Brie Learns Restraint (After Graduation, #5) Read online

  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.

  Interviewing the Domme

  Brie had gone over her questions for Ms. Clark over and over again. She’d changed them multiple times, only to go back to the original set. Marquis Gray’s interview had been so unpredictable that she could not begin to imagine how her interview with Ms. Clark would play out.

  It was with trepidation and excitement that she returned to the Submissive Training Center the next day. Thankfully, there were no unexpected confrontations with Faelan to throw her off her game this time.

  Brie set up the interview room, then sat pensively waiting for the female trainer—the Domme who had caused her such grief during her six weeks of training. Although Brie had come to respect Ms. Clark, she had never grown to like the woman.

  How could she? Ms. Clark hated her guts for no apparent reason.

  Which made Brie all the more curious as to why the woman had offered to do this interview. Whatever the motivation, she was going to take full advantage of her time with Ms. Clark. Although Brie was a submissive, she was playing the role of filmmaker now. It allowed her all kinds
of latitudes she’d never had with her former trainer.

  Like most Dominants, Ms. Clark was punctual. Brie took a deep breath before standing up to shake her hand. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Clark.”

  “You may call me Mistress tonight.”

  “Okay…” Already, Ms. Clark was pushing her Dominant role on Brie.

  Brie pointed to the chair and adjusted the focus of the camera once the trainer had sat down. Ms. Clark was staring straight at the lens, giving Brie the willies and rattling her confidence.

  No, I’m the interviewer! I control this scene…

  Brie went straight for the jugular by asking her age. “How old are you, Mistress, and at what age did you realize you were a Dominatrix?”

  Ms. Clark looked momentarily shaken but she answered, looking Brie straight in the eye. “I am thirty-two, Miss Bennett. To answer your second question, I understood my role when I was in my freshman year of college.”

  Brie jumped on her answer. “Was there some incident that caused you to realize that or had you felt it all your life and simply realized it at this point?”

  “I was given the opportunity to top and I found it unusually satisfying. I haven’t looked back since.”

  Brie could sense Ms. Clark was hiding something—but there was vulnerability in her eyes that Brie hadn’t seen before.

  Despite their past history, Brie had no interest in exploiting that. She switched to a simple question. “How did you become a trainer at the Center?”

  “Sir Davis asked me to join the panel. We had known each other in the past and he felt I had the skills and female perspective the Training Center was in need of. You may be interested to know that I was the first female hired to serve on the panel.”

  That was certainly news to Brie. Sir had personally invited Ms. Clark, a woman he’d known since college, to serve with him at the Training Center? Just how well did her Master know Ms. Clark?

  “You must be proud of that distinguished accomplishment.”

  “After my appointment, they made it a policy that a female must be represented on each panel.”

  As impressive as that sounded, Brie had seen the trainer lose her composure. She did not have the same high regard others seemed to hold for the Domme.

  Hoping to uncover the trainer’s underlying motivation, she asked the same question she’d asked Marquis Gray. “I’m curious as to why you chose to be part of the Submissive Training Center, Mistress?”

  The woman looked at her shrewdly. “The simple fact is I enjoy training new subs. Their untarnished state makes it easier to strip away their egos. It is an entertaining process to see what lies underneath.”

  Had Ms. Clark’s unkind treatment of Brie simply been for training purposes—to strip her bare? No—as much as Brie wanted to believe it, she couldn’t. There was more to her harsh treatment than the trainer was letting on. Brie hoped the next question would provoke the Domme to open up.

  “Have you ever played the role of a submissive?”

  A brief flicker of emotion quickly turned into a hard stare. “I have allowed a Dominant to top me for educational reasons, but I have never been a submissive.”

  Brie couldn’t help thinking, But I bet you wanted to be, didn’t you? “So Mistress, is it something you would ever consider?”

  Ms. Clark tilted her head slightly, narrowing her eyes. “Why do you ask, Miss Bennett?”

  Brie felt her skin crawl; her paddling session with the trainer instantly sprang to mind. “I know some Dommes who enjoy reversing roles, Mistress.”

  “Do not confuse me for a switch, Miss Bennett.”

  Brie could feel the trainer’s defensive walls going up, so she changed the line of questioning accordingly. “What is your tool of choice?”

  The Domme answered with an evil curve to her lips. “I favor the cane, Miss Bennett. A good caning can subdue the most errant submissive.”

  It sounded like a promise…

  Brie felt a sudden chill travel down her spine and had to remind herself that Ms. Clark had no power over her anymore. She laughed nervously.

  There was no missing the glint in the Domme’s eye. What was this interview—a power play?

  Brie became outraged at the thought. “Why did you agree to this interview, Mistress?” she asked, point blank, tired of playing games.

  The startled look on the trainer’s face gave Brie a feeling of control, boosting her confidence. But Ms. Clark was not about to reveal her true motive, and took several seconds to formulate an acceptable answer. “I believe it is important people understand that Dommes play an important role in the BDSM community. Being a Dominant is not a male-exclusive role, just as being a submissive is not gender-related. It has more to do with a person’s character type and his or her sexual desires.”

  Getting the upper hand gave Brie to the courage to voice the one question she had been dying to ask. “Mistress, why do you hate me?”

  Ms. Clark gritted her teeth as she pointed to the camera.

  Brie turned it off and waited in silence. Oh, this is going to be good…

  “That is not a professional question. I expected better from you, Miss Bennett. I do not see you lasting long in the film industry.”

  Brie did not respond, waiting for the question to be answered.

  Ms. Clark voice was cold. “I do not hate you. That would require too much energy and you are certainly not worth that.”

  Brie ignored the insult, knowing it was a bait and switch tactic. She was not biting.

  As the silence dragged on, the trainer snarled. “Your arrogance is not befitting a submissive. I find you immature, selfish and rude.”

  “So is that why you hate me?”

  Ms. Clark snapped, “I said I do not hate you. Let me add obtuse to your list of faults.”

  “What is the real reason you agreed to this interview, Ms. Clark?”

  The Domme growled under her breath. “You are like an itch I must scratch. Everything about you rubs me wrong, and yet…”

  The woman did not finish.

  “And yet what?”

  Ms. Clark stood up, taking off the microphone. “We are done here.” She exited the room, leaving Brie alone, completely stunned.

  What the hell was that?

  Brie packed up her equipment and went to find Lea. She knew the sub was waiting for her, and she needed to talk. On her way, Marquis Gray stopped her in the hallway.

  “Have you spoken to Ms. Taylor yet?”

  “No. I was just on my way to see her now.”

  “Then it is fortunate I caught you. Tonight looks like the only time our schedules coincide. Can you be set up in an hour in room six?”

  “Yes, I can certainly do that. Thank you very much, Marquis Gray.”

  He nodded. “I look forward to it.”

  Brie hurried off to find Lea. She found her friend in the sub lounge, sitting on the couch looking quite pleased with herself. But the instant Lea saw her, she jumped up and gave Brie a huge hug. “Thank you! OMG, when Marquis said he wanted to scene with me, I about died! Thank you, girlfriend!”

  Brie hugged her back. “Yeah, I won’t lie. When he asked who I wanted him to flog I was tempted to say, ‘Me!’ But since it can’t be me, then I want it to be you.”

  Lea squealed, “I love having you for a best friend!”

  Brie gave her a long, hard squeeze. It was good to see Lea again. “Girl, I had the weirdest interview with Ms. Clark.”

  Lea grabbed her hand and forced her to sit on the couch. “Tell me about it. I was wondering how it went.”

  “Well, she was intimidating and rude like she always is with me, but it all changed when I asked her why she hated me.”

  “You asked her that on camera?”

  “Yeah. I’ve never understood it and I finally just cracked. I had to know.”

  “What did she tell you?”

  “She made me turn off the camera before she would answer, but then she gave me the whole ‘you’re rude and not submissiv
e enough’ routine. I pressed her further and she claimed I’m an itch she needs to scratch.”

  Lea’s draw dropped in disbelief. “She was coming onto you?”

  Brie burst out laughing. “No! I have no idea what she was trying to say. I even asked her, but she just up and left the interview.”

  “Go back… What exactly did she say?”

  “Something like, ‘I’m like an itch she must scratch. Everything about me rubs her wrong and yet…’”

  “And yet what?”

  “I don’t know! That’s what I asked her and she ended the interview.”

  Lea shook her head sadly. “Mistress has been extremely aloof since you and Sir returned from Russia. I have no idea what’s going on with her.”

  “It must be something to do with Rytsar; it has to be. Ugh…I hate mysteries! Sir won’t let me talk about it, but it’s killing me not to know what happened between those three, and why I am somehow caught in the middle of it.” She slumped on the couch and whined, “It’s not fair…”

  Brie understood that Sir did not care for gossip, but was it really gossip when she only wanted to find out about Ms. Clark’s past because it was affecting her personally? “Did you hear anything more about Rytsar from Ms. Clark?”

  Lea leaned forward, exposing her overflowing bosom to Brie. “Funny you should ask. Right before you left on your trip, she opened up a little about Sir. Whatever mistake she made with Rytsar caused the Russian to go ballistic. His reaction was swift and terrible. Sir stepped in, which is why Mistress holds your Master in such high regard. I have never heard her say anything bad about Sir,” she laughed, “other than that he was an idiot to collar you.”

  Brie hit her friend’s shoulder. “I didn’t need to hear the last bit, Lea.”

  “Well, I need to keep you humble. It’s my job.”

  Brie looked up at the clock. “Nuts, I better get things set up for your flogging.”

  Lea squealed again. “I’m so excited!”