She was instantly taken back to her dark cell, where she was bound in handcuffs, waiting for Holloway to return.
It sent her spiraling down a dark hole.
What if her victory today was just an illusion and she would never know true freedom?
She murmured out loud, “I’m not brave.”
“You are braver than you know, kitten,” Baron insisted in a commanding tone. He kissed her hard, sealing his decree.
Afterward, when Baron led her back upstairs, Brie was surprised to find the other subs were waiting for her. These women and men had all been hurt by abusive people masquerading as Dominants. They were fighting to reclaim their submission just as she was.
Only they could truly understand the battle she’d just fought, so it broke her heart in the most beautiful way when they encircled her in silent solidarity and put their hands on her, wanting to celebrate her victory.
Although it felt small to Brie, their heartfelt observance reminded her that tonight had been an important step toward her freedom.
Brie looked sheepishly at Sir on the drive home. “You are right about me.”
“How so?” he asked, glancing at her with interest.
“I’ve been in such a rush to conquer my fears that I’ve been losing sight of the small victories. Tonight was no different.”
Brie chuckled sadly at herself. “Baron and the other subs had to remind me that I had a significant victory because I can only see the battles left to fight.”
“The process will take time, babygirl,” he reminded her gently.
She sighed in frustration. “I wish I could go back to my old life and forget it ever happened.”
“I know it’s tempting, but psychological wounds don’t magically go away. They must be acknowledged and dealt with before they worm their way into your psyche and wreak havoc in ways you cannot anticipate or control.” He sighed. “Trust me, babygirl. I speak from experience.”
She looked at Sir in admiration, appreciating how he’d taken his difficult past and worked hard to better himself—and help others because of it. In countless ways, she had benefitted from his determination to grow and learn from his past.
Wanting to reward him for his tenacious grit and determination, Brie said, “There’s one more thing I learned today…” She paused for a moment, knowing the consequences of what she was about to say.
Grinning mischievously, she told him, “You are a very wise man, Sir.”