Brie Discerns Master's Heart (After Graduation, #6) by Red Phoenix Page B

cannot say with one hundred percent certainty it was him.”
    Sir’s face contorted in anger. “Knowing her, I’d be willing to bet it wasn’t.”
    The idea that it hadn’t been Faelan blew Brie’s mind. “I’m sorry, Sir. I never suspected Elizabeth was anything but a kind acquaintance.”
    “One who now has your business card.”
    She lowered her eyes. “Yes, Sir.”
    He lifted her chin. “I do not blame you, Brie. She is a cobra, beautiful to look at but deadly to handle.”
    Tono sounded appalled. “I was not aware of a business card exchange.”
    Sir growled angrily. “In a normal world, it would mean nothing. Had I known she was on the prowl again, Ren, I would have insisted you keep Brie with you twenty-four seven.”
    To Brie he said, “You will have to change your cell phone number and email account immediately. I can assure you, the woman will not leave you alone after this. I may have thwarted her plans, but she will not deviate from her primary goal. She is a tenacious beast.”
    Brie was disheartened she would not only have to change a phone number she’d had for years, but she would also have to inform everyone of the changes to both accounts. She felt like an idiot.
    “What does she want?” Tono asked Sir.
    “It’s simple—money.”
    Tono was silent. When he spoke next, his voice was full of compassion. “It is unfortunate that you must deal with such a creature.”
    Sir’s nostrils flared. “Yes, but I will not allow her to ruin my life a second time. I would prefer it if you would not mention her to anyone. The fewer people involved, the better.”
    “It shall remain between us.” Tono glanced up at the clock on the wall and informed him, “I do not know if you are aware that toriko has a meeting in four hours, with Ms. Taylor and Miss Wilson.”
    Brie quickly assured him, “I will reschedule it, Sir.”
    “No! I do not want my early return to interfere with your plans. You will do the interview as scheduled.”
    Brie couldn’t stand the thought of Sir being alone, today of all days. “Sir, it is no—”
    “Brie, you will do the interviews as planned,” he stated firmly.
    She bowed her head, realizing she had offended him. “Of course, Sir.”
    Tono addressed Brie. “Toriko, I will need a model for this week’s class, since you will not be available to attend. Is there someone you would recommend as your replacement?”
    Brie was disappointed she would not be joining Tono’s Kinbaku class, but she knew who would make a fine stand-in. “I think Lea would do well.”
    “Naturally you would suggest Lea,” Tono said with amusement. “However, I agree and can see her being a good choice. I’ll see if she has any interest.”
    Dang, that Lea! Brie thought with a grin. She’s so going to owe me…
    Tono stood up and moved to the center of the room, calling Brie to join him.
    She looked into his chocolaty brown eyes with a sense of sorrow. As much as she was anxious to be with Sir, her time with Tono had been emotionally profound.
    “Give me your wrist, toriko.”
    Brie held up her wrist to him and watched as Tono untied the jute that signified his ownership. He turned her palm upward and kissed her wrist tenderly. “I release you.”
    Brie knelt down and bowed her head. “Thank you, Tono. It was an honor to serve you.”
    He put his hand on her head. “I return you to your Master’s service.”
    Brie felt a physical lifting as he took his hand from her. She stood up and bowed one last time as a sign of her utmost respect for the Dom.
    “Brie,” Sir called to her.
    She returned to him and knelt at Sir’s feet. When his hand touched the crown of her head, a jolt of electricity coursed through her. “Stand before your Master.”
    When she stood up, Brie looked into his eyes. She could see the inner struggle he was attempting to hide. “What is your pleasure, Master?”
    “Gather your things. We are leaving.”
    Tono handed her the small suitcase and her wrist tie.