Page 11 of Beneath the Flames
“Did you know I had a vision of you the night Sir Davis graduated from his training with my husband?”
Brie crinkled her brow and looked at Sir in surprise. “I did not know that.”
Sir snorted. “This is news to me, Nenove.”
Smiling at Sir, she explained, “I only told Ese’he about it.”
“I remember…” Master Nosh stated with a slight smile on his lips.
“And yet, you never told me,” Sir remarked, raisingan eyebrow at Master Nosh.
He replied in a solemn tone, “Had you known the future, you may have strayed from your chosen path.”
“While that is possible…” Sir paused, glancing at Brie for a moment, “…I would not have believed you.”
“Because you would have deemed yourself unworthy of her,” Master Nosh asserted.
“Exactly. In fact, I felt that way the day I collared her.”
Brie was surprised when the head trainer’s low chuckle filled the air. “Then it is good I kept Nenove’s vision from you.”
“But it is good to see it fulfilled!” Nosh’s wife exclaimed, her brown eyes sparkling as she looked at Antony. “You have a fine, healthy son.” She then turned to Hope and knelt beside her. “And a strong daughter to be proud of.”
“Her name is Hope,” Brie informed her.
Nenove glanced up, looking pleased. “That is a powerful name.”
Smiling, she looked at their little girl and said, “Hope. The strong warrior with a gentle heart.”
Hope grinned, throwing her small arms around Nenove’s neck. The instant bond they seemed to share was heartwarming to Brie.
Standing up, Nenove then glanced at Antony and told Sir, “Your son is much like you.”
“I certainly hope not,” Sir muttered under his breath.
Brie brushed her son’s cheek lovingly. “Well, I do. Because he’s perfect like his daddy.”
Sir smirked, saying nothing as two servers came upto the table, one carrying a booster for Hope and a highchair.
While they seated the children, the host escorted a stylish woman to the table to join them. Judging by her elegant clothes and her understated confidence, Brie was certain the woman must be a model.
“Good evening. My name is Ivetta. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.”
Lea, who was seated beside her, shook her hand warmly. “I have to confess that this is my favorite part about dinner. I love getting to meet new people. I’m Lea, and this is my boyfriend, Hunter.”
“Lovely to meet you both,” Ivetta replied, shaking their hands.
Lea then took the lead and formally introduced everyone to the new guest, explaining to her, “They are all friends of ours.”
Ivetta held out her hand to shake each of their hands, commenting, “Isn’t it wonderful to spend a cruise with your friends?”
“Have you come with anyone?” Brie asked her.
“Yes. Unfortunately, my friend couldn’t join me for dinner tonight. She spent too much time on the Lido Deck this afternoon and has a nice sunburn to show for it.”
“Oh no! That’s not a fun way to start the cruise,” Brie cried, feeling sympathy for the girl.
“Don’t worry, Nora is covered in aloe vera at this very moment and ordering in tonight. She claims she’s happy about it because she’ll have a nice tan by the time we reach Cabo San Lucas.”
