Page 35 of Provoking Bryan

“I’m not avoiding anything,” she said, her tone defensive. “I’m just… processing.”

Bryan arched a brow. “Processing what?”

Sara hesitated, then shrugged. “Everything. This. Us.”

He set the shirt down and crossed the room, stopping in front of her. His hand lifted, his fingers brushing her chin as he tilted her face up to meet his gaze.

“I’m not leaving you behind, Sara,” he said firmly, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she managed to keep her voice even. “You have a job to do. And I have mine.”

His thumb brushed her cheek, the simple gesture grounding her. “Your job doesn’t have to keep us apart. There’s a place for you in my life, if you want it.”

Sara stared at him, her mind racing. She’d spent years building walls, guarding her independence, and defining herself through her work. The idea of giving that up—or even sharing it—was terrifying.

“What would that even look like?” she asked quietly.

Bryan’s lips quirked into a small smile. “It looks like us, figuring it out as we go. Together.”

Her throat tightened at the sincerity in his voice. “I don’t know if I can give up Cerberus,” she admitted. “It’s who I am.”

“It doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” Bryan said, his voice steady. “You don’t have to lose who you are to be with me, Sara. I don’t want that. But I do want you to think about what makes you happy—what you want your life to look like.”

She looked away, his words hitting closer to home than she’d expected. “I’ve never thought about that,” she admitted. “Not really. It’s always been about the mission, the next job.”

Bryan’s hand dropped to her shoulder, his grip firm but comforting. “Maybe it’s time you did.”

The scent of coffee and leather filled the room as Sara sat on the edge of the bed later that evening, her mind still spinning. Bryan had gone to make a few calls, giving her space, but his presence lingered, a steady undercurrent to her thoughts.

Could she really walk away from Cerberus? The idea felt impossible, like leaving behind a part of herself. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny the pull Bryan had on her—the way he saw her, understood her, and challenged her in ways no one else ever had.

The sound of the door opening pulled her from her thoughts, and she looked up to see Bryan stepping into the room. His gaze found hers immediately, and the intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

“Decide anything?” he asked, his voice low.

Sara shook her head. “Not yet.”

Bryan crossed the room in a few strides, stopping in front of her. He knelt, his hands resting on her thighs, his gaze unwavering.

“You don’t have to decide tonight,” he said softly. “But I need you to know something.”

Her breath hitched as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “I want you, Sara. Not just for tonight, or for the next mission. I want you in my life. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of his words sinking in. “Bryan…” she started, but he cut her off with a kiss.

It wasn’t gentle. It was possessive, commanding, and filled with the passion and emotion she had come to expect from him.Bryan never did anything by half measures. Sara melted into it, her hands tangling in his hair as he pushed her back onto the bed.

Bryan’s weight pressed against her, grounding her as his lips moved to her neck, his teeth grazing her skin. She gasped, her body arching beneath him, her walls crumbling with every touch.

“You’re mine, Sara,” he murmured against her skin, his voice rough with emotion. “And I’m yours.”

Her hands gripped his shoulders, her voice trembling as she whispered, “Yes. Always.”

The night unfolded in a blur of passion and intensity, their connection deepening with every kiss, every whispered word. Bryan’s dominance was a steady guide, his care and respect anchoring her in a way she’d never experienced before.

The next day, when the morning light filtered through the curtains, Sara lay tangled in the sheets, her body pressed against Bryan’s. She traced lazy circles on his chest, her mind quiet for the first time in what felt like forever.

“You still processing?” Bryan asked, his voice rough with sleep.

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