Brie Surrenders her Heart (After Graduation, #8) by Red Phoenix Page A

and squeezed her best friend’s. “And, of course, I want Lea happy as well. It’s just that I don’t see you two as a match. I would hate either of you to get hurt by this temporary partnering.”
    Lea giggled. “Not everyone falls in love with the Doms they work with, Brie. You’re just a hopeless romantic. I see it more as a business transaction. He gets a devoted sub— who can cook, by the way— and I get to be trained by a true master of the art. It’s quite exciting, actually. This twenty-four seven stuff is really demanding, though. It’s like you said, Brie—I’m learning new things about myself on a daily basis.”
    Brie nodded. “Isn’t that the truth…”
    Lea clicked her tongue at Mary. “You should give it a try. Might mellow you out some.”
    Blonde Nemesis snarled. “Me, tied down? Not going to happen even for a month. This is the time to fly free, girls. To experience the world while you can. No one controls me unless I want them to. I wouldn’t have it any other way. You are both idiots, but Brie’s the worst.”
    Brie huffed. “Just because you can’t commit doesn’t make commitment wrong. Stop belittling my choice.”
    Mary’s nostrils flared as she built up to an ugly outburst. John stopped by to check on them and noticed. “Looks like you could use another drink there, gorgeous.”
    Mary flashed him a fiery glare.
    “Yep,” he said nonchalantly, unfazed by her venomous stare. He hit the counter twice with his fist. “Looks like you could use a double.”
    As he walked away, Brie called, “You’re the best, John.”
    Mary’s ugly stare landed on her. It seemed like the perfect time to ask, “So Mary Quite Contrary, whatever happened to that note?”
    Surprisingly, Mary’s countenance completely changed and she smiled. “Faelan and I decided to have a little fun and froze it in a block of ice. We sent it back to that Elizabeth woman with a message. ‘Will deliver when hell freezes over.’”
    Lea laughed. “Funny, but harmless. Good one, Mary.”
    “Know what the cow did?”
    Brie suddenly got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. “What?”
    “She sent it back nestled in an ice chest, still encased in the cube of ice.”
    Brie frowned, sensing there was more. “Was that all?”
    “No. She included her own little note. ‘Hell may come sooner than you think.’”
    “Whoa…” Lea exclaimed. “That’s an ominous threat if I ever heard one.”
    Brie’s heart started racing as the hairs rose on the back of her neck. She imagined Ruth’s cruel but beautiful face, and felt a protective surge shoot through her veins. She would do anything to protect her friends.
    “Mary, I’m sorry she involved you and Faelan in her scheming. It’s not right, but nothing about that woman is right.” Despite her anger, Brie also felt a pang of sympathy for Sir’s mother. What if the crazy woman was truly dying and felt she had to resort to threats out of sheer desperation?
    “I would like the letter. If it is in my hands, she won’t have any reason to threaten you again.”
    “I’m big enough to care for myself, Brie,” Mary answered irritably.
    “I won’t be able to rest until I’ve destroyed the damn thing myself. Please, Mary. Do this for me.”
    Mary shrugged. “You’re a fool, Brie, but I’ll let you nail your own coffin shut if you insist.”
    Lea growled, “Why are you always so negative, Mary?”
    “Why are you such a ditz, Lea?”
    Brie could sense that they were all on edge. There was no point in prolonging their suffering. Besides, the sooner she got rid of the offending note, the better.
    “Do you mind if we go now?”
    “And end this lovely girl-chat?” Mary snarked.
    Lea stood up. “A minute less of you would be a gift.” She gave Brie a big hug. “If you need me for any reason, call. You hear me?”
    Brie laid her head against Lea’s large bosom for a moment, liking the feeling of being nurtured that flooded over her. “I will,