Whispered Promises

Brie was so touched that a lone tear escaped and slowly rolled down her cheek, unintentionally breaking the illusion of her being an inanimate object.

Master Anderson surprised her by quickly licking the tear away—and then snatched a piece of sushi from off her stomach.

“Perfect amount of salt to enhance the flavor,” he stated, before popping it in his mouth. Because of his quick thinking, he’d saved her from the sting of failure.

She couldn’t love Master Anderson any more than she did at that moment.

Grabbing another piece from the counter to replace the one he’d eaten, Master Anderson walked to Sir’s office and rapped on the door. “Come admire my greatest achievement.”

Brie heard Sir open the door. “Well, that certainly took longer than I expected.”

Slapping his back. Master Anderson told him, “You can’t hurry perfection, buddy.”

The two men returned to the kitchen. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sir nodding as he looked her over. “I have to agree with you, Anderson. I have never seen such a stunning display in my life.”

Being the focus of their admiration was exhilarating. Not wanting to distract from Master Anderson’s work, Brie tried doubly hard to breathe slowly and keep her gaze trained on the tiny violin above her.

When Sir’s stomach growled, Master Anderson handed him a pair of chopsticks. “The beauty of this art is that it’s only temporary but leaves an indelible mark.”

Brie felt goosebumps when Sir grazed her skin with the chopsticks as he took a piece from her thigh. Such a simple act, but he already had her body buzzing with a sensual current.

While the two men teased her with every bite they took, Master Anderson told Sir about his plans to propose to Shey. “She can’t expect anything, buddy. I want it to be a complete surprise.”

“Understood,” Sir replied, taking a piece of nigiri that had been placed in the hollow of her throat. It sent delicious shivers through Brie.

“I had to case a few restaurants before I found one with a floor plan that allows you to take the photographs without being seen.”

“You got permission from the owner, I hope.” Sir chuckled. “The last thing I want is to be confronted as a stalker.”

“I can just imagine it,” Master Anderson said, grinning. “There you are, taking pictures of my grand proposal, and then you’re dragged off by staff and kicked out of the restaurant. Wouldn’t that be a hoot?” he laughed, slapping his thigh in amusement.

“Not for me,” Sir replied drolly.

For the next hour, Brie listened with rapt attention as Master Anderson laid out every minute detail of his plan. It was over the top, but charming, and so totally Master Anderson.

Brie was certain Shey would love it!

After Master Anderson consumed the last bite, he commanded, “Eyes on me, young Brie.”

She immediately gazed into his sparkling green eyes and squeaked as he swooped her off the counter and twirled her around, sending the leaves and flowers flying all over the kitchen.

He laughed as he set her down. “I couldn’t resist.”

Sir brushed the flower petals off his shoulder and smirked. “Did you enjoy the challenge, babygirl?”

Brie glanced at Master Anderson and smiled. “Very much so.”

“Good.”

Turning to Master Anderson, Sir asked, “Did you encounter any issues during the scene?”

Master Anderson beamed at Brie proudly. “She is brave and determined. A pleasure to scene with.”

Brie bowed her head, thrilled to have completed her first challenge successfully.

Master Anderson handed her the pillow he had brought. “I want you to keep this in honor of today, young Brie.”

When she took it from him, she was finally able to read the word stitched in gold thread:

THRIVE

Her bottom lip trembled, remembering Sir’s promise to her. Crushing the pillow against her chest, she said with conviction, “I will, Master Anderson.”

Brie looked at the pillow again, adopting that word as her battle cry.

With Sir’s guidance and the support of her found family, Brie was determined to do exactly that.

She would not only heal from the pain, but she would find a way to thrive.