Brie Learns Restraint (After Graduation, #5) (9 page)

Brie’s loins trembled—she knew very well the pleasure he was capable of delivering. She cleared her throat self-consciously. “Going back to what you said earlier, you mentioned that your family is religious. Does that mean you believe in God, Marquis Gray?”

He stared straight into her soul. “Yes, I believe in a higher being.”

Again, she was stunned by his answer. She’d never considered that practitioners of BDSM would also believe in God. “What religion are you…if I may ask?”

“I do not follow any conventional religion, Miss Bennett. Religions are far too concerned with judgment for me to have any interest.”

“I see.” Brie was floundering. This was not the direction she’d thought the interview would go. She looked at her sheet and asked the next question on it, realizing how horribly unqualified she was to give such an interview. All she could think was,
Poor Marquis…

With feigned confidence, she asked, “Marquis Gray, having worked with you personally, I was struck by your ability to…for lack of a better word, read my mind. Is that a skill you have learned due to your exposure with so many subs, or does it come naturally?”

“I do not read minds, Miss Bennett. I discern intent and motivation.”

“Have you always been able to do that?”

“Yes.”

Brie felt a nervous flutter in her stomach at the thought of Marquis reading people even as a young boy. “That is fascinating. You must have been an interesting child growing up.”

Although his expression did not change, she could tell by the way he shifted in his chair that it was not something he wanted to discuss. Mr. Holloway had asked for more intimate details from the subs, but he hadn’t said anything about the trainers. It didn’t feel appropriate to force the issue.

Moving to something light and generic, she asked, “What is your favorite aspect of being a trainer at the Center?”

“That moment a submissive embraces the totality of what and who they are. Once they reach that level of understanding, they are empowered to live out their lives without compromise.”

She was struck by the empathy Marquis had for the students. It was more than simple training; he was truly passionate about improving the lives of the submissives he worked with. She couldn’t help wondering if that was the case for all of the trainers. If so, what would she learn about Ms. Clark when she interviewed her the next day?

“So the training that the school provides goes beyond training submissives to master particular tasks?”

“The sole purpose of the Center is to train and educate dedicated submissives so they can realize their full potential. That cannot be achieved by merely learning ‘tricks’, Miss Bennett. It is a lifetime objective that requires a complete understanding of one’s strengths, weaknesses, and personal needs.”

She was grateful he had so clearly and eloquently expressed her own experience at the Training Center. “Marquis Gray, I am sure many people are interested to learn what fulfillment you get from flogging a female submissive.”

His smile was disarming. She knew women were going to eat it up. “I enjoy the exchange of power, Miss Bennett. Knowing that she trusts me enough to lay down her needs and desires for mine is exhilarating. I also derive pleasure from helping her transform the stimulus I give into something sensuous and beautiful. The connection with her during the scene is unique and cannot be duplicated in any other setting.”

The sensations she’d experienced during their many sessions together flooded her mind, and she found herself blushing. Brie fiddled with the equipment to distract herself, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

“Turn off the camera, Miss Bennett.”

Brie did so immediately, groaning inside. Why was he able to read her thoughts—
no, correct that
—her intent and motivations so easily?

Marquis was not smiling. “This conversation is not meant for public consumption.” He moved his chair closer to her before he spoke. “Mr. Wallace is woefully misguided in his conduct, but I understand his motivation. I believe today’s encounter necessitates a formal meeting between you two in order to end the unnecessary drama his infatuation is causing. I will speak to both Sir Davis and Tono Nosaka after we finish here.”

The idea of meeting with Faelan had Brie spiraling out of control. Marquis gazed into her tortured eyes. “There is no need for concern, Miss Bennett. I am personally mentoring Wallace and have suggested counseling to help him move beyond his past. It is the root of his unhealthy obsession with you. I thought he was further along—however, his behavior today refutes that. It must be confronted.”

“Will Sir be at the meeting, Marquis?”

“My opinion is that it should happen sooner rather than later. I believe the connection he has with you can be severed cleanly if done in a timely manner.”

“I will only meet with Mr. Wallace if Sir agrees, Marquis Gray. Even if you and Tono punish me for it, I will not without my Master’s approval.”

Marquis chuckled. “You are feisty but devoted. It pleases me to see it, Miss Bennett. Unfortunately, time is short. This interview is over. However, I was told by Headmaster Coen that you are looking to film a scene with a trainer. I am willing. Did you have a particular submissive in mind?”

Brie’s mouth curved into a smile. “If I had my choice, I would choose Lea Taylor.”

“I will inform Ms. Taylor after class tonight then. I assume you want to film a session with the flogger?” He gave her an amused look. “Unless you’d prefer her to receive a good caning.”

Lucky Lea…
Brie wasn’t sure she could handle watching a sexy scene with Marquis and Lea without imploding, but she knew that it would serve her documentary well. “A flogging session would be perfect, Marquis Gray. Thank you.”

Marquis stood up and shook her hand formally. As he was leaving, he threw out an offhand comment without bothering to look back. “Be sure to bring a towel, Miss Bennett.”

When she returned home, the concern on Tono’s face alerted her to the fact he had already spoken to Marquis. “I’m questioning if it is necessary to hold your hand wherever you go, toriko.”

Brie sighed. “What were the chances
he
would be there?”

“Fate seems determined to bring you two together.”

“Why?! It was so uncomfortable, Tono. Faelan wouldn’t leave me alone, and when he mentioned the dreams I almost fainted.”

“Faelan specifically mentioned them?”

“He accused me of haunting his dreams and said that he knew I was thinking of him because he could feel me at night.”

“Did you tell Marquis this?”

Brie looked at him warily, wondering if she had screwed up again. “No. Sir said to always speak to my Master first.”

“Fine advice, but Marquis should know, since he is working with the boy. I will mention it to Sir Davis first, before I call Marquis Gray.” When he saw her worried expression, he added reassuringly, “You have done nothing wrong, toriko. In fact, based on what I’ve heard, you handled the entire situation exactly as you should have.”

She nodded, grateful to hear his words of praise.

“After I’m finished speaking to them, you will join me and share your impressions of the interview today. In the meantime, boil the pot of water. I will teach you the proper way to pour tea.” He pulled away from her and went out of the back door, closing it behind him.

Brie listened to the water boil as Tono spoke on the phone outside. It was difficult knowing she could not speak to Sir, but there was comfort in the way Tono was handling the situation. He was respectful of her true Master, but Tono remained in command of her.

With a few words and simple orders, he had her calm and awaiting her first lesson in tea etiquette. He seemed to have the uncanny ability to bring serenity to her soul, no matter the circumstance.

Disclosure

“B
rie,” Sir called out.

His clear voice demanded attention. She opened her eyes expecting to see him, but quickly realized she was in Tono’s bed. She looked at the clock and saw it was five forty-five. She couldn’t afford to be late her first day.

She slid out of the bed, trying not to disturb Tono as she quickly gathered her workout clothes and got dressed. Luckily, the workout center was only a five minute drive. Sir had arranged her membership, so all she had to do was flash her card to the staff member at the door.

This was her first time working out with the complicated exercise machines. All she’d ever done was lift five-pound weights and jump rope. She found a vacant elliptical machine and attempted to get it to start. After she had pressed many buttons without success, an elderly man took pity on her and instructed her how to use it.

Brie looked at the clock. It was already five after six; she’d missed five minutes with Sir. She started running in place, vowing that she would not be late again. She closed her eyes and called out to him in her mind.
Sir…

It thrilled her to know that he was on the other side of the world, possibly even using the same equipment while thinking about her. Despite the great distance, she swore she could feel his warm presence surrounding her.

It seemed only natural to tell him about the dream about Faelan as if he were there. She closed her eyes and had a silent, one-sided conversation with Sir. She went on to describe her first day with Tono, and how much fun she’d had discussing the film the night before.
Thank you, Sir. Thank you for asking me to serve under a kind Master while you are gone. I have a better understanding of why you have chosen this for me
.

Brie was sad when the hour was over and she had to say goodbye. She looked up at the ceiling and subtly threw a kiss upwards. “Goodbye, Sir. Until tomorrow.”

Upon returning to Tono’s home, she was instructed to dress in her kimono and meet him at the dining table. Like the table in the backyard, it was low-lying piece of furniture with pillows surrounding it. She sat down opposite Tono and smiled. He’d already prepared breakfast for them. It consisted of a mixture of rice, egg and vegetables—not the kind of breakfast food she was used to.

He handed a bowl to her and smiled when he noticed her surprise. “I believe in a hearty Eastern breakfast to start the day. It will give you the energy for all you need to accomplish. Pour the tea, toriko.”

She felt self-conscious as she filled his cup, blushing when a drop fell from the spout onto the table. She poured hers next, with no better results.

He said kindly, “I will teach you later.”

Brie was grateful, wanting to please Tono as well as learn the proper tea etiquette.

“Today you interview with Marquis. Is that correct?”

“Yes, Tono. I’m nervous about it.”

“Have confidence in your purpose and you can overcome any uncertainties.”

She reached over and touched his arm. “You are a very wise man.”

“Wise, toriko?” He shook his head. “That is reserved for men like my father. I prefer sage-like.”

She giggled, his response reminding her of Sir. Brie said in an overly dramatic voice, “Yes, oh sage-like Tono.”

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto his lap, then pulled up her kimono to smack her naked ass. She squealed when he delivered a firm, stinging slap. He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her head back so he could look her in the eye. His eyes sparkled mischievously. “Say it with respect, toriko.”