Whispered Promises

In a state of awe, she told Sir, “The world looks so different from up here. There are so many things you miss because you can’t take in everything when you are down in it.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “Isn’t it amazing how a fresh perspective can completely change your view of things?”

Brie smiled, leaning into him. “I’ve never felt such peace before.”

She turned her head to the pilot and smiled. “I wish I could stay up here forever.”

He smiled awkwardly. “I’m sure that can be arranged.”

Brie laughed. “Wouldn’t that be lovely?”

As they gently floated above the hills and valleys, Brie was struck again by how quiet it was. She closed her eyes for a moment to soak up the profound tranquility she felt.

When she opened them again, she noticed the pilot looking at her strangely, while a bead of sweat slowly rolled down his forehead.

The hairs rose on the back of her neck, and she gripped Sir as she watched the man reach into his front jacket pocket. Brie’s life suddenly flashed before her eyes as he pulled out something long and black.

Her voice caught when she tried to cry out a warning. “He’s…got a—”

Then she saw it.

The pilot’s awkward smile returned when he held it out to her. “I made this…for you, Mrs. Davis.”

Still mute with shock, Brie stared down at a pretty leather paddle of black and red with heart cut-outs decorating it.

“My wife and I were inspired to dip our toes into BDSM after watching your documentary, and we’ve never looked back. I now run a leather shop specializing in BDSM tools, and I wanted you to have this, Mrs. Davis.”

Brie held out her hands, commanding them not to shake as she took the tool from him. She was too embarrassed to look the man in the eye when she said breathlessly, “It’s beautiful.”

She glanced at Sir and squeaked, “Won’t this be fun?”

Covering for her nervousness, Sir took the instrument from Brie to study it. Slapping the paddle against his hand, he nodded appreciatively. “This is of exceptional quality. I look forward to utilizing it during our next session.”

The pilot’s face lit up. “I…I’m flattered that you would consider using it.”

When Sir put his arm around Brie to support her, she was certain he could feel her trembling.

“I would never let a fine quality tool go to waste, especially when it was hand-crafted by an artisan with such skill,” he complimented the pilot.

The man looked at Brie and asked anxiously, “Would you mind if I took a picture with you for my wife?”

Her fear fading, Brie smiled and turned to Sir. “Would that be fine with you, Sir?”

“Only if you are comfortable with the request,” he answered.

“I am.”

Sir took the man’s phone to take the pictures while Brie moved over to the pilot. Her smile was genuine when she looked into the camera.

Brie realized what Sir said about having a fresh perspective applied to her own life as well. After suffering intense torture at Holloway’s hands, simple interactions had now taken on a sinister tone for her.

It seemed all her experiences were filtered through that lens now.

But that was not how she wanted to live.

Although she understood why she’d lost her perspective, flying above the Earth had reminded her just how beautiful life was.

Brie had the man of her dreams standing next to her, and two children she loved more than life itself. She also had a group of friends who had proven their loyalty and love for her countless times. And, if that weren’t enough, across the ocean, she had a sexy Russian making sure she was being kept safe.