Page 42 of Unbearable Player

“Brianne, watch out!” Reid’s voice in her head shocked her.

Brianne’s head snapped up just in time to see the leader lunging at her, desperation etched on his face. Time seemed to slow as she watched him approach, his hand reaching for a gun.

But before he could pull the weapon out and reach her, a mass of brown fur intercepted him. Reid slammed into the leader with the force of a freight train, sending him flying across the room and the gun in another direction. The bear’s roar of rage echoed through the warehouse, making Brianne’s hair stand on end.

She watched in a mix of horror and fascination as Reid’s massive jaws closed around the leader’s throat and his enormous claws ripped the man to shreds. There was a sickening crunch, and then the leader went limp. Reid dropped the body, his bear eyes finding Brianne’s. Even in this form, she could see the love and concern in his gaze.

The warehouse fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of Reid’s bear form and the distant wail of approaching sirens. Brianne’s hands shook as she stepped away from the computer, the adrenaline of the moment finally catching up with her.

“Reid,” she called softly, and the bear lumbered toward her. She buried her face in his fur. “Thank you for saving me. Again.”

As if on cue, Jake and the rest of Reid’s team burst into the warehouse, weapons drawn. They paused at the sight before them - computer equipment in shambles, unconscious or restrained Glitchers scattered about, and Brianne embracing a massive brown bear.

Jake was the first to recover, a grin spreading across his face. “Nice job. You two make quite the team.”

Brianne laughed, the sound slightly hysterical with relief. She stepped back as Reid began to shift, averting her eyes to give him some privacy. When she looked back, he stood before her in human form, hastily pulling on the clothes Jake tossed him.

“Are you okay?” Reid asked, his hands cupping her face gently. His eyes roamed over her, checking for any sign of injury.

Brianne nodded, leaning into his touch. “I’m fine. Better than fine, actually. We did it, Reid. We got my work back.”

As if remembering, she hurried over to where her precious creation sat. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked it up, checking it over for any damage. Relief washed over her as she confirmed it was intact.

“I can’t believe it,” she murmured, cradling the prototype to her chest.

Reid came up behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist. “Believe it, sweetheart. You were amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Brianne turned in his embrace, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “We were amazing. I couldn’t have done this without you, Reid. Thank you... for saving my life. For saving my game. For loving me.”

The tenderness in Reid’s gaze made her heart skip a beat. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. “I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. You’re worth it, Brianne. You’re worth everything.” He lowered his head and kissed her. “And loving you? That’s never going to stop or go away. Get used to it.”

As the police sirens grew louder, signaling the arrival of the authorities, Brianne and Reid stood together, reveling in their victory and the depth of their connection. The prototype was safe, The Glitchers were defeated, and they had each other.

Jake approached, clearing his throat. “Hate to break up the moment, lovebirds, but we’ve got some explaining to do to the cops. And trust me, ‘my boyfriend turned into a bear and mauled the bad guys’ might not go over so well.”

Brianne couldn’t help but laugh, the absurdity of the situation hitting her all at once. She looked up at Reid, seeing the same amusement dancing in his eyes. “So, what’s our story going to be?”

Reid grinned, the expression lighting up his face in a way that made Brianne’s heart flutter. “How about ‘brilliant game developer and her dashing security consultant foil international hacking ring’? It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

As they prepared to face the incoming storm of questions and paperwork, Brianne felt a sense of peace settle over her. The game was safe, her dreams were intact, and she had found something she never expected - a partner who understood and supported her completely.

She squeezed Reid’s hand, a silent promise passing between them. Whatever came next, they would face it together. And really, after taking down a group of high-tech thieves with the help of her bear-shifter boyfriend, Brianne felt like they could handle just about anything.

TWENTY

Brianne was still processing the night on their way back to Reid’s place. When they got to his home, they showered together. It was such a simple but special thing to do together. It felt so intimate. So perfect. Reid left her in the bathroom drying her hair while he made dinner.

She padded into the kitchen in a silky white robe and barefoot. His gaze roamed over her, need burning in his eyes. God. She wanted him. So much. Would it ever go away? Would it ever stop? She didn’t want it to.

“Hungry?”

She licked her lips and nodded. Fresh showered Reid was so hot. She could eat him up like dessert.

“You know, I can smell that.”

She grinned. “Oh? What exactly do you smell?”

He plated steaks and salad. “I smell how much you want me naked.”

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