Page 20 of Provoking Bryan

Across the room, Bryan leaned against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed, his brow furrowed in thought. His usually calm demeanor was strained, his mind no doubt racing through the implications of what they’d discovered.

“This changes everything,” he said finally, his voice low but heavy with tension.

Sara stopped mid-step, turning to face him. “It does. And it puts everyone back at the camp in danger.”

Bryan’s jaw tightened. “They trusted me. They trusted us. And now?—”

“And now we make sure they’re safe,” Sara interrupted, her tone firm. She grabbed her phone from the table, already dialing Cerberus.

The line clicked, and a familiar voice answered. “Cerberus Ops, Miley speaking.”

“Miley, it’s Sara,” she said, keeping her voice steady despite the storm swirling inside her. “We’ve got a situation. Someone inside Doctors Without Borders is working with the cartel. I have intel that proves it.”

There was a brief pause, then Miley’s tone turned sharp. “I’ll get Damon and King on it right away.”

“I’m sending it now,” Sara said, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she forwarded the files. “But I need you to be discreet. If the mole catches wind that we’re onto them?—”

“They’ll bolt or retaliate,” Miley finished. “Understood. We’ll handle it. What about Bryan?”

Sara’s eyes flicked to him, standing in the kitchen, his expression dark and unreadable. “He’s safe for now, but this isn’t sustainable. The mole has to know we’ve moved him, and it’s only a matter of time before the cartel comes for him again.”

Miley’s voice softened slightly. “We’ll figure it out, Sara. You just focus on keeping him alive.”

The call ended, but the weight in Sara’s chest only grew heavier. She turned back to Bryan, who was watching her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

“What did Cerberus say?” he asked.

“They’re handling it,” she replied, though the words felt hollow.

Bryan stepped closer, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “You’re tense,” he said softly.

“Of course I’m tense,” Sara snapped, immediately regretting the sharpness in her tone. She took a breath, her fingers pressing against her temples. “I’m sorry. This… it’s a lot.”

Bryan reached out, his hand brushing her arm. “You’re carrying too much.”

“I don’t have a choice,” she replied, pulling away slightly. “If I can’t keep my head straight, I can’t keep you safe.”

He didn’t let her retreat far. Instead, he stepped closer, his presence grounding and unyielding. “Sara, look at me.”

She hesitated, but his voice held a quiet command that she couldn’t ignore. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to his.

“You’re spiraling,” Bryan said, his tone calm but firm. “Let me help you.”

“I don’t need?—”

“You do,” he interrupted, his voice steady. “You don’t have to do this alone. Let me anchor you.”

The sincerity in his eyes undid her defenses, and she nodded reluctantly. “What do you want me to do?”

“Sit,” he said, gesturing to the couch.

Sara complied, her movements slow and uncertain. Bryan knelt in front of her, his hands resting gently on her knees.

“Close your eyes,” he instructed.

She hesitated, but the warmth in his voice encouraged her. Slowly, she let her eyes flutter shut.

“Breathe with me,” Bryan said, his voice a low, soothing rumble. “In through your nose… out through your mouth.”

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