Page 38 of Beneath the Surface

I wanted to give you a quick update on Isobel. She’s in the ICU, but the doctors say she’s improving. They’re planning to remove the breathing tube later today, and she should be able to go home in a couple of days. It’s still touch and go, but she’s a fighter.

Have you heard anything from your end that might give us a lead on who’s behind this? The local detectives and FBI are on it, but any intel you can provide would be invaluable.

Stay safe,

Brad

With the critical emails sent,Brad settled into the routine of handling administrative tasks, his mind only partially engaged as he mechanically went through reports, updates, and personnel matters. An email notification pinged, and Brad opened it, recognizing his commander's address.

Subject:RE: URGENT: Dr. Isobel Everhart Attacked and in ICU

Brad,

This situation is highly concerning, not just for Dr. Everhart’s safety but also because of your involvement. I’m worried this could get messy, especially with your personal connection to the case. We need to ensure everything is handled by the book. Keep me in the loop on all developments, and make sure to document everything.

Stay sharp,

District Commander

Brad chuckled grimly to himself as he read the last line—It’s already messy, he thought. He couldn’t remember a time when anything involving Isobel was simple.

The day passed quickly, each hour bringing a mixture of anxiety and hope as the doctors worked on Isobel. By late afternoon, they removed the tube from her throat. She was finally breathing on her own, and the airway swelling had decreased.

Brad walked into Isobel’s ICU room and quietly shut the door behind him. The intensivist had convinced her family to go home again, but Brad couldn’t bring himself to leave.

As he approached her bed, his emotions swirled, stronger now than they had ever been. He’d spent years pushing down the feelings he harbored for Isobel, hiding them behind the safety of his relationship with her family. But seeing her like this—so vulnerable—ripped away any pretense he had maintained. He couldn’t deny it any longer.

He loved her.

The realization hit him with a force he couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t just love; it was a deep, possessive need to protect her, to claim her in a way he’d never admitted to himself before. He wanted her to trust him, to depend on him, not just with regards to a case, but in life. The desire to guide her, protect her, and take care of her in every sense nearly overwhelmed him.

His thumb brushed against her bandaged hand, and his mind wandered to thoughts he’d long suppressed. He wanted to take her to his bed, to show her just how much he cared, not only physically but emotionally. He wanted to lead her, to bring her into a Dominant-submissive relationship where he could shield her from the dangers of the world and help her heal from the battles she fought every day.

He imagined what it would be like to see her surrender, not in weakness, but in trust, to let him take control so she could let go, knowing he would always be there to protect her, to hold her, to cherish her. He knew it wouldn’t be simple, and it might get even messier, but he couldn’t deny the depth of what he felt any longer.

As he sat there, the tension in his body slowly unwound, the world outside fading away. For now, all that mattered was being there with Isobel, keeping his promise to protect her, no matter how difficult the road ahead. He’d stand by her side, in any way she needed him. And when she was ready, he would be there to offer her everything, his love, his strength, and the relationship he knew they both needed.

“Isobel,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I’m not leaving you. Not now. Not ever.”

He leaned forward, his forehead resting against her hand, knowing whatever happened next, he would face it with her. And he wouldn’t hold back his feelings anymore.

A tiny breathless whisper, so faint, he almost missed it, broke the heavy silence. “Brad…”

He leaned in closer, his heart aching at the sound of her voice. “I’m here, sweetheart,” he said softly. “How did you know it was me?”

A slight smile tugged at her puffy lips, despite the pain she was in. “Your smell,” she whispered, her voice hoarse. “Your deodorant.” She inhaled, and her chest seemed to rattle. “Theyellow jackets…” Her voice cracked, and tears began to slip from beneath the compresses.

Brad’s heart twisted in his chest as he quickly lowered the bedrail, sitting on the bed beside her. He wrapped his arms around her, careful to avoid the tubes and bandages.

“Shh,” he soothed, holding her close, feeling her small body tremble against his. “I’m here, Belle. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I was so scared,” she whispered, her breath hitching with each word. “I thought… I thought I wouldn’t make it.”

“I know, Belle,” he murmured. “But you’re safe now. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

She clung to him as if he were the only thing tethering her to this world, her sobs quieting as he rocked her gently. He pressed his lips to the top of her head, breathing in her scent, a mix of antiseptic and something uniquely hers.

For a long time, they stayed like that, the beeps and hisses of the machines fading into the background. Brad didn’t care that staying like this wasn’t reasonable or that he’d have to leave eventually. Right now, all that mattered was Isobel, safe in his arms, and he wasn’t letting go.

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