Chapter 19
Nineteen
T he sun was beginning to rise. Brad lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind filled with thoughts of Isobel. Telling her he wanted to be her Dom was the hardest, most vulnerable thing he’d ever done. He wasn’t sure how she would respond, but the thought of her walking away made his chest tighten with fear. He couldn’t go back to pretending he didn’t want her.
He rolled over, rubbing his eyes as flashes of their conversation from last night came back to him. He’d told her the truth about what he wanted in a relationship—trust, surrender, intimacy on a level most people didn’t understand. And she’d listened, absorbing everything with that sharp, intelligent gaze of hers. But did she truly understand what he was offering? What he needed?
As Brad’s alarm blared, snapping him from his thoughts, he groaned and reached for his phone. His mind immediately shifted into work mode as he called Jeffrey Brewster to check on the case, but even then, Isobel was always there in the back of his mind.
After showering and dressing, he walked into the kitchen to the comforting scent of coffee, only to find Isobel sitting at the counter, one of his mugs in her hands. She was beautiful, despite the welts and exhaustion, her hair piled messily on top of her head.
Brad stood in the doorway as she greeted him with a soft, "Morning." Her voice was laced with something unspoken, a quiet undercurrent that hung between them. He nodded in return, his heart giving that familiar twist at the sight of her, but today something was different.
She set her mug down gently, and he could see it in the way her movements stilled, the way her eyes lingered on him for just a moment longer than usual. Without a word, she stood and turned to face him fully, her expression steady, purposeful. Then, without hesitation, she took a slow, deliberate breath and dropped gracefully to her knees.
The transformation was subtle but unmistakable. Her body settled into the pose of a submissive—knees apart, palms resting on her thighs, head slightly bowed. The air between them shifted. It wasn’t just the act of kneeling; it was the quiet, intentional surrender of her will to him, an offering of her trust and vulnerability.
For a moment, Brad said nothing, his breath catching as he took in the sight of her. His pulse quickened, but he kept his expression calm, controlled. She knelt there before him, her back straight, her eyes lowered, the soft curve of her lips hinting at the awareness of what this moment meant.
There was a delicate sensuality in the way she positioned herself—graceful, yet bold, waiting for his direction. Every movement, every subtle shift of her body, conveyed trust and anticipation. She wasn’t just yielding to him physically—she was submitting mentally, emotionally, in a way that resonated deep within Brad’s core.
A heavy silence settled over the room, the only sound the soft rhythm of their breathing. Brad could feel her decision, the importance of what she was offering him, and it stirred something primal inside him. This wasn’t just a game. It wasn’t just about control. It was about her willingness to let him guide her in the most intimate way possible.
He took a step forward, closing the distance between them, his eyes never leaving her. Slowly, he reached down and cupped her chin, lifting her face so their eyes could meet. The connection between them was electric, charged with unspoken desire and mutual understanding.
“You’re sure about this?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, the edge of command softened by concern.
She didn’t hesitate, her gaze steady and unwavering as she nodded. “I trust you, Master. Completely.”
A slow smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, the warmth of her skin under his touch grounding him in the moment. He didn’t rush, savoring the quiet tension that had built between them. His hand moved from her chin to her hair, fingers threading through the soft strands, guiding her head back ever so slightly to expose the delicate curve of her neck.
The room seemed to close in around them, everything narrowing to just the two of them and the unspoken promise in the air.
"Good," he murmured, a perfect blend of tenderness and command. He stepped back, his fingers slipping from her hair. She remained in a state of anticipation, still on her knees before him, her breath steady.
Brad straightened, holding his composure even as she stirred something deep inside him.
Without another word, he leaned down, his lips finding hers in a slow, deliberate kiss, savoring the warmth and sweetness of her mouth. His hands moved with purpose, one sliding to the small of her back, the other beneath her knees, effortlessly lifting her into his arms. She responded instinctively, her arms wrapping around his neck as her body relaxed into his, trusting him completely.
With steady, measured steps, Brad carried her upstairs toward his bedroom.
Setting her gently on the bed, he took a moment to admire her before he slowly slid her nightgown over her head, letting it fall to the floor. Her fair skin, still marred by the stings, only made her more beautiful in his eyes.
“You’re stunning, Belle,” he whispered as he undressed himself, his erection already bobbing against his abdomen.
Isobel’s eyes roamed over his body, filled with desire. She reached for him, her voice breathless. “Please, Brad. I want you.”
He climbed into bed beside her, leaning down to kiss her with a tenderness that belied the hunger coursing through him. “I’m going to make love to you, Belle,” he whispered against her lips, “like you’ve never been loved before.”
With agonizing slowness, Brad explored her body, his hands and lips tracing every inch of her, savoring the way she responded to his touch. Her gasps grew louder, her body arching beneath him as he teased and tormented her, edging her closer to release, only to pull her back, again and again.
His fingers traced delicate patterns over her skin, eliciting soft gasps. He kissed her deeply, his tongue gently exploring her mouth. She responded eagerly, her hands roaming over his broad chest and shoulders. He shuddered at her touch.
He kissed her neck, her collarbone, moving down to her breasts. He took one nipple into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue while his hand gently caressed the other. Isobel arched her back, her fingers tangling in his hair as she moaned louder.
He moved lower, kissing his way down her stomach, pausing to nuzzle the soft skin just above her hips. He spread her legs gently, his hands sliding up her inner thighs. Her mound was hairless. Evil stings had hurt her there. He looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire, his tongue exploring her folds with deliberate, gentle strokes before he kissed her core.
Isobel cried out, her hips bucking against his mouth. “Please,” she begged, her voice raw with need.
He grinned, moving back up her body and pressing his lips to her ear. “Not yet, Belle. I’m not done with you.”
He held her firmly, his tongue and lips working down her body again to bring her closer to the edge. When he felt her body tense, he increased the pressure to her sweet clit, pushing her over the edge into a shuddering climax.
As she came down from her high, Brad moved back up her body, kissing her deeply. He reached into his bedside table, pulling out a condom. After freeing it from its package and sheathing himself, he positioned himself between her legs, his erection pressing against her entrance. He looked into her eyes, silently asking for permission.
She nodded, her eyes filled with need. “I want you.”
When he finally entered her, it was slow and cautious. The sensation overwhelmed them both, and Brad groaned as he buried himself deep inside her an inch at a time. Sheathed in her body, he held still for a moment, savoring the feel of her around him before he began to move, setting a controlled, steady rhythm.
Isobel’s moans grew louder as she met his thrusts, her nails digging into his back as her pleasure mounted. Brad’s movements quickened, his breath ragged as he pushed them both to the edge.
“Let go, sweetheart,” he whispered, his lips brushing against hers. “Let go for me.”
With a final thrust, they both tumbled over the edge together, their bodies trembling as the intensity of their release washed over them. Brad stayed still for a moment, a shudder of pleasure pulsing through him before he collapsed beside her, gently pulling her into his arms. Their breaths came in quick, uneven gasps as they both slowly descended from the high.
Brad pressed a kiss to her forehead, his hand gliding gently through her hair, soothing her as she nestled into him. His body was still tingling from the aftershocks of their lovemaking, and he could feel the soft rise and fall of her chest as she tried to catch her breath.
“Hold on,” Brad murmured, his voice thick but tender. He shifted carefully, leaning away just long enough to dispose of the condom. The moment felt strangely intimate as he returned, slipping back under the sheets and pulling her close again, his body pressing warmly against hers.
He stroked her hair, his fingers grazing the soft skin of her neck as he whispered, “You’re incredible, Belle. Absolutely incredible.” He’d fantasized about this for so long, but the reality of her, of them, was more than he had imagined.
Isobel sighed deeply as she snuggled closer to him, her head resting against his chest. “Brad,” she breathed out his name softly, the single word barely audible. She closed her eyes.
Brad smiled, his hand continuing its soothing strokes down her back as her breathing began to slow. “You okay?”
“Mmm,” she murmured, half asleep, “better than okay. You make everything feel right.”
He kissed the top of her head, holding her tighter, savoring the closeness. “I’ve got you,” he whispered. “I’m not letting you go.”
She drifted off in his arms, her body relaxing completely, her trust in him implicit and total. Brad stayed awake a little longer, resetting his alarm to give them more time together. He watched her sleep, feeling their connection deepen, knowing he was hers, and she was his.
And he wouldn’t let anything take her from him. Not now. Not ever.
Brad stirred from a deep, peaceful sleep, his body still warm from his morning with his Belle. The memories of their lovemaking flooded back—her soft gasps, the way her body responded to his touch, and the trust that had deepened between them with every kiss, every whisper. He turned in bed to look at her. She was still asleep, her face serene, framed by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. He smiled.
For the first time in a long time, Brad felt complete. The connection they’d shared was more than just physical; it was emotional, raw, and real. He was able to show her a piece of himself, and she accepted it. She trusted him, surrendered to him in a way he never thought possible. His heart swelled with the thought that this was just the beginning for them.
His reset alarm went off, breaking the quiet, but Brad silenced it before it disturbed Isobel. He slipped out of bed, his body still humming, and grabbed his phone from the nightstand. As he checked the time, he noticed a missed message from Jeffrey Brewster.
He rubbed his eyes and dialed his number. “Brewster, any news?” he kept his voice low as he walked out of the bedroom naked.
“Morning, Brad,” Brewster’s energetic voice came through the line. “We found the Viper Lords gang banger, Jace Rodriguez. Our people are bringing him in for questioning now.”
Brad’s brow rose. “You’ve had your coffee this morning,” he muttered, still waking up. Running a hand through his hair, he added, “I want to question him myself. Let me know when he’s in custody.”
After hanging up, Brad padded into the bathroom, the warmth of the heated tiles beneath his feet grounding him in the present. His mind wandered back to Isobel as he stepped into the shower. The hot water cascaded over his skin, doing little to quell the arousal building inside him. He replayed the morning in his head—the way she dropped to her knees, the way she trusted him with her body. He had never felt this connected to anyone before. It was as if everything had finally fallen into place. He turned the shower cold.
With a deep breath, Brad rinsed off and stepped out of the shower, feeling more centered and focused than ever. He dried himself quickly, thinking ahead to the task of unraveling the mystery behind the attacks.
As he dressed in his uniform and prepared for the day, Brad glanced back at the bedroom where Isobel still slept peacefully. He couldn’t wait to see her again, to hold her, to remind her that he would always be there.
He sat beside her and gently traced a finger along her jawline, memorizing every detail of her face. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and when she saw him watching her, a slow smile spread across her lips. “Hi, handsome,” she greeted him, her voice soft. She bit her lip before adding, “So… should I call you Master or Sir?”
He chuckled, his chest warming at her playful tone. “Neither unless we are playing,” he replied, pulling her close. “If we’re at the club, Master will do.” He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender but deep kiss. “How are you feeling? I didn’t hurt you?”
Isobel sighed contentedly. “I feel… amazing. This morning was perfect.”
Brad smiled, his heart swelling. “You are perfect,” he murmured, but then his expression grew serious. “Belle, I don’t want you to feel pressured about the learning curve. We’ll work through things slowly. This is new for you, and that’s okay.”
“Did I make a mistake when I knelt? I mean, I read about it in a book, but if I did it wrong?” she asked, filled with doubt.
“You did nothing wrong. I promise, if you do, you won’t be surprised.”
She looked up at him, her hand cupping his face. “Brad, I trust you. I know this will take time, but I want this. I want you . I’ve wanted you for so long, and now that we’ve crossed that line, I don’t want to go back.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’m glad, sweetheart, because I’m not in this for just the moment. I’m in it for the long haul. I wouldn’t have made love to you if I wasn’t.”
Her eyes sparkled with emotion, and she nodded. “I’m in this for the long haul too.”
Brad sighed in relief, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Good,” he whispered, pulling her even closer. “I was thinking... I don’t want there to be any issues with your sisters. I know they love you, and I hope they’re okay with us.”
“They love you too, Brad,” Isobel reassured him. “They won’t have a problem. I promise.”
He chuckled softly, kissing the tip of her nose. “I hope you’re right.”
They rested in comfortable silence for a few more moments, savoring the intimacy that had blossomed between them. But Brad’s protective instincts wouldn’t let himself relax completely. There was still too much at stake, and he knew he needed to ensure her safety.
“You should get up,” he said. “I need to get to work, but I want to make sure you have everything you need first.”
Isobel shifted slightly in Brad’s arms, her eyes drifting toward the bathroom, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. She bit her lip, her vulnerability showing as she whispered, “Brad… I don’t think I can get in the shower alone. After what happened… I’m scared.”
His heart tightened at her admission. He sat up, cupping her face gently in his hands, his thumb brushing her cheek. “You’re not weak, Belle,” he murmured. “You’ve been through so much, and it’s okay to feel this way. Let me help you, okay?”
Her gaze flickered to his. “But you’re already dressed.” She hesitated for a beat but then nodded, surrendering to the care he offered.
Brad stood up and began stripping down, his movements slow and purposeful, giving her time to process. Her eyes followed every motion as he shed his clothes, but there was no protest from her. Only trust. When he was fully undressed, he reached for her hand, leading her toward the bathroom. She was still naked from their earlier lovemaking, her body glowing in the morning light.
Inside the shower, the warm water cascaded over their bodies, and Brad kept her close, his arms around her protectively. His hands moved over her skin, tender and careful, washing away not just the hospital stay, but the lingering fear she still held on to. He kissed her neck softly, murmuring reassurances as he traced her curves, each touch deliberate and filled with care.
Isobel leaned into him, her body slowly responding to his gentleness, a soft moan escaping her lips. Her head fell back against his chest as his touch became more intentional, more intimate. His fingers slid down her sides, teasingly grazing her skin before slipping between her thighs, awakening the desire that still simmered between them.
He turned her slowly, her body pliant under his control, until she faced the wall. His lips trailed down her spine as she braced herself against the cool tiles. His hand slid down to her hip, while the other pressed gently between her shoulder blades, guiding her into position.
Without a word, Brad slid on a condom and positioned himself behind her, his grip tightening on her hips as he entered her slowly, savoring the soft gasp that escaped her lips as he filled her.
Her body pressed into the wall, her hands resting against the cool tile as Brad began to thrust, each stroke deeper than the last. Isobel’s breathing quickened, her body arching into him as their rhythm synced, her moans growing louder with each passing second.
Brad’s hand slipped between her thighs, finding her nub with expert precision. His fingers rubbed in slow circles, edging her closer to the point of no return. Isobel trembled beneath him, her body growing taut as the pleasure built.
She shuddered, screaming his name as her release rocketed through her. Brad held her steady, his own release coming with a deep, guttural moan as he buried himself inside her one last time.
They stood together under the warm water for a while, their bodies still intertwined, the intensity of the moment slowly fading into a deep sense of calm. Brad’s arms wrapped protectively around her, his lips brushing against her shoulder, his heart still pounding.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered into her ear, his voice filled with admiration and tenderness.
Once the water had cooled and they’d dried off, Isobel dressed quietly, but Brad could sense a shift in her. Her expression grew more serious as she turned to him, pulling her hair back into a neat bun. “I need to go to the office today. I have a report due, and it can’t be late,” she said, her tone resolute.
Brad frowned, his protective instincts flaring up immediately at the idea of her leaving the safety of his home. His jaw tightened as he considered her request. “Are you sure? You don’t have to go back today.” His eyes searched hers, looking for any sign of hesitation. “I can help you handle whatever needs to be done. You don’t need to push yourself.”
Isobel shook her head, her resolve clear. “I have to, Brad. My career is important to me. I need to do this.”
He exhaled slowly, frustration simmering beneath the surface. He could see how determined she was, but the dominant side of him, the part that needed to protect her, wasn’t ready to let her go so easily. He stepped closer, his voice lowering as he met her gaze.
“Belle, listen to me.” His hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer, his grip firm but not forceful. “You know I care about you, right? You trust me?” He waited for her nod before continuing, “Part of being with me, part of the dynamic I need in my life, is that when I see danger, I take control. I keep you safe. And right now, going to the office is a risk I’m not comfortable with.”
Her brows furrowed slightly, but she didn’t interrupt him. Brad’s hand remained on her back, his touch tethering her to him as he spoke. “I understand your career is important, and I respect that. I’m not trying to take away your independence. But you need to understand that, in our relationship, in my role as your Dom, keeping you safe is non-negotiable.”
Isobel’s eyes softened, and Brad could see she was starting to understand. Still, the flicker of stubbornness remained. She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up a hand, stopping her gently.
“You will go to the office today,” Brad said, his voice firm but compassionate. “But not without protection. I’ll make sure the police are there, and I want you checking in with me regularly. That’s the compromise. This isn’t about control for control’s sake. It’s about keeping you safe because that’s my responsibility, and it’s part of what I need from this relationship.”
Isobel looked up at him, her resistance fading. There was no anger in her eyes, no resentment—just understanding. She nodded slowly. “Okay.”
Relief washed over him, and he kissed her forehead softly. “Good. Now, let me make some calls. You’ll be safe, I promise.”
As Brad stepped away to call Detective Larson, a sense of calm settled over him. He had asserted his dominance in a way that was firm but caring, ensuring Isobel understood his need to protect her without diminishing her independence. This was what it meant to be her Dom—to balance control with compassion, authority with care. She was learning to trust him more deeply with each passing moment.
And that trust made all the difference.