Graceful Submission (16 page)

“We have taken several depositions from Ms. Kinison’s students, both past and present, and found no one, save Mr. Markham and Mr. Barlow, who both later confessed that they had made the story up to get back at Ms. Kinison, whom they blamed for Mr. Barlow’s failing grade last year. They said they waited until after Mr. Markham’s class had turned in their term papers so that the charge would seem credible.”

Preston nodded and some of the parents who were present grumbled.

“How do we know it’s true?” One of the parents stood. “I mean this woman was just featured on the front of a tabloid having her breast fondled.”

Toffer started to stand and Preston pushed him back into his chair. “Let me.”

But before he could stand, a weak voice rang out.

“Can I say something?”

Grace turned her head toward the student who stepped forward, clasping her hands together to control the shaking.

“What is your name?” Medina asked.

“I’m Jessica LaBlonc. I’m one of Ms. Kinison’s students. I’d like to say something good about her.”

Grace bit her lip to keep from crying.

“Go ahead, Jessica,” Medina said.

“I hate English. It’s so hard, but I worked hard to get things done. In December, I was failing. Ms. Kinison helped me with my research paper. She stayed after school with me, working in the library to help me with research. She didn’t do the work for me, but when I asked for help, she gave it. Thanks to her, I’m now passing. I don’t care what nobody else says, she’s a good teacher. The pictures don’t matter. We just want her back.”

Toffer grasped Grace’s hand and smiled.

Discussion flew around the room and then Medina raised his hand. “Since this is an employment issue, the board is going to go into executive session to discuss things further. We will return with our decision on what to do about this matter in a short while. You’re all welcome to stay if you want.”

When the board left the room, Toffer was surrounded by people who wanted his autograph. Grace stepped aside and watched as he deftly handled the crowd. It was amazing to her that as Drake, he could come up with things to say at the drop of a hat. As Toffer, he’d stumbled and stuttered when Giselle had read from the paper.

“He’s gorgeous,” Becca said softly.

“And Preston?”

“We’ll see.”

The two giggled, and the both of them frowned as Watson stepped toward them. “I’m losing my job because of you.”

“You’re losing your job because you abused your power,” Grace said. “I can’t take the credit for that, although I would like to.”

Watson opened his mouth to object, and then closed it when Toffer stepped forward. “I’d like to deck you, but I won’t because of all the students present. It would set a very bad example. But if you ever say another foul thing to my wife again, or take a look at anything below her chin, I can’t promise I’d be so reserved in my actions.”

Watson stiffened, turned and walked back to his seat. Grace shook her head and laid her head on his shoulder.

“My hero.”

Toffer nodded and kissed her cheek. “What are your plans for the rest of the school year?”

“I don’t know.” They hadn’t discussed the issue and Grace gave him a questioning look.

“It’s up to you, Grace. I will support you in whatever you decide.”

She nodded and then bit her lip as the board came out of their private chambers. She had a huge decision to make, and she wasn’t sure what she was going to do. But whatever happened she was glad that she had Toffer to stand by her side.

* * * * *

Grace turned up the heat in her apartment and then surveyed her surroundings.

“When the school year is out, I’ll have a moving company pack things up to move to your house. Do you think that will work?”

Toffer sat in a large recliner and patted the arms of the chair. “I like this chair. If you decide to get rid of anything, make sure this isn’t it.”

Grace nodded. The board had come back and said they’d found Grace innocent of all charges. She’d been reinstated, and then Medina had smiled.

“We all know you’ve recently married, Ms. Kinison.” The room erupted in applause and Grace smiled. “Despite the fact that your husband lives in
California
, we hope that you’ll stay the rest of the school year with us.”

Grace turned toward a group of her students, led by Jessica, and nodded. “I couldn’t leave my team in mid-stream. I’ll finish the year, with your permission.”

Medina had smiled and the meeting had ended. Grace, Becca, Preston and Toffer had enjoyed a wonderful dinner at an expensive restaurant, and Grace grinned as she noticed the growing bond between Becca and Preston.

She and Toffer had agreed that she’d travel to
California
every other weekend. In the meantime, they’d have webcams installed at the house so they could keep in touch face to face, so to speak.

Now, back in her apartment, she shook her head. “Going to a school board meeting is hardly an exciting way to spend Valentine’s Day.”

“Well, perhaps this will help.” Toffer pulled a long black box out of is pocket. “I seem to remember promising someone that after the party on Saturday we’d have an official collaring ceremony.”

Grace nodded, biting her lip and then releasing it at Toffer’s frown.

“We’re going to have to break you of that habit of biting your lips. Take off all your clothes and kneel before me, Lolly.”

Grace quickly stripped, kneeling before Toffer, who still sat in the chair, and spread her legs. He opened the box and Grace gasped.

Inside was a slim leather collar, inlaid with small diamond stones.

“Oh, Master, it’s beautiful.”

“Do you accept my collar, Grace?”

“Yes, Master.”

He lifted it from its resting place and held it up in front of her face.

“Kiss it for me.”

The leather was cool against her lips.

“Grace Kinison Shelley, I claim you as my submissive. You belong to me now, every delectable inch of your body, every inquiring part of your mind. I love you, Grace. I promise to guide you, train you, and provide for you in every way. You in turn will promise to obey me in every respect. Do you accept my collar, wife?”

“Yes, Master, I do.”

Toffer clasped the leather around Grace’s neck, and then kissed her gently.

“Well, we need to speak about that punishment that you have coming for running from me on Saturday.”

“Shall I stand in the corner?”

“Oh no, Lolly. That’s much too lenient. I’m thinking a meeting with the riding crop the next time you’re at home.”

Grace smiled. “Home.”

“That’s right, Grace. Home. Our home.”

“Part of the punishment will be waiting so long. The anticipation until you get home will keep you on pins and needles. Don’t you agree?”

“Whatever you say, Master. Whatever you say.”