Read Brie's Christmas Pearls (Submissive in Love, #3) for Free Online Page A

let’s hope you’re man enough to take heed.”
    “Brie!” Sir barked.
    She let out the breath she’d been holding and looked apologetically at Celestia before moving to Sir’s side.
    “We’re leaving. Gather our things and meet me in the car.” Without looking back, he marched to the front door, slamming it behind him. Brie scurried to pick up her purse and coat, while Celestia covered the custard dish and handed it to her.
    Brie took it with shaking hands, a tangled mess of emotions. She froze when she felt Marquis Gray’s firm grip on her shoulder.
    “This was unfortunate but necessary, Miss Bennett.”
    She nodded, unable to speak.
    “Don’t run outside wildly, reflecting your Master’s irrational outburst. Walk to the car with confidence. It is important that you support him through this, but do not become his emotional punching bag. You do not deserve it, and it is not what he needs from you.”
    She glanced up at Marquis, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. “Thank you, Marquis Gray.”
    His encouraging smile calmed her frayed emotions. “We’re all forced to face our demons at some point, Miss Bennett. I believe it is part of God’s plan. Whether we meet them with courage or fearful avoidance is up to the individual, but the consequences of those decisions determine the rest of our lives.”
    She clutched the custard dish to her chest, admitting quietly, “I’m afraid for Sir.”
    “I trust he will come through this. He is not a weak man.”
    “No, he is not,” she agreed vehemently.
    The car horn blared from outside.
    She jumped, but took a deep breath and nodded to Marquis Gray before walking to the door and opening it. Sir needed her strength. She would give it to him on her terms, because that was what he needed from her.

A Gift of Flogging

    T he ride home was quiet. Not filled with the raging anger she’d expected, but a brooding silence, which was worse…
    Rather than disturb him, Brie sat up straight and stared ahead. I am téa, sub and lover of Sir Thane Davis. I am his condor. I will always stand beside him, I will always love him, and I will be his strength when he falters. It is my joy to do so.
    “What did Gray tell you?” Sir snarled.
    She turned to him, not allowing herself to react to his hostility. “He told me to stand beside you.”
    “Really?” It sounded as if he didn’t believe her, but he turned his eyes back to the road. “I can’t tolerate people prying into our lives.”
    “I understand, Sir.”
    He added, “I appreciate that you did not run to him with our problems.”
    “We are partners. What happens between us is private.”
    “At least you understand that,” he spat venomously.
    “Marquis only meant well.”
    He replied under his breath, “As if his opinion matters to me.”
    Despite his protests, Brie knew very well that it did matter to him. Everyone respected Marquis Gray—including Sir.
    Over the course of several minutes she watched his expression change from anger to pain. Sir suddenly made a U-turn and headed for the foothills, ending up at the same place they’d gone to when he’d broken down after the initial confrontation with his mother.
    It was high above the city, with an impressive view of LA. Sir got out of his Lotus and walked around to the other side, opening the door and taking her hand to help her out.
    Brie took it as a positive sign.
    They stood in the dark, watching the vibrant city below. Even as far up as they were, the sound of sirens, horns blaring and dogs barking floated from below, while cars constantly moved through the congested streets as airplanes flew above their heads. The city was alive—a living, breathing entity.
    Brie had grown up in a small town, but she loved LA for its diversity and promise. Great things could happen here; she still believed it.
    “Seeing the Beast was unnerving, Brie. That unnaturally preserved face with its expression of superiority, still beautiful even with all the