Her father stared at her in stunned silence.

Brie knew she might be witnessing the death of her relationship with her father, but she could not—and would not—back down.

However, she was extremely resentful.

None of this would be happening if it weren’t for the perverse lies being spread by the press—the very people who remained perched just outside her front door.

Not wanting Brie to be derailed by the strained relationship developing between him and her father, Sir set about creating her next challenge.

Brie found it curious that Sir chose Faelan to play out the encounter. There was a time when the two men had been fierce rivals.

Unable to accept Brie choosing Sir at the collaring ceremony, Faelan had tried to win her back by approaching her at the little shop where she worked. That encounter, along with her decision not to tell Sir about it, had led to her first punishment—with rice.

Sir’s relationship with Faelan had changed significantly since then. So much so, that Sir now trusted him enough to scene with her.

Brie was anxious to see Todd Wallace in person because it was the only way she could tell whether he was doing okay. Although he’d returned from Russia to raise his baby daughter alone following the death of his wife, Brie was unsure how well he was handling the responsibility of parenthood or his grief.

While she waited for Faelan to arrive, Sir asked her, “Are you wondering about my choice of Dom?”

She smiled, still surprised that he could read her so well. “Maybe…”

Sir chuckled lightly. “I remembered when Wallace used the blindfold during your first scene together.” Turning to her, he said, “I feel confident the familiarity you have with him will aid you significantly in this challenge. However, I also believe he may benefit from this encounter as well.”

“That would make me happy, Sir.”

Sir smiled, kissing her on the head. “I knew it would.”

Concerned for Sir, she asked, “You’re not uncomfortable with this arrangement?”

“Not at all. Are you afraid I might suffer feelings of jealousy?”

“Possibly,” she answered, knowing his mother’s actions had impacted Sir’s ability to trust others.

Sir caressed her cheek as he gazed into her eyes. “The only way another man could steal your heart is if I have failed you in some way—and I will not fail you, babygirl.

“My condor,” Brie murmured, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him.

“As with the last encounter, I will remain in my office unless you call for me.” He started to walk away but then turned to address her. “One thing I want you to remember—Wallace is here to encourage your healing. I know you care about him, but his well-being is not your responsibility.”

Brie nodded. “I appreciate the reminder, Sir.”

She knelt in the foyer to prepare herself mentally before Faelan’s arrival, but she was taken by surprise when he knocked on the backdoor before scooting inside.

“Davis advised me to avoid the front entrance because of the reporters,” he explained, placing his tool bag on the floor.

Brie was surprised to see he was dressed in a dark blue business suit. It was stylish and formal, not casual like she was expecting.

She gazed into his blue eyes, struck by how authentic his false one was. If she hadn’t known he’d lost it as gruesome payment for Rytsar’s life, she would never have suspected the pain he’d endured at the hands of the Koslov brothers. She had come to admire his courage even more after all she had been through recently.

Brie bowed to him in respect. “Thank you for coming, Faelan.”

“Before we begin, I think it’s important you and I talk,” he stated.

Her heart skipped a beat, concerned that Faelan might ask questions she was unwilling to answer.

“Sit beside me,” he insisted, heading to the couch. He unbuttoned his jacket before sitting down. Smiling at her, he told her, “I am not going to pry, but I want to ask a few questions—as a friend.”

Brie nodded, grateful he wanted them to speak as equals. She studied Faelan as she approached, noting that his cheeks were no longer hollow and the circles under his eyes not nearly as pronounced. She took it as a positive sign.

Tags: Red Phoenix Erotic
Source: readsnovelonline.net