Chapter 26
Twenty-Six
B rad pulled into the driveway of Tristan and Sophie’s sprawling home on the grounds of the Blackwell Institute, the evening moon casting long shadows across the front lawn. The Blackwell Institute grounds were quiet and serene, but the increased police presence, two squad cars parked discreetly near the gate, was a constant reminder that danger was still lurking. Hale was still out there, and they couldn’t afford to let their guard down.
He stepped out of the car, making his way toward the front door, where he could already hear the lively chatter of Isobel’s family. The moment the door opened, Sophie greeted him with a warm smile.
“Brad. You’re just in time. We’re having an impromptu dinner, and you’re not getting out of it,” she teased, her eyes twinkling with the kind of warmth that made Brad feel welcomed, despite the intensity of everything that had been happening.
Behind her, Isobel stood, a smile tugging at her lips, though he could still see the exhaustion in her eyes. Brad made his way over to her, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Ready to head out?” he asked gently, but before Isobel could respond, Olivia’s voice rang out from the dining room.
“Oh, come on, Brad. You’re not taking her away just yet. Stay for dinner!” Olivia called, her tone playful but insistent.
Brad looked at Isobel, who gave him a small nod. “I guess we’re staying,” he said with a chuckle, wrapping his arm around her waist as they followed Sophie into the dining room.
The table was already set, filled with plates of food, and Isobel’s family was seated around it. Jackson, Olivia’s fiancé, was pouring wine, while Molly, heavily pregnant, sat propped up with a pillow behind her back, a serene smile on her face. Charlotte and Alex were quietly chatting near the end of the table, their hands intertwined.
“Brad, sit,” Tristan said from his spot at the head of the table, his voice warm. “We could all use some company tonight.”
Brad and Isobel took their seats, the noise of the room settling as everyone turned their attention toward them. He could feel their gazes, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.
As they started to pass around the food, Olivia, always the most outspoken, looked at Brad with a knowing glint in her eye. “So, any news? Have you and Larson figured anything out?”
Isobel stiffened beside him, but Brad gave her a reassuring glance before turning back to the group. He knew he could trust them—they were family, and they wouldn’t let any information slip. Still, the gravity of the situation required delicacy.
“We’ve made some progress,” Brad began. “John Larson and I believe we know who’s responsible for the murders. His name is Dr. Malcolm Hale, a former psychologist who’s been obsessed with dominance, submission, and control. He’s been targeting forensic psychologists, like Isobel, for years.”
A ripple of shock went through the room, but no one interrupted as Brad continued, “We’ve pieced together that Hale has been using different aliases and disguises to stay hidden.” He avoided telling them he’d been watching Isobel for a long time. And that they believed he was planning to make his final move soon.
Charlotte placed a hand over her heart, her face filled with concern. “So, what happens now?”
Brad leaned forward, his expression determined. “Now, we make sure Isobel is safe. The police presence has been increased, and Larson and I are working around the clock to find him. He won’t get near her. Not while we’re on his trail.”
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone absorbed the information, and then, one by one, they nodded, a quiet solidarity forming around the table. This was Isobel’s family—strong, protective, and deeply loving. They would stand by her, no matter what.
As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Brad felt Olivia’s eyes on him, and soon enough, she leaned in with a sly grin. “So, Brad,” she began, her voice dropping into a teasing tone. “What are your intentions regarding my sister?”
Before Brad could respond, Jackson laughed from across the table. “Careful, Brad. She’s watching you. You better be good to Isobel, or you’ll have the whole family after you.”
The entire table erupted into laughter, the tension breaking in an instant. Even Isobel, who had been so quiet, smiled and let out a soft laugh.
Brad shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “I wouldn’t dream of being anything but good to her.”
Jackson, not missing a beat, leaned over and clapped Brad on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, man. You’ll survive. Maybe you should join us for men’s night when the girls get together.”
Alex grinned and added, “You play poker, Brad? Could be fun.”
Brad chuckled, feeling the camaraderie around him. “I’m in.” He relaxed as the easy banter continued around the table. This family, despite everything going on, knew how to find moments of joy and laughter. It was something he admired—and something he knew Isobel needed right now.
Later that evening, Brad and Isobel arrived back at his house. The night air was cool, and as they stepped out of the car, they noticed the subtle presence of additional officers patrolling his property. She turned to Brad, her brow furrowed. “Do you think he’s watching?”
Brad nodded, his expression serious. “It’s possible. That’s why the police are here. But I won’t let anything happen to you, Belle.”
She gave him a small nod of understanding before they headed inside. The house felt like a sanctuary.
“I’m going to use the bathroom,” Isobel said softly as they entered the living room, and Brad nodded, watching her disappear down the hallway. He moved to the couch, flicking through the TV listings absentmindedly, thinking about the dinner conversation and everything that had come up.
A few minutes later, he heard the soft click of the bathroom door opening. Brad turned around, expecting to see Isobel walking toward him, but instead, his breath caught in his throat.
She stood there, completely naked, her eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and confidence. Brad’s heart pounded in his chest as she took a step closer, dropping to her knees in front of him. “I’ve never done this before,” she whispered as she reached for him. “But I want to. I want to learn.”
His pulse quickened as she gently opened his belt and undid the button of his suit pants, pulling down the zipper with a deliberate slowness that sent a visible shiver of anticipation through him. He toed out of his shoes and socks, the soft carpet cool against his bare feet, and then Isobel slid his suit pants and boxer briefs down, exposing him fully. Her hands moved over him, tentative at first, and his breath hitched as her fingers explored the warmth of his skin, brushing lightly over his thighs.
He reached down, gently caressing her cheek, his touch firm but tender. His voice was low, thick with desire. "I’ll teach you, but follow your instincts. You’re already perfect."
Isobel didn’t hesitate, her lips brushing against him in a way that made his body tense with pleasure. A groan escaped his throat, deep and unrestrained, as her touch grew more confident with each passing second. Her hands, once tentative, became bolder, exploring him with an eagerness that sent waves of heat through his body.
Brad let himself go, allowing the control he usually held so tightly slip through his fingers. Every time her lips moved against him, every stroke of her hand brought him closer to the edge, his breath growing ragged as the sensation overwhelmed him. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment, feeling the pleasure build with every touch, every movement.
But as much as he wanted to let her continue, he needed more. With a soft groan, he gently stopped her, his hand coming to rest under her chin as he tilted her face upward to meet his gaze.
“Belle, I need to be inside you,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.
Without another word, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms, carrying her toward the bedroom. As he laid her down on the bed, their eyes locked in an unspoken connection, their need for each other as raw as it had ever been. Brad leaned down, kissing her deeply, his body pressing against hers as he lost himself in the intensity of the moment.
Isobel wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as their bodies moved together, the passion between them undeniable. It wasn’t just about physical pleasure—it was about the connection, the trust, the love they had built between them. Every movement, every touch, was filled with that unspoken bond, and Brad knew this moment would stay with him forever.
As they made love, everything else faded away—the fear, the danger, the uncertainty of what lay ahead. All that mattered was them, her body moving beneath his, their breaths mingling as they reached for the same release, the same connection.
When they finally came down from the high, their bodies tangled together in the sheets, Brad pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, his heart pounding. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close as they lay there in the quiet stillness of the room.
“I love you,” he whispered.
Isobel smiled against his chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across his skin. “I love you too,” she whispered back.
But just as the peace of the moment began to settle around them, Isobel’s body tensed slightly. “We didn’t use protection… Brad, what if…”
He stroked her hair gently, his voice calm and soothing as he pulled her closer. “That’s on me, Belle. I should’ve been more careful.”
Isobel’s eyes filled with uncertainty, and she looked up at him, her brow furrowed. “But what if I get pregnant?”
Brad’s heart swelled at her words, and, without hesitation, he cupped her face in his hands, his gaze locking onto hers. “How would you feel if you did?”
For a moment, she was silent, her eyes searching his, and then she smiled, her expression softening. “Blessed. I would feel blessed.”
Brad’s thumb brushed across her cheek, and he leaned in to kiss her. “I’ve been in love with you for a long time, Belle. No matter what happens, I’m with you.”
Tears welled up in Isobel’s eyes as she rested her head against his chest, her hand clutching his. “I’m with you too, Brad. Always.”