Free Brie Learns Restraint (After Graduation, #5) by Red Phoenix

almost fainted.”
    “Faelan specifically mentioned them?”
    “He accused me of haunting his dreams and said that he knew I was thinking of him because he could feel me at night.”
    “Did you tell Marquis this?”
    Brie looked at him warily, wondering if she had screwed up again. “No. Sir said to always speak to my Master first.”
    “Fine advice, but Marquis should know, since he is working with the boy. I will mention it to Sir Davis first, before I call Marquis Gray.” When he saw her worried expression, he added reassuringly, “You have done nothing wrong, toriko. In fact, based on what I’ve heard, you handled the entire situation exactly as you should have.”
    She nodded, grateful to hear his words of praise.
    “After I’m finished speaking to them, you will join me and share your impressions of the interview today. In the meantime, boil the pot of water. I will teach you the proper way to pour tea.” He pulled away from her and went out of the back door, closing it behind him.
    Brie listened to the water boil as Tono spoke on the phone outside. It was difficult knowing she could not speak to Sir, but there was comfort in the way Tono was handling the situation. He was respectful of her true Master, but Tono remained in command of her.
    With a few words and simple orders, he had her calm and awaiting her first lesson in tea etiquette. He seemed to have the uncanny ability to bring serenity to her soul, no matter the circumstance.

Disclosure

    “B rie,” Sir called out.
    His clear voice demanded attention. She opened her eyes expecting to see him, but quickly realized she was in Tono’s bed. She looked at the clock and saw it was five forty-five. She couldn’t afford to be late her first day.
    She slid out of the bed, trying not to disturb Tono as she quickly gathered her workout clothes and got dressed. Luckily, the workout center was only a five minute drive. Sir had arranged her membership, so all she had to do was flash her card to the staff member at the door.
    This was her first time working out with the complicated exercise machines. All she’d ever done was lift five-pound weights and jump rope. She found a vacant elliptical machine and attempted to get it to start. After she had pressed many buttons without success, an elderly man took pity on her and instructed her how to use it.
    Brie looked at the clock. It was already five after six; she’d missed five minutes with Sir. She started running in place, vowing that she would not be late again. She closed her eyes and called out to him in her mind. Sir…
    It thrilled her to know that he was on the other side of the world, possibly even using the same equipment while thinking about her. Despite the great distance, she swore she could feel his warm presence surrounding her.
    It seemed only natural to tell him about the dream about Faelan as if he were there. She closed her eyes and had a silent, one-sided conversation with Sir. She went on to describe her first day with Tono, and how much fun she’d had discussing the film the night before. Thank you, Sir. Thank you for asking me to serve under a kind Master while you are gone. I have a better understanding of why you have chosen this for me .
    Brie was sad when the hour was over and she had to say goodbye. She looked up at the ceiling and subtly threw a kiss upwards. “Goodbye, Sir. Until tomorrow.”
    Upon returning to Tono’s home, she was instructed to dress in her kimono and meet him at the dining table. Like the table in the backyard, it was low-lying piece of furniture with pillows surrounding it. She sat down opposite Tono and smiled. He’d already prepared breakfast for them. It consisted of a mixture of rice, egg and vegetables—not the kind of breakfast food she was used to.
    He handed a bowl to her and smiled when he noticed her surprise. “I believe in a hearty Eastern breakfast to start the day. It will give you the energy for all you need to accomplish. Pour the tea,