miles away, but it was obvious from Tono’s countenance that for him the place brought peace.
Brie understood that this place was a tangible connection to his father, and wondered how many hours Tono had spent inside these walls, training and learning with the man. How young had he been when his training began? She’d never thought to ask him.
As she glanced around, Brie imagined Tono as a young boy, his long bangs hiding his lack of confidence as his father corrected him on a malformed knot. It made her smile to envision the scene.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a woman entered the large studio wearing a bright yellow kimono and dark red lipstick. She was young, like Brie, but with straight, waist-length hair and soft brown eyes. The girl bowed low to Tono, speaking words Brie did not understand.
He smiled, and told her to rise as he introduced her to his guests. “This is Chikako. She is one of my father’s favorite partners to work with.”
The girl turned to Brie and Sir and bowed again. In perfect English she said, “It is my pleasure to entertain you tonight.”
Brie bowed to her as Sir answered, “We are honored to observe your scene.”
Tono directed Chikako to sit on a jute mat in the middle of the room while he explained to them, “I’m going to show you a new routine I’ve been working on. Something that embraces the old traditions while adding a modern element to the mix. I hope to attract the younger generation to the ancient art.”
“You have me intrigued yet again, Nosaka.”
Brie felt a thrill of sensual excitement, knowing she was going to see Tono’s mastery at work. “I can’t wait!”
Tono directed them to sit on the floor as he pulled bundled strands of multicolored jute from his bag and placed them beside the girl. There was a psychological component to his placement. Brie knew the girl was already anticipating the caress of the rope as she watched him lay out the various colors of jute. Each new bundle meant another length of rope would sensually constrict her. It made Brie shiver just to think about it.
Tono turned down the lights and put on music to accompany the performance. Although it was his customary flute melody, this one had drum beats behind it, giving it an edgier sound. Brie smiled, liking the added element.
“What makes this performance unique,” Tono informed them, “is the rope I am using. It has been specially treated to glow under black light.” He switched on ultraviolet lights from above, and suddenly the rope on the ground glowed in a multitude of vibrant rainbow colors.
Brie clapped her hands. “Oh, I love it, Tono. I really love the bright colors!”
Tono smiled at her. “I thought it might appeal to you.”
“Very clever, Nosaka,” Sir complimented. “Please enlighten us further.”
Tono bowed slightly, then sat behind Chikako. He whispered to her as he gathered her in his arms and closed his eyes. Brie knew they were matching their breaths, finding their connection.
The young woman began to sway slightly in time with the music, the look on her face one of peaceful expectation. Brie was envious; there was no way around it. Any time she saw Tono performing his craft, there was a touch of jealousy—she always longed to be the one under his skilled hands, feeling the rope’s seductive caress.
Tono whispered a command, and Chikako took a kneeling position. He took a length of glowing blue rope and tied her long hair into a ponytail, binding it in a pattern of decorative knots. Then he took the end of her long rope of hair and secured it to a ring above her. Once she was immobilized, Tono began to tease the girl by sliding the rope against her skin as he pleased her with gentle caresses.
In time with the music, he raised her arms above her head and bound them into an attractive ballerina pose.
As the music built in tempo and sensuality, the anticipation in the room heightened. From behind the girl, Tono took hold of the front of her silk
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