Page 10 of Beneath the Flames
Brie was moved by her daughter’s infectious joy and kissed the top of Antony’s head.
Out of nowhere, an icy chill coursed through her body, leaving Brie breathless. She immediately closed her eyes, repeating to herself,Holloway is gone. There is nothing to fear.
“Are you okay?” Sir asked, putting his arm around her.
Brie opened her eyes and smiled, knowing her fear was unfounded. The memories of a dead man could not have power over her life anymore.
“I am, Sir,” she answered with confidence.
Turning to Lea and Hunter, Brie declared, “There is no other place I would rather be than to be right here, right now.”
Adventures in Dining
Brie took extra care in dressing both children for dinner. Lea insisted that kids were welcome at the formal affair and that Nenove was looking forward to meeting them.
While tying the bow on Hope’s dress, Brie confessed to Sir, “I’m a tad nervous about dining with the Noshes.”
He chuckled as he buttoned the cuffs of his dress shirt. “Why is that, babygirl?”
“The entire time I’ve been at the Training Center, I’ve never met Nenove and I would really hate to make a bad impression now.”
“There is no chance of that.” Sir cupped her chin and looked into her eyes. “They are down-to-earth people. There is no reason for you to worry.”
After she finished dressing the children, Sir helped Brie into her gown and zipped up the back, kissing her bare shoulder when he was done.
Glancing in the mirror again, he adjusted his tie. “I,for one, am excited about tonight. An evening spent with the Noshes is a true gift.”
“Do you miss working with him?”
“I do,” he admitted. “Nosh keeps an intense schedule. Working with him proved to be the only opportunity I had of us running into each other.”
Brie frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that, Sir. I know how much you look up to him, not only as a Dominant, but as a mentor.”
Nodding, he told her, “He was instrumental in inspiring me to become the man I am today.” Looking at Brie, he stated matter-of-factly, “I would not have been worthy of collaring you as my submissive without his instruction.”
She smiled. “I’m sure that’s not true.”
Wrapping his arms around her, Sir replied, “Trust me, babygirl. His guidance helped me remain steadfast in my values and vision as a Dominant for all these years. It’s the reason I am confident in Lea’s choice of a partner. Master Nosh would not hold Hunter in high regard if he had not earned it.”
Brie’s smile grew wider. Hugging him back, she said, “I’m thrilled for Lea. I’ll never forget the joy I felt when you placed this collar around my neck.” She touched the dangling pearl lightly. “It changed my life.”
“Mine as well,” Sir agreed, tracing the metal collar with a finger. “It took great courage to offer your submission to me.”
“It took even greater courage for you to leave the Training Center behind.”
He leaned down to kiss her. “Best decision I ever made…”
Brie lingered behind, holding Hope’s hand as they walked into the dining room. She watched from afar as Hunter formally introduced Lea to Nosh’s wife. The woman had long, dark hair which was bound into a ponytail. She flashed a warm smile at Lea, and Brie was surprised to see her give Lea a big hug.
This was not the reserved woman Brie was expecting.
Once Lea and Hunter were seated, Sir guided Brie to the table while cradling Antony in one arm.
“Nenove, I am honored to introduce you to Brianna.”
The woman nodded to Sir respectfully before opening her arms wide to Brie. “What a pleasure to meet Sir Davis’s submissive! This moment has been a long time coming.”
“It has,” Brie agreed, returning the woman’s welcoming hug.
