Brie Faces her Master's Fears (After Graduation, #4) (13 page)

Brie headed down to the auditorium. It was the most significant room in the whole Training Center. This was where she’d been challenged the most. From watching her fellow classmates perform to navigating her own challenging practicums, this was where she’d discovered her power and limits as a submissive. She sat down in one of the chairs and let the memories flood over her.

She was so lost in her private thoughts that she did not hear him behind her until Marquis Gray spoke. “Good afternoon, Miss Bennett.”

Brie turned around to see the formidable trainer. His ghostly white skin contrasted against the dark tones of the auditorium. She immediately stood up and bowed out of habit.

“You no longer need to bow, Miss Bennett. I am not your Master.”

Brie blushed and looked to the floor, afraid to gaze into his dark, penetrating eyes. “Old habits die hard,” she answered.

“Headmaster Coen said you had something to ask me.”

Brie felt nervous butterflies start. Being around Marquis was intimidating enough, but when she was trying to conceal something from him, his presence was almost painful. She looked at the camera in her hands, avoiding eye contact at all costs as he sat down beside her.

“I was wonderin—”

“Miss Bennett, look at me.”

With apprehension she stared into his dark gaze, holding her breath. She had never been able to hide anything from the experienced trainer.

“You are not doing well,” he stated.

She shook her head slightly, afraid she would start to cry if she spoke.

“Gather yourself and explain.”

It took a few moments before she could begin. “I have been tormented by dreams, Marquis Gray.”

“What kind of dreams, Miss Bennett?”

“Dreams of Faelan.”

His expression darkened. “Have you spoken of it to Sir Davis?”

She felt a pit start to grow in her stomach. “No, Marquis Gray.”

He shook his head in disappointment. “Describe these dreams to me.”

“It has been the same dream the last three nights. It starts right after the collaring ceremony. He takes me to his house as my new Master, and…” She closed her eyes, forcing herself to finish. “We consummate the relationship.”

“So in the dream you have chosen Faelan over Sir Davis?”

“Yes,” she said meekly.

“How do you feel when you wake up?”

“I feel horrible. It seems so real that I…” She turned away in shame. “…physically respond to them. I feel like I’ve cheated on Sir.”

He was brutally to the point with his question. “Is guilt the reason for your pain, or do you feel regret?”

She protested violently, “No, never regret!” She looked at him in desperation. “Marquis, these dreams are unwanted and yet I am haunted by them when I wake.”

He penetrated her with his gaze. She met it bravely, needing him to understand her torment. Finally he spoke. “The dreams are not your responsibility, Miss Bennett. However, your thoughts when you’re awake are. Be honest with me—have these dreams changed your feelings towards Mr. Wallace?”

“No! My heart belongs to my Master. Marquis, I cannot live with these feelings of guilt. It’s killing me inside. Please help me,” she begged.

“I would suggest two things, Miss Bennett. Meditation will help you clear your mind when you awaken, so that this does not affect your waking hours.”

She nodded in understanding. “Yes, Marquis. I will do that.”

“You must also tell Sir Davis. Be prepared for his displeasure. You should have gone to him first. If you were my sub, I would punish you for such a breach of trust.”

Brie felt the pit in her stomach turn into a wave of nausea. What would Sir think of her now?

Marquis replied, “Face the consequences with humility, Miss Bennett, and learn from them. Now, what was it that you needed to ask me?”

Brie ignored the swirling emotions threatening to overtake her and answered the trainer’s question about her project. “Marquis Gray, would you be willing to let me interview you about your work here at the Center?”

“Yes, I agree to do a short interview. Mr. Holloway spoke to me of it the other day.” His smile was genuine. “I would like to assist you in this.”

She was moved by his offer to help. “Thank you, Marquis Gray. Thank you for everything you have done. I know I would not have this opportunity if it weren’t for you.”

“You are incorrect, Miss Bennett. Your dedication and hard work brought this opportunity, not me.”

She would have disagreed, but she knew better than to argue with Marquis Gray. “Then I will simply thank you for your willingness to interview with me.”

He nodded curtly. “We will do the interview seven days from now. You may want to check with Mr. Gallant. I believe he’s come in early tonight as well.”

Brie perked up upon hearing Mr. Gallant’s name. She hadn’t seen her teacher since graduation. “I will do just that, Marquis Gray.”

He raised his eyebrow. “Do not fail to tell Sir Davis about what we discussed.”

She blushed with shame and murmured, “I won’t. Thank you for your advice.”

“You are alumni now, Miss Bennett, but you will forever remain one of my students.”

Brie quickly gathered her things, anxious to see Mr. Gallant again and escape from the disgrace lingering in the room. Seeing her teacher would lighten her heavy heart.

She found the small but commanding Dom in his classroom, setting up for the night’s class. She was touched when his face broke out in a smile the instant he saw her.

“Miss Bennett, what a pleasant surprise.”

She held out her hand and he shook it warmly. “How is the new class, Mr. Gallant?”

“Green and uncertain, but with promising potential.”

“Do they remind you of us?”

“No, this group is much more competitive with one another. It will take a bit longer to tame their immaturity.”

“May I ask how Candy is doing?”

He looked at her thoughtfully before answering. “That’s the girl you recommended, am I correct?”

“Yes, I’ve been curious how she’s faring in class, and if she got rid of the abuser posing as a Dom.”

“I cannot speak of her personal life, Miss Bennett. But, as far as her studies are concerned, I am pleased to say she is excelling.”

Brie grinned. “I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, Mr. Gallant!” She gave him a knowing look. “I’m thrilled someone was willing to sponsor her.”

Mr. Gallant didn’t blink an eye. “Yes, it is fortunate.”

Brie had been told that he was Candy’s benefactor, but true to form, Mr. Gallant kept it to himself, not being one to boast.

“In some ways I’m jealous of Candy,” she said wistfully, looking around the classroom. “I really enjoyed learning in this room with you.”

Concern overshadowed his smile. “Are you satisfied with your new life, Miss Bennett?”

She realized he was picking up on her unease, so she smiled reassuringly. “Yes, Mr. Gallant. I’m overflowing with satisfaction at being collared to Sir.”

He seemed appeased by her answer and replied, “That warms my heart to hear.”

Brie wanted to hug him, but as a collared submissive she held back the urge. “I came by to ask if you would be willing to do an interview with me for the documentary. I’ve already gotten permission from Headmaster Coen.”

“I am truly sorry, Miss Bennett, but I cannot,” he said with regret. “There are family members on my wife’s side who would not understand. I will not risk her exposure.”

Although Brie was extremely disappointed, she hid it well. “I understand, Mr. Gallant. It sure has been good talking to you again. You made my day, really.”

“I miss your enthusiasm, Miss Bennett,” he replied. “My wife and I would enjoy having the two of you visit us. After the documentary is complete, of course. I know you have no time to spare these days.”

“So true. With Sir off working in New York City and me finishing my project, things are a little crazy right now.”

Mr. Gallant frowned. “Sir Davis is away?”

“Yes. But he will be back soon, it’s just a week-long business trip.”

“I am sorry to hear that, Miss Bennett. It seems regrettable to be separated so early after your collaring.”

Brie shrugged her shoulders. “I’m fine, Mr. Gallant. With both of us busy, I can’t complain. Please don’t concern yourself.”

“Very well,” he answered, although he did not look convinced. “I need to continue preparing for class. I hope to see you around over the next couple of weeks.”

Brie left Mr. Gallant so she could wander the halls of the school, trying to find extra shots, but she soon felt out of place as the Training Center began to fill with people. She looked for Lea but could not find her, so she headed for the elevators to return home.

To her surprise, Ms. Clark was standing before her when the doors opened.

“Miss Bennett.”

Brie put her eyes to the floor and mumbled, “Ms. Clark.”

The Domme stepped off the elevator and addressed her. “I was told you are doing interviews for your film. Is that right?”

Brie nodded, unsure if she was going to get a lecture about upholding the integrity of the school, a favorite topic of the trainer.

“I will interview with you.”

Brie was so shocked, she looked up without thinking. “You will?” When she saw Ms. Clark’s stern expression, she instantly looked back down.

“Of course. I believe the perspective of a Domme should be included.”

Still recovering from the shock, Brie replied, “I agree.”

“Fine. Marquis said you are doing his in exactly a week. I will be available the day after.” She did not wait for Brie’s response. She walked away, her heels clicking seductively down the hall.

Brie hit the elevator button, still reeling from the shock. The thought of interviewing Ms. Clark made her cringe inside. No doubt Mr. Holloway would approve of the added drama.

The minute she entered the lonely apartment, she dialed Sir’s number. Brie dreaded the phone call, but did not hesitate.

Sir could immediately tell something was wrong just by the tone of her ‘hello’. “Explain what has happened,” he stated, his voice calm and sure. It helped to ease her nerves.

“Sir, I need to tell you that I have had the same dream three nights in a row. It’s so real that I…” Her voice trailed off as she lost her courage to continue.

He chuckled, the relief easy to hear in his voice. “You’re calling about a dream? Did I die in it? Well, don’t worry. I’m fine, babygirl. No need to fret any longer.”

“No, Sir… I had a dream about another man.”

His tone suddenly became deadly serious. “What man?”

“Faelan, Sir.”

He paused before insisting with forced calm, “Explain this dream in detail.”

Brie recounted her dream, not leaving out any details, as much as she was desperate to. She would not make the mistake of holding back something he might consider significant, no matter how mortifying it was for her.

The phone went silent. Finally, she asked in a choking gasp. “Sir?”

“How did it make you feel?”

“Every night I wake up feeling I’ve betrayed you, Sir. Marquis Gray questioned if my feelings have changed for Faelan, but they have not. These dreams are coming out of nowhere and I just want them to go away.”

He said coldly, “Marquis Gray?”

Brie backtracked, realizing she was just digging herself into a deeper hole. “I saw him today at the Center. I didn’t want to tell him, Sir, but he insisted. He also was adamant I tell you as soon as I got home.”

“Your Master should always be the first you tell,” he said in an icy tone. “The fact you have had these dreams for three nights has me questioning your silence.”

She blurted, “Sir, I thought they would go away. I thought you would think I was silly or worse, that I actually desired Faelan. Master…after what happened the night before you left, I’ve been afraid to do or say something wrong.”

“So you said nothing.”

“Yes,” she admitted miserably. “I want to please you, but I also feel a need to protect you, Sir. But in the end, all I ever do is fail you.” She stifled a sob, feeling unworthy of his collar.

“Your protection is not what I want from you, Brie. I want your honesty at all times.”

She struggled to get the words past the lump in her throat. “Yes, Sir.”

“I do not hold you accountable for dreams. You can let go of any feelings of guilt over that. However, I am disappointed.”

“I know I deserve to be punished, Sir. Punish me, please.”

She heard him sigh heavily. “I’m uncertain if your dreams are a result of our discussion before I left, but I believe your reluctance to tell me is directly related. It is a vicious cycle. Your fear causes you to be silent, and your secretiveness causes me to question you trustworthiness.”

“Yes…” she agreed sadly.

“Brie, anything that causes you discomfort must be shared, no matter the reaction you fear will result from it. Without trust, you and I are nothing.”

The truth of his words cut like a knife. “Please punish me.”

“I am not without understanding, Brie. As my sub, you need to have faith I will react in a reasonable manner. Our last parting caused you to question that. I give you my word that, even if I need time to digest what you share, I will give you the benefit of the doubt. But only if I hear it from your mouth and
not
another’s.”