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

provided a covered plate so that she could properly display it. With pride, she placed the silver lid over it and walked into the room to join the group, the plate held proudly in both hands.
    “Ah, you look as if you have created a masterpiece,” Marquis complimented as he sat down on the couch next to Celestia.
    “I could not have done it without your patience, Marquis Gray. I am grateful,” she said with a bow as she placed it on the coffee table, along with a fork and napkin.
    “I am anxious to try it.”
    Everyone watched as he lifted the lid—Celestia with her pleasant smile and Sir with a playful smirk. Brie bit her lip in anticipation.
    The look on Marquis’ face would have been comical if she hadn’t been the one to make the dish. “Oh, no…” He quickly slammed the lid back down and closed his eyes.
    The room was silent.
    He said, in a voice of forced calm, “Miss Bennett, I appreciate the effort you put into the dish. However, after our last session in the kitchen I have sworn off omelets forever.”
    Sir put his hand over his mouth to hide his snicker. Celestia, on the other hand, took pity on Brie. “I would love to sample your work.”
    With much effort, Marquis took off the lid again and cut a small piece for her. He lifted the fork to her lips and turned away as she chewed.
    “It’s simply lovely, Miss Bennett. So light and fluffy. Thank you.”
    Brie bowed. “My pleasure, Celestia.”
    “Whose idea was it to cook the omelet tonight?” Marquis asked as he cut another piece for Celestia.
    Brie said nothing.
    “I see.” Marquis turned to Sir. “Your idea of a joke, Sir Davis? It wasn’t enough to put me in charge of the cooking unit last session, I take it.”
    Sir bit back his amusement. “I wanted you to enjoy the benefits of your labor, Gray. It was only fair. You know how I detest eggs. The whole Center smelled of it for a week.”
    Marquis actually smiled then. “You have an overly sensitive nose, Sir Davis.” He raised his eyebrow and stated, “Surely you’re not suggesting I chose that particular dish with you in mind?”
    “That is exactly what I’m suggesting.”
    He chuckled. “Unfortunately, I ended up punishing us both.” He gave Celestia another bite before addressing Brie. “Although the sight of this dish nauseates me, I must compliment you on the work. I can tell it has the right texture, and apparently you remembered what I prefer in an omelet. Kudos, Miss Bennett.” His praise gave her an unexpected thrill. “And…” he lifted the fork to Celestia’s lips again, “my sub seems to enjoy the flavor. A job well done. How many tries did it take?”
    Brie said proudly, “Two.”
    “A vast improvement indeed. There is hope for you yet.”
    “Thank you, Marquis Gray.”
    Sir spoke up, “Unfortunately, we must cut this visit short. Brie and I both have work to do tonight, but I have your meal warming in the oven.”
    “It was lovely of you to come, Sir Davis. Miss Bennett,” Celestia said, trying to get up.
    Marquis gently pushed her back on the couch. “Stay still,” he chided. “I’ll see them out.”
    As they walked to the front of the house, Marquis told Sir, “To be honest, I questioned whether you would be a good match for Miss Bennett, despite her infatuation with you. Especially when I heard the reports of her interactions with Mr. Wallace afterwards. However, tonight those concerns have been silenced. I see a peace in her eyes I have not seen before.”
    Brie’s heart nearly burst with joy when she heard his observation.
    “It is good to hear you acknowledge that fact,” Sir replied. “I did not make the decision lightly, nor did I do it solely for my own benefit.”
    “Understood,” Marquis answered. “But one had to question your intentions, based on your previous actions.”
    “What one might label as a ‘breach of protocol’, another might see as a fated encounter,” Sir responded.
    Marquis shook his head as he opened the door.