Brie Faces her Master's Fears (After Graduation, #4) by Red Phoenix Page A

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