“Why in the world would Momma keep you a secret?”
Sir looked at her solemnly. “I assume you are aware of our past.”
“Well, naturally I’ve looked you up on the internet, but still… I don’t get why she would want to keep you and me apart.”
He said without any emotion, “I’m a part of her past she wanted to forget.”
Lilly shook her head. “But I don’t get it. She loved being a mother. I can’t imagine her abandoning you like that.”
“The two of us did not end on good terms.”
Without asking, Lilly grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “You know, I read about the tragic death of your father. Both Mom and you must have been devastated. I’ve heard that can break families apart.”
“He didn’t die tragically; he killed himself because of her,” Sir stated, pulling his hand away.
But Lilly would have none of it, and grabbed it back. “I can’t believe Momma could be so cruel as to leave you behind.”
Sir looked down at her hand gripping his, but to Brie’s surprise he did not pull away. “I do not know the person you claim her to be. My experience is that Ruth was heartless, and she proved that time and again.”
“Thane…do you mind if I call you that?” Lilly asked before proceeding.
“I am not opposed to it.”
“Thane, I can’t explain my mother’s actions, but I sincerely hope you and I can become friends and break down the walls she built. Neither of us should be alone.”
Sir glanced at Brie. “I’m not alone.”
Lilly smiled, quickly correcting herself. “No, that’s not what I meant, but surely you’ll agree it’s wrong to be deprived of family.”
“You should talk to your mother about that, but unfortunately she can’t face your justified wrath.”
Lilly patted his hand before withdrawing hers. “I don’t hate her, I just want to understand her reasons. Momma was only loving and kind to me. Whatever she did to you, that was not how she treated me.” She smiled at Sir sadly. “But we should leave that for another day. Really, all I want to do is get to know you better.”
“Agreed.”
Lilly raised her eyebrows playfully. “So I read that you run your own consulting company and that you used to be headmaster of a school. That’s all fine and good, but what do you do for fun?”
Sir looked at her strangely and did not reply.
“I mean, what are your hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?”
“Spare time? What the hell is that?” Sir laughed.
Brie wrapped her arm around his and smiled at Lilly. “The two of us are always on the run. If we aren’t working, we’re…doing things together.” She laid her head on Sir’s shoulder.
“I get that you two are a couple, but seriously, Thane. What do you enjoy doing on your own? Surely a man as independent as you has other interests.”
Brie felt a twinge of resentment. It felt as if the question was meant to be a jab against her, not asked out of simple curiosity.
“Although we haven’t had the time recently, I do enjoy the opera.”
Lilly’s eyes lit up. “I do too! Have you seen Carmen? It’s my favorite one.”
Sir shook his head. “No, I have not. Its storyline reminds me too much of my mother. I could only wish she had ended like that.”
Tears formed in Lilly’s eyes. “I…”
Sir sighed before reaching over and taking her hand. “I’m sorry. I think both of us must tread lightly when talking about her.”
She dabbed her eyes with a tissue and nodded. “Still, I really think you should see it. I love that opera.”
“I will keep it in mind, Lilly.”
“So other than our mutual love of opera, what else do we have in common?”
When Sir failed to answer, Brie chimed in. “He’s a talented cook.”
He shook his head in disagreement. “Talented is a stretch. Let’s just say that I enjoy my time in the kitchen.”
Lilly grinned. “I grew up in the kitchen with Momma. She was always experimenting with new dishes.”
Sir seemed interested. “Really? What did she cook?”
“Oh, every French dish under the sun. Momma always said the more butter and cream, the better.”
“No Italian then?”
“No, Momma said she hated Itali—” Lilly’s face fell and she immediately apologized. “Oh God, I’m sorry.”
Sir shook it off. “That’s fine. I think we’re done here.”
“Done? But we’ve barely started. I’ll be more careful with my words. I need to get to know you better. Please, Thane, don’t brush me off.”
“This is enough for now. We’ve established communication.”
Lilly got up from the table and rushed over, wrapping her arms around him. “I want so much more than that. Please, Thane.”
It was surreal to see a younger version of his mother hugging Sir so tightly. Brie hoped it brought him comfort, because it made her skin crawl.
“I’m staying at the Rayburn for the next couple of days. I would love to get together again. Please.”
Sir broke away from her and stood up, holding out his hand to Brie. “Miss Bennett and I have a busy week ahead, but I will consider it.”
“Thanks again for the plane ticket and hotel,” Lilly blurted. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
“Don’t give it another thought.”
“Well, I’m sure you heard from your lawyer that I’m a junior accountant in New York and can barely make ends meet even with a roommate.” She laughed. “So getting the chance to come to LA is a dream come true for me, but meeting my long-lost big brother blows my mind!”
“It is equally unsettling for me.”
Lilly shook her head, looking at him with a humorous smile. “No, Thane, it’s not unsettling. It’s wonderful!”
He chuckled. “Fine, it’s wonderful.”
The next morning an envelope arrived for Sir via courier. Inside was a note and a smaller golden envelope. Sir read it out loud to Brie:
Dear Thane,
Just talking about Carmen got me excited. Imagine my surprise when I found out it’s playing here! It took some doing, but I obtained tickets. Please think of it as a thank you for the travel, and a chance for you and I to get to know each other in a less formal environment.
Love,
Lilly, your little sis
Sir opened the second envelope and pulled out a single ticket. He looked at Brie apologetically.
She smiled as she put her arm around his waist. “It’s for the best, Sir. You should spend time alone together.”
“It’s on the same night as Mr. Gallant’s gathering. I had hoped to speak to Miss Wilson there. Even though I trust Captain with her care, as her former trainer I feel responsible and wanted to check in with her.”
“I’ll talk with her, Sir. I suspect she’ll be more open with me anyway.”
“Keep it civil,” he warned good-naturedly.
She blushed, remembering her last phone call with Mary. “I won’t attack her, no matter how rude she is.”
Sir’s voice took on a different tone when he asked her, “What are your impressions of Lilly, Brie?”
She collected her thoughts before answering, not wanting to put a negative spin on something so personal to Sir. “To be fair, I’ve only met her once.”
“And…”
“I’m unsure.”
“As am I. I’m trying not to be suspicious of Lilly’s intentions, but her look is uncanny and disturbing to me.”
“I know what you mean,” Brie confessed, grateful he’d been the one to bring it up. “But it’s unfair to judge a person by their looks. My mind understands that, but it’s hard not to think of your mother when you look at her.”
“I was surprised by her financial situation.”
“Yes, that she’s just like any normal person her age? Maybe your mother didn’t spoil her because she wanted to give her a fair chance
in the world.”
“Or maybe Lilly recently lost all her money and has always known about me.”
Brie hated the thought of that. The last thing Sir needed was another Ruth in his life. “Did Mr. Thompson find anything on her that contradicts her story?”
“No, everything checks out, but…”
Brie was relieved to hear it. “Then you just need time, Sir. That’s all.” She kissed him on the lips. “You’re a good judge of character. Trust your instincts.”
Sir shook his head. “When it comes to my mother and anything associated with her, I find myself assuming only one thing.”
Brie took the ticket from his hand. “Maybe, just this once, you should let down your guard and get to know your sister.”
“Sister…what an odd concept.”
“But your new reality.”
Mary Quite Un-Contrary
Sir left for the opera an hour before she was to leave for the party at Mr. Gallant’s. Just before he headed out the door, Sir handed Brie a red box. “Open it.”
She lifted the lid and took out the delicate red mask nestled in tissue paper. “It’s beautiful, Sir, but what’s this for?”
“The Gallants are requiring masks for the evening.”
“Really?” She looked it over, suddenly intrigued.
“Yes, his wife thought masks would add to the festivities tonight.”
“Oh, Sir. Now I’m really unhappy you won’t be joining me.”
“I had this shipped from Italy,” he told her, taking the mask and placing it over her eyes. He tied it into place and turned her back around. “You look stunning, babygirl.”
It was important that he spend time with his sister, Brie knew that, but the chance to see Sir wearing a mask would have been such a rare treat. It was hard not to pout.
Sir kissed her. “Rest assured, we’ll have our own private mask party.”
Brie purred. “Good, because I want to make love to you in a mask.”
He pinched her butt. “Aren’t you the kinky one?”
She giggled, but her giggles stopped the moment he shut the door. Going to this gathering without him would be a depressing ordeal, no matter what the reasons.
It wasn’t easy standing on Mr. Gallant’s doorstep a short time later. Brie sighed self-consciously when she rang the doorbell, standing alone in the dark in her mask. It just felt…odd.
All that changed when Ena answered the door wearing a breathtaking mask of gold. “Miss Bennett, don’t you look lovely? Thank you for coming tonight. Please, won’t you come in?”
Brie was greeted by the sound of laughter echoing deeper within the house.
“We’ve been waiting for you,” Ena explained. “You’re the last of our guests.”
Brie had come fifteen minutes early and was surprised to hear it, but automatically apologized. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You came exactly on time.”
Ena escorted her into the main room, where Brie was overjoyed to see some of her favorite people. Not only were Captain, Candy and Mary there, but also Marquis, Celestia, Master Coen, as well as two of his female subs. Rounding out the group was a tall copper-toned man Brie instantly recognized as the head of the Dominant Training Center.
Mr. Gallant walked up to Brie wearing a silver mask, which made him look even more distinguished and refined. “Welcome, Miss Bennett.”
“It’s wonderful to see you again, Mr. Gallant! Is it okay if I hug you?” Brie asked, fighting the urge to throw her arms around him.
“As I only acted as your teacher, I see no breach in protocol.”
Brie grinned as she hugged her tiny but formidable teacher. To her delight, Mr. Gallant’s two girls came bouncing into the room. “Must we leave, Daddy?” the oldest protested sweetly. “Everyone looks so beautiful.”
“This is an evening for adults, girls,” he gently reminded them.
The youngest pushed out her bottom lip. “Please, Daddy?”
Mr. Gallant tweaked her nose. “If I hear no more complaints, we’ll treat you and your friends to a masked gala of your own.”
The girls squealed and showered him with kisses. Ena came up and told them, “Now girls, your ride is here. Promise me you won’t keep the Hendersons up giggling until all hours of the night.”
“We won’t, Mommy,” the two answered in unison. The youngest turned to Brie and said, “I like your mask best,” before skipping out the door.
“Hurry along,” Mr. Gallant said, picking up their overnight bags. “We don’t want to keep the Hendersons waiting.”
Ena turned to Brie and tsked good-naturedly. “The girls have their father wrapped around their little fingers.”
“It’s quite charming,” Brie confessed. “It’s nice to see serious Doms can still be doting fathers.”
“And devoted husbands,” Ena added, smiling as she shut the door once Mr. Gallant had returned.
Her former teacher explained to Brie, “Although we can relax a bit, we keep things relatively vanilla even when the girls are gone. Should one of our children walk through the door unexpectedly or a neighbor happens to look through the window, we don’t want them to be shocked.”
Brie smiled, respecting his wish to protect his family. “Understood, Mr. Gallant.”
She spied Mary kneeling in the corner and excused herself to find out what the Blonde Nemesis was up to. As she approached, she couldn’t help admiring Mary’s sparkly emerald mask.
“Nice mask,” she whispered. “Are you being punished?”
“No, bitch. Vader said I struggle with not being the center of attention. Now go away,” she hissed without looking up. “You’re going to ruin it for me.”
“Whatever…”
Brie scooted in the direction of Candy and Celestia, who waved her over enthusiastically. Candy was wearing a sapphire mask that matched Mary’s emerald one, while the art that graced Celestia’s face was of midnight black, accented with pinpoints of crystal around the eyes. It reminded Brie of a night sky, which was poetic, since that was the name Marquis had given her.
Brie asked Candy in a confidential tone, “Is Mary being punished?”
Candy smiled, glancing over at Blonde Nemesis. “No, what you see there is a woman who wants to impress.”
“Impress the Captain?” Brie asked, unable to hide her surprise.
“She’s grown close to my Master, and takes what he says to heart,” Candy explained. “Mary has made significant strides since joining our household.” She added with a laugh, “It almost makes up for everything she put us through those first few days.”
“Oh my,” Celestia twittered.
“I can only imagine,” Brie said.
Candy looked over at Mary with pride. “Surprisingly, she has a deep philosophical side to her, and a gentleness few see.”
“Gentle? Mary?!” Brie scoffed. “That is not a word I would ever use to describe her.”
Candy smiled in Captain’s direction. “My Master sees right through walls. You’d be surprised what he discovers when he tears them down.”
“Well, I for one never imagined Mary would try so hard.” Brie gave Candy a grateful squeeze. “Thank you for letting her invade your home. My friend really needed you both.”
“It’s been our pleasure, Brie. You helped me, and we’ve been able to help someone else. That’s how it works, right?”
“Yes, but let’s face it, I had it a lot easier than you.” Brie turned to Celestia, not wanting her to feel left out of the conversation. “So tell me, how have you been faring since that operation?”
Celestia laughed. “I’m fine. That was almost two years ago, Brie.”
“Has it really been that long?” She looked at Celestia sheepishly. “I guess I hadn’t realized.”
The older woman’s gentle laughter filled the room. “I’m not surprised, Miss Bennett. With your documentaries and extensive traveling, it’s a wonder you can keep up with the rest of the world.”
“What that tells me
is that I haven’t seen you both in far too long,” Brie said, wrapping her arms around both women.
“Yes, we should remedy that.”
“I second that,” Candy piped up.
Brie broke away, realizing it wouldn’t be for a while, and found herself backpedaling. “Of course, I can’t make any plans until after the wedding. Once the raw footage is shot and the wedding is behind me, then I’ll have a more open calendar.”
Candy nudged her. “Full of excuses, aren’t you?”
Brie grimaced. “I know, I know…but thankfully it’ll all be over in a few months.”
“Yes it will, Miss Bennett,” Marquis said, strolling up to join them. His mask was like Celestia’s, but all black, perfectly framing the dangerous glint in his eyes. “If you have any reservations, now would be the time to state them.”
She felt the heat rush to her cheeks. “No, Marquis Gray. The wedding, I’m looking forward to. It’s everything before the wedding that’s getting to me.”
“Like Sir Davis’s dying mother?”
Brie gasped. Leave it to Marquis to hit the tenderest mark without warning or mercy.
“We’re working through it, Marquis Gray.”
“And his sister?” he pressed.
“He’s coming to know her.”
“I’m curious. What were your first impressions?”
Brie knew she needed to step carefully with Marquis, or she would invite a cascade of difficult questions. “It’s really too soon to make judgments.”
Marquis raised his eyebrow. “Miss Bennett, I asked for your first impression.”
“To be fair, I find that she looks too similar to Sir’s mother for me to judge.”
“So if you were to make a judgment, it would not be favorable at this point.”
Brie shook her head. “No, that’s not what I meant…”
Master Nosh walked up to the group. The chiseled, masculine mask he wore hinted at his Indian heritage, but it was the long, painted black tears that drew Brie’s attention. She was startled to find he was staring intently at her from under the mask.
Mr. Gallant moved in to formally introduce them. “I don’t believe you’ve been properly introduced, Miss Bennett. This is Master Nosh, Head of Dominant Training. Master Nosh, this is Brie Bennett, former student of our school and resident film director.”