Meeting her questioning gaze, he told her, “I was unsure if it would be given to me.”
The pain of everything she’d suffered suddenly came back in waves. In a shaking voice, Brie confessed, “I wasn’t sure either.”
He gently cradled her face in both of his hands, his deep brown eyes absorbing her pain. “I felt the depth of your suffering as if it were my own, toriko.”
“I felt our connection, Tono.” She hesitated before continuing. “It strengthened me when I had nothing left.”
His gaze intensified. “I refused to stop meditating until I heard your voice on the phone.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “I wasn’t rescued for eight days.”
Tono nodded. “Autumn provided me with continuous nourishment so I could remain focused on you.” He grazed her cheek with his hand. “I made a vow not to break the connection until you were safe.”
Her bottom lip trembled. “I was so scared…”
“I know.”
She looked at him sorrowfully, knowing he had felt the pain of her suffering.
As if Tono could read her thoughts, he told her, “I was honored to share your pain, toriko.” His gentle smile moved her. “And I would do so again without hesitation because I am unwilling to face a world without you in it.”
Brie laid her head back on his chest and closed her eyes, forcing back all the fear and uncertainty she’d endured, as she concentrated on the steady beat of his heart.
Shadow had been constantly rubbing against Tono’s legs the entire time. Tired of being ignored, he finally let out a loud meow.
Tono looked down at the car, stating solemnly, “Thank you, Shadow. You have done well.”
“He’s been watching over the children at night and over me during the day.”
Tono reached down to pet Shadow. “You are a warrior for this family.”
“Yes,” Brie agreed as she studied Tono more closely. Still recovering from the kidney disease that almost took his life, Tono looked healthier than the last time she’d seen him, but she felt he was still suffering on an emotional level. “Are you okay?”
“I am content,” he said, meeting her gaze. When she gave him a doubtful look, he assured her, “I have everything I need—truly.”
Glancing at his tool bag, Tono told her, “I look forward to our session together.”
Brie instantly smiled, longing for the feel of his rope. “I do, too.”
Before starting the session, she asked him, “Would you like me to make some tea before we begin?”
Tono shook his head, chuckling lightly. “Let’s wait to savor it after we’re done. I anticipate that this will be a long session.”
Brie blushed, remembering when she’d interrupted their first rope scene together because she needed to pee. Although she later found out that it had been part of Tono’s lesson that day, she preferred not to repeat it.
While Tono rolled out his jute mat in the center of the room, Brie asked, “Would you rather do it outside like we did last time?”
He shook his head. “No, toriko. We cannot afford any distractions.”
Although she was curious as to why, Brie did not question his reasoning.
Tono then handed Brie a wrapped gift. “Get dressed and meet me out here when you are ready.”
Brie smiled at him graciously. “You didn’t have to get me a gift.”
“It was my pleasure to do so.”
Brie headed into the bedroom, admiring the box he had meticulously wrapped in white paper and jute twine. She unwrapped it with reverence and lifted out a white silk kimono with artfully placed branches of cherry blossoms.
The beauty of the simple design stirred her on a soul level.
Brie quickly undressed so she could wrap herself in the soft silk. Running to the mirror, she tied the obi around her waist the way Tono had taught her. She took a moment to stand back and admire the beautiful kimono.
The brilliant white of the silk suggested purity, and the cherry blossoms held special meaning for her. She heard Tono’s voice in her head when he’d explained: “The cherry blossom represents renewal and hope.”
Staring at herself, Brie slowly turned in front of the mirror. Although she would never be the same after what she’d endured, Brie knew she had the power to reclaim the things she held most dear.
No one could steal that from her—not even Holloway.
When Brie returned, Tono took one look at her and murmured in admiration, “Utsukushii.”
The look of respect in his eyes touched her deeply.
Brie noticed that he had changed into his black kimono while she was gone. It made him look even more distinguished and handsome. Gesturing to the mat, he commanded, “Come, toriko.”
Brie glided across the floor, inexplicably drawn to him. She knelt on the mat and waited as he turned on the soothing music of a lone flute.
“This will be a long process, toriko,” he reminded her.
Brie nodded and held her breath as he knelt behind her. The moment she felt his arms wrap around her as he pressed her body against his chest, she finally let out her breath.
“Breathe with me, toriko,” he whispered softly in her ear.
Although she had been looking forward to this, she suddenly found the restraint of his arms frightening. The memories it evoked made it difficult for her to match his breath.
Tono did not loosen his hold, forcing her to concentrate on him. “Find my breath.”
Brie swallowed back her fear and took slow, deep breaths, trying to sync her breathing with his. What had always been a natural process for her was now frustratingly difficult. Shaking her head, she finally cried out in disappointment, “I can’t.”
“You can,” he replied with quiet strength.
Brie closed her eyes. But, instead of actively trying to match his breath, she slowed down her rapid breathing. After several minutes, she felt herself naturally syncing with his.
The moment the connection was made, her muscles began to relax. It wasn’t long before she stopped resisting his tight embrace and they breathed in unison.
“Very good,” he murmured gently. “If you start to feel anxious again, I want you to match your breath to mine.”
Brie nodded.
In a soothing voice, Tono explained, “If it becomes too much at any point, call out your safeword and we will start at the beginning…as many times as you need.” She could hear the smile in his voice when he added, “We have all the time in the world, toriko.”
His words lifted her spirits.
Tono released her to pick up a bundle of rope. He showed it to her, stating, “I promise that today I will transport you to nirvana with my jute.”
“May I smell it?”
He held it up to her nose and Brie breathed in its earthy smell, savoring it.
Tono opened her kimono slightly, exposing her cleavage. “My rope’s caress is an expression of my profound love for you, toriko,” he stated. “I have no wish to harm you.”
“I know, Tono.” She smiled, sighing in contentment. “I love the feel of your rope.”
“Remember that,” he replied gently before asking, “Which decorative bondage would you like to begin with?”
“The very first one we did together.” She turned her head, grinning at him. “I remember it felt like a tight hug.”