Page 32 of Beneath the Surface

Jesse turned back to her, his tone warm but professional. “I hope this gives you a sense of what we offer here. It’s not just about physical connection—it’s about trust, communication, and understanding your own boundaries. If you have questions, I’m happy to answer them.”

Brad stepped closer then, his presence commanding as he addressed the club’s owner. “I’ll take it from here. Thanks, Jesse.”

Jesse nodded, clapping Brad on the shoulder. “Take care of her, Brad,” he said lightly before leaving the two of them alone.

Brad watched Jesse disappear before turning back to Isobel, his expression softening. “What do you think?” he asked, his voice low, steady.

Isobel hesitated, her thoughts still swirling. “It’s… a lot to take in. But it’s fascinating. I didn’t expect it to feel so… intentional.”

Brad’s lips quirked in a small smile. “It’s designed to be. Come on, let’s look around a little more.”

With him by her side, her initial nerves began to settle. He guided her farther down the hallway, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting. The low hum of energy in the air seemed to follow them, an intoxicating mix of curiosity and restraint.

Isobel glanced around, her mind racing with unspoken questions. Finally, she broke the silence, her cheeks flushed. “Does everyone here… know what they’re looking for?”

Brad’s lips curved into a thoughtful smile. “Not always. Some come here with clear intentions; others are just curious. It’s not about knowing all the answers when you walk in—it’s about exploring, figuring out what fits.”

She nodded, absorbing his words. “And the rules? How do they make sure… things don’t get out of hand?”

Brad paused by a door they hadn’t entered yet, leaning against the frame as he turned to face her. “That’s what makes this place different. Everyone here agrees to a strict set of guidelines. Consent is non-negotiable. Boundaries are respected. If someone crosses a line, they’re removed—no exceptions.”

Isobel folded her arms, her gaze dropping to the floor as she processed the information. “It’s just… so organized,” she murmured. “I didn’t expect that.”

“Most people don’t,” Brad said softly. “They think it’s all chaos or… something else entirely. Like Hot Shots. But The Loft is about connection, trust. That’s what Jesse built it on.”

Her eyes lifted to his, searching. “Have you… used these rooms?”

Brad’s expression didn’t change, though his jaw tightened slightly. “Yes,” he admitted, his voice calm.

His honesty surprised her, and the tension in her chest eased. “It’s not what I thought it would be,” she admitted. “It’s more… human.”

Brad’s smile widened slightly. “That’s the point. No one’s here to make you do anything you’re not ready for. This place exists to give people options.”

She considered that for a moment, her fingers brushing the edge of a brass plaque on the nearest door. “And you trust this? Jesse, this place, the people?”

Brad stepped closer, his presence grounding. “I do. But what matters is whether you feel comfortable here. That’s all that matters to me.”

His words lingered in the air, filling the space between them. For the first time since they arrived, Isobel felt herself relax completely. The Loft wasn’t just a building; it was a reflection of its rules, its people, its intentions. And she trusted Brad. Implicitly.

He gestured toward the stairs. “You’ve seen enough for tonight. Let me take you home.”

She hesitated but then nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, I think I have.”

As they made their way back upstairs and toward the exit, Isobel felt lighter, surer of herself. The night had been unexpected, eye-opening, and strangely affirming. Brad walked beside her, his steady presence a reminder that she wasn’t navigating any of this alone.

Outside, the cool night air hit her skin as they stepped onto the street. Brad opened the car door for her, his usual blend ofcare and quiet strength. Once inside, Isobel turned to him as he started the engine, her curiosity not entirely quelled.

“Why did you bring me here?” she asked, her tone softer now.

Brad glanced at her, his expression unreadable but kind. “Because I wanted you to see it for yourself. To understand it, in case it ever became part of the picture.”

She didn’t need him to explain further. He brought her here to show her that, even in the grayest areas, there could be clarity. Structure. Safety.

Twelve

As they drove through the quiet streets, the tension from earlier faded into the background.

“Well, here we are. I had a great time tonight, Belle. We should do dinner again sometime.” His eyes roamed over her. “Are you going to be okay? I didn’t freak you out too much?”

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