Brie's Russian Fantasy (After Graduation, #3) Read Online Free Page B

I want you to cook especially for Marquis Gray once we get there.”
    She hid her disappointment with a smile. Having to cook for Marquis was humiliating, especially after the egg fiasco just before graduation. “Yes, Sir.”
    He winked at her. “I know he will appreciate it.”
    She wondered about this sudden trip to visit them and asked, “Is everything okay with Celestia, Sir? Is she having trouble recovering from her emergency appendectomy?”
    He chuckled. “She is well enough. I think this is more for Marquis’ sake. He has been at home taking care of his sub for more than a week, and I think it is driving him mad.”
    Brie was struck again by the paradigm shift—first with Ms. Clark and now with Marquis. She had always imagined him to be almost Zen-like in his approach to life. The idea that Marquis was going stir-crazy seemed so…human.
    “I couldn’t help over hearing part of your conversation with Lea,” Sir stated. “During our stay in Russia, Ms. Clark’s name is not to be mentioned.”
    Brie couldn’t imagine what had happened to provoke such a command.
    “I won’t, Sir.”
    “I personally don’t care for gossip, but in this case it was beneficial. You needed to be aware of that dynamic so you would not mistakenly mention it. Although the incident occurred years ago, there are still raw nerves on all sides.”
    “May I ask what happened, Sir?”
    “You may ask, but I will not answer. It is a private matter.”
    Brie cringed, feeling bad for prying. Humbled, she assured him, “I will not ask again, Sir. Please forgive me.”
    “Lea is a natural gossip. I know that is not your nature.”
    She didn’t want Sir to think badly of Lea. “I promise we will work hard next time to make up for today.”
    “See that you do,” he replied as they pulled into the driveway of a sprawling, ranch-style home. He added, almost as an afterthought, “It would be nice to be settled, Brie. I’ve never been a fan of boxes.”
    Sir’s comment warmed her heart. It was his way of saying that he wanted her there permanently. She blurted, “I love you, Sir!”
    His devastating smile set her heart aflutter as she got out of the car, but those feelings of momentary bliss disappeared as soon as she stood on Marquis Gray’s doorstep.

I’m a Condor

    S ir rang the doorbell and told Brie to stop fidgeting. “You will do fine,” he promised, just as the door opened.
    Brie tensed when she saw Marquis Gray. It had only been a couple of weeks, but she had forgotten what a commanding presence he had until those dark eyes greeted her. She quickly looked down, not wanting to be reprimanded.
    “Well, isn’t this a nice surprise?”
    “I doubt you could call it a surprise when you demanded we come,” Sir replied with a smirk.
    “No need to speak of it to Celestia. I wouldn’t want her to feel she was a burden to anyone.”
    “I suspect she is not the problem,” Sir murmured as he held up the dish he’d prepared. “This is for later. My sub is going to make you an appetizer first.”
    Through hooded eyes, she watched Marquis for his reaction. She did not miss the look of revulsion that flitted across his face. “How kind of you.”
    She wasn’t sure if he was speaking to Sir or to her, so she kept her head down. She was determined not to fail him—or Sir.
    “But first, you two really must see Celestia. She has been cooped up here since I brought her home from the hospital after the surgery, and she is in dire need of company.”
    Brie followed Sir as Marquis led them through the house. It looked like a model home one saw in magazines. Tall, vaulted ceilings, an expansive fireplace, tons of perfectly placed knick-knacks. Not what she had imagined for Marquis at all. It made her wonder if Celestia had been the decorator. If so, she was quite talented. The place maintained a homey and inviting feel, despite its perfection.
    Marquis took them to the great room. It was equally impressive, with its wall of books,