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

to be certain, and allowed me the pleasure of many Doms before he consented to collar me as his pet.”
    “Youth should not be wasted on one as old as me,” Captain stated.
    Candy shook her head, smiling at him. It was a tender way to disagree with his statement. “Fortunately, Captain eventually came to the same conclusion I did.” She touched his deformed face and said with confidence, “I was born to be his pet.”
    “Did I miss the formal collaring ceremony?” Brie asked, concerned her hectic life had prevented her from being at such a momentous event.
    Captain answered for Candy. “No, Miss Bennett. I have no need for such pomp and circumstance. A commitment between us in private is as binding as any communal ceremony.”
    “I quite agree,” Sir interjected.
    Brie looked at Candy again, marveling at her youthful, glowing appearance. “You know, you don’t even look like the same girl I met on the bus.”
    “I’m not . My whole life has changed since my training.” She glanced at Captain again. “I never dreamed a Dom could love or care for me so well.”
    Captain lifted her chin up, gazing into her eyes. He stated proudly, “I enjoy spoiling my pet.” It was sweet to see their blossoming connection.
    Mr. Gallant guided his wife over to Brie and said, “Miss Bennett, I feel remiss. I have not introduced you formally to my beautiful wife.”
    Brie faced the exotic Amazon, whose dark brown skin contrasted beautifully against Mr. Gallant’s pale skin. Their difference in height contrasted with equal and complementing severity.
    “Miss Bennett, this is Ena. My wife and companion of fifteen years.”
    The submissives bowed to each other. Brie almost felt she was in the presence of royalty because of how elegantly Ena held herself, and how respectfully Mr. Gallant treated her.
    Ena’s voice was warm and dignified. “It is an honor to have you grace our home tonight, Miss Bennett. My husband has spoken fondly of you on numerous occasions.”
    “Truly, the honor is mine,” Brie replied. “Your strong marriage is an inspiration to me.”
    Brie noticed Sir looked at her strangely. Had she spoken out of turn?
    Ena’s smile was enchanting. “That is kind of you to say, but it is my husband I must thank. He cares for me well.”
    “Nonsense, Ena,” Mr. Gallant corrected. “Your intelligence and grace cover any inadequacies I bring to the table.”
    The beauty blushed and looked at Mr. Gallant coyly.
    “And she remains modest to this day. Is it any wonder I cherish her?” He took his wife’s hand and kissed it.
    Her eyes held a look of such intense love that it touched Brie deeply. To still have that much respect and passion for one another after fifteen years together… She sat down beside Sir, feeling warm from their happiness.
    “Should I get the girls now, Husband?” Ena asked Mr. Gallant.
    Brie blurted out, “You have children?”
    Ena smiled. “Yes, two young girls, aged eight and twelve.”
    Brie returned the smile, surprised and pleased by the revelation.
    “Miss Bennett, it is the reason we keep to an informal protocol in our home. What looks informal to the outsider is actually formal between the two of us. We have transformed everyday phrases, titles and actions to have personal significance to us.”
    “That’s ingenious,” Brie complimented. “You can go anywhere and still remain as formal as you desire, even in public.”
    Mr. Gallant nodded. “It was born out of necessity. Raising two girls, it was important to us to keep our D/s life separate from them.”
    “But why?” Brie asked, intrigued.
    “We both believe that someone who chooses this lifestyle should do it because it is an inner calling, not simply because they were exposed to it as children. I will be fine if my girls grow up and do not venture into this lifestyle. As long as they find mates who treat them with respect and love, I will be satisfied.”
    Sir inquired, “And if they decide to seek D/s?”
    Ena