left, Brie found herself lightly fingering the white orchid in her hair.
“Are you okay, Brie?” Sir asked gently.
She turned to look at him and shook her head. “I feel the sudden need to speak to Tono, Sir. Do you mind if I call him?”
His eyes softened. “Not at all, babygirl.”
“Tell the bondage Master to return to the States so he can tie up the person responsible for this while Inegotiatea new offer…” Rytsar suggested.
Brie smiled. Having the sadistic Russian on her side made her disappointment easier to bear.
She retired to the bedroom and stared at the intricately painted wax form of her pregnant belly framed on the wall. Tono had made it for her when she was pregnant with Hope. That wax play scene with Tono was a cherished memory of hers and was preserved forever by this exquisite piece of art.
She dialed Tono’s phone number, feeling an urgent need to connect with him.
As soon as he answered, she could tell something was wrong. “Is everything okay, Tono?”
He chuckled lightly, but she could hear the strain in his voice when he diverted her question by asking, “Are you well, Brie?”
“I…” She paused for a moment. Rather than answer him, she replied, “It’s good to hear your voice.”
“Yours, as well.”
