Chapter 4

Chapter Four

Drew

D rew had always been driven by a sense of duty and honor. Her posting to the special operations unit was the ultimate test of her skills, and in the last few days, she had done her best to prove herself as a professional pilot and well-organized operator in high-risk operations.

However, she was never prepared for the wave of emotions that usually hit her whenever she was with Izzy.

Lieutenant Colonel Oakley was a force to be reckoned with—tough, no-nonsense, and always in control. Her sharp jawline and piercing brown eyes seemed to bore into her soul as if she were being dared to make a mistake.

Drew found herself drawn to her confidence and expertise, but she was determined to keep her feelings in check.

After that night's confession, she knew it was better to take things slow and steady. After all, she was a professional, and she couldn't let her emotions compromise the mission.

They had spoken the next morning and agreed to leave things as they were. Just that incredible night together and they would remain friends with fond memories of that night in front of the open fire.

It wasn’t really what Drew wanted, but once Izzy’s clothes were back on, she had been determined that that was what would happen, so Drew agreed to it. What else could she do?

Obviously she still wanted Izzy. Obviously she still felt that familiar yearning in her groin every time she saw her, but it wasn’t to be and she needed to accept that.

As they worked together on a series of high-stakes operations, she found herself relying more and more on Isabel’s expertise. Isabel’s calm and steady presence was a balm to her frazzled nerves, and she usually looked forward to their briefings together.

As such, the events of one fateful night had her doubting her ability to remain professional.

They were on a stealth mission deep behind enemy lines when she made a critical mistake. She had misread the coordinates to the location, and they found themselves flying straight into an ambush.

Lieutenant Colonel Oakley’s voice was low and urgent in her earpiece. “Major, what's going on? We need to get out of here now!"

Her heart raced as she frantically tried to correct her mistake, but it was too late. They were surrounded, and the enemy was closing in.

So, she did the first thing that came into her mind. She landed the helicopter impromptu, and almost immediately, they started firing.

In a flash, Lieutenant Colonel Oakley took charge, her medical training kicking in as she dragged Drew to safety.

They huddled together behind a nearby rock, bullets whizzing overhead, as Izzy tended to a wound on the arm of one of the privates who had come along with them for the mission.

"Private Johns, I need you to stay calm," she growled at the ruddy looking boy, her eyes locked on him. "We'll get out of this, but you need to stay calm here.”

Drew felt a surge of gratitude mixed with a healthy dose of fear toward Isabel. She knew she had almost gotten them killed, and all because she had allowed thoughts of the delectable Izzy to fill her head.

As they huddled behind the rock, Isabel's hands moved swiftly and precisely, assessing the private’s wound and applying a tourniquet to stem the bleeding. But Drew's gaze was drawn to the other soldier lying nearby, his eyes pleading for help.

Isabel followed her gaze and nodded grimly.“Right, Private Johns will be ok. Nothing serious.”

"I've got to try and save the other soldier,” she said, already moving toward him.

Drew's eyes widened in horror as Izzy crawled into the open, bullets whizzing past her head, to reach the soldier's side.

The thought of losing her was terrifying.

Drew dashed out into the open to follow her helping her quickly drag the injured soldier back to their position of relative safety behind the rock.

Drew watched as Izzy worked swiftly, her hands moving with precision as she applied pressure to his wounds, her face set in a fierce determination.

“We are in danger here, the enemy are moving around. Our location will soon be compromised.” Drew screamed, trying to grab her arm, but she shook off her grip.

"I have to try!" Her voice carried above the din of gunfire.

For what felt like an eternity, Isabel worked on the soldier, the risk to all their lives was great. Drew watched in awe as she refused to give up, even when it seemed hopeless.

As Lieutenant Colonel Oakley worked to save the soldier's life, Drew provided cover, firing her weapon at the enemy’s positions, trying to keep them pinned back. She moved swiftly as she darted between rocks, returning fire.

But in the chaos of the battle, she didn't notice the enemy soldier flanking to her left, nor did she see the rifle barrel trained on her until it was too late.

The gunshot cracked through the air, and she felt a searing pain in her arm. She spun around, her vision blurring, as she saw the enemy soldier fall to the ground, taken out by Isabel's swift shot.

She dropped her gaze to her arm, where a crimson stain was spreading rapidly. She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, but she refused to give in.

"Lieutenant!" She tried to keep her voice steady. "I've been hit!"

Isabel's gentle face appeared beside her, her eyes scanning her wound. "I think it's just a graze," Izzy said, her voice calm. "You'll be okay."

But Drew knew she wasn't okay. She could feel her strength fading and her vision tunneling. She looked up at Isabel, her eyes locking onto hers.

"Protect yourself," Drew whispered, her voice barely audible. "Get out of here."

Isabel's face was set in fierce determination. "Not without you," she growled, dragging her back behind the rock as the enemy closed in.

As she put a makeshift bandage on Drew’s wound, their eyes met, and for a moment, the chaos of the battlefield faded away. She felt a deep sense of connection and understanding, as if they were the only two in the world.

"Why?" Drew asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you risk your life like that?"

Izzy's gaze locked onto hers, her beautiful brown eyes burning with intensity. "Because it's what we do," she said, her voice firm. "We save lives, no matter the cost."

Drew knew that. Of course she did. But, somehow now she cared about Izzy and whatever there was or wasn’t between them, she knew she couldn’t bear to lose her.

At that moment, Drew knew she was in big trouble. She had feelings for Izzy and they were growing. Even though they had decided not to act on it. She liked her. Not just on a personal and physical level, although certainly on a personal and physical level. But also, Izzy was an incredible soldier- not just for her bravery, but also for her compassion, humanity, and unwavering commitment to saving others, including her, even in the face of danger

Isabel’s hands moved gently, her touch sending shivers down Drew's spine. "You're going to be okay," she whispered, her voice soft and reassuring.

Drew's gaze drifted to Izzy’s face, her eyes tracing the lines of her jaw and the curve of her lips. She felt a surge of emotion, gratitude, and something more.

"Thank you."

Isabel’s expression softened "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I was here."

As they gazed into each other's eyes, the tension between them was palpable. She could feel herself drowning in the depths of Izzy’s eyes like she were home. Then, Izzy broke the connection.

"I have to check on the private."

Drew took one look at the private lying a few feet away and shook her head. "I think he's gone, Izzy."

Isabel shook her head. "I have to make sure. I owe it to him."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Isabel crawled back to their position, the soldier's lifeless body left behind. Drew saw the toll it had taken on her: her sweat-drenched hair, the exhaustion etched on her face, her eyes that seemed to hold a thousand emotions.

For a moment, they just looked at each other. The only sound, distant gunfire; the only movement, a gentle rustle of the wind. The gunfire was more distant now. They seemed safe. For now, anyway. Drew took Izzy in her arms for just a moment.

The battlefield was an ever changing beast and Drew knew they needed to get out of there soon.

Then, Isabel's face drew closer, her lips inches from Drew's. Drew’s heart skipped a beat as she realized what was happening.

But just as their lips were about to touch, they heard a helicopter. A rescue helicopter coming for them. They both pulled away from each other quickly, remembering where they were. They had to get out of here.

Just as they were about to board the extraction helicopter, a hail of gunfire erupted from the surrounding hills. Another group of insurgents had launched a surprise attack.

Without hesitation, Izzy sprang into action. She sprinted toward the enemy, her weapon at the ready. Drew watched in awe as Isabel took down the insurgents one by one, her movements swift and deadly.

Isabel's training seemed to have kicked in overdrive, and she went full commando, taking cover behind a nearby rock and returning fire with precision. She darted between boulders, using her agility and quick reflexes to evade the enemy's bullets.

Drew joined the fight, but Isabel was a force to be reckoned with. She took point, clearing a path through the insurgents with ease. Her superior shooting skills were on full display, and Drew couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and admiration.

As the insurgents fell, Izzy turned to Drew and yelled, "Let's go, Drew! We need to get out of here now!"

Drew nodded, and together, they made a break for the helicopter the last soldiers still alive on their team joining them. Isabel covered their backs, laying down a withering field of fire to keep the enemy at bay.

As Isabel’s fearless assault inspired the others, a fierce battle cry erupted from the team waiting at the helicopter. With renewed ferocity, they charged into the fray, unleashing a maelstrom of firepower and fury upon the insurgents.

Drew turned around and led the charge, her weapon blazing as she cut down enemy fighters with precision and skill. The rest of the team followed close behind, their movements fluid and deadly.

The insurgents, caught off guard by the sudden ferocity of the counterattack, stumbled backward in disarray. Their cries of panic and fear filled the air as the team closed in for the kill.

In a whirlwind of chaos and destruction, the team tore through the enemy ranks, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The insurgents' weapons fell silent, their bodies strewn across the ground like broken dolls.

As the dust settled, the team stood victorious, their chests heaving with exhaustion. Isabel, her eyes still blazing with fury, turned to Drew and nodded. "That was for you, Drew."

Drew's face softened, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Thanks, Izzy. I owe you one."

The team's roar of triumph echoed through the hills, a testament to their unbreakable bond and unwavering loyalty. Together, they had faced danger and emerged victorious; their trust and respect for each other forged in the fire of battle.

The team turned to Izzy. They surrounded her, patting her on the back and congratulating her on her bravery.

"Rambo! Rambo!" Sergeant Rodriguez chanted, his deep voice echoing through the hills.

The others joined in, hailing Isabel as a hero. Corporal Patel grinned, shaking his head in amazement. "Lieutenant Colonel, you're a freakin' legend!"

Isabel's face flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't help smiling.

They made it onto the extraction helicopter and Drew sat next to Izzy, a quiet smile on her face. She raised her hand, giving Isabel a thumbs-up. "Well done, Lieutenant Colonel," she said, her voice low and sincere.

Izzy smiled in response and her gaze remained locked on Drew.

As they lifted off, Isabel turned to Drew with a fierce grin. “It’s an exhilaration, isn’t it, Major. I hate war for everything it stands for, but coming through these battles, winning mostly, it’s a thrill. But, I ache for the soldier we lost.” Her eyes looked into the distance.

Drew raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You're a regular action hero, Lieutenant Colonel. And, the soldier we lost, Private Brown, we will always remember him.”

Isabel chuckled, her adrenaline still pumping. "Just doing my job, Major."

But Drew knew better. Izzy had saved her life, and she would never forget that.

As they made their way back to base, it was difficult to shake off the feeling of shame and embarrassment that enveloped her earlier.

She had let her emotions cloud her judgment, and it had almost cost them their lives.

But as she glanced over at Isabel, she saw something in her eyes that gave Drew hope. Maybe, just maybe, Isabel felt the same way. And maybe, just maybe, they could overcome their mistakes and their fears and find a way to be together.

Later that night, Drew made her way to Izzy's quarters, clutching a bottle of wine. She had been thinking about her all day, replaying their moments together in the field.

Isabel opened the door, a hint of surprise on her face. "Drew, I didn't expect... "

She held up the wine with a smile. "Want to hang out a bit?”

Izzy's expression softened, and she stepped aside, letting her in.

As Drew entered her quarters, she was greeted by the warm glow of soft lighting and the gentle hum of jazz music. Isabel’s lovely brown eyes sparkled with surprise, followed by a hint of delight, as she took in the bottle of wine.

"I really didn't expect company," Isabel said, her voice husky. “It has been a bit of a day of it.”

Drew smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "I thought we could unwind. Talk about something other than work, war, or death."

Izzy nodded, leading her to a cozy sitting area. As they sipped the wine, their conversations started light with stories about their families and childhoods.

She laughed at Isabel's tales of her mischievous siblings while Isabel chuckled at the stories of Drew’s adventurous youth.

But as the night wore on, their words delved deeper, touching on their fears and doubts. Drew spoke of her anxiety and her fear of losing control, and Isabel shared her own fears of failing and not being able to save everyone.

Drew's voice trembled as she spoke of an encounter she had in the past and how she didn't want to relive the scenarios that led to that haunting experience. Isabel’s eyes filled with empathy, her face reflecting her emotions.

"It makes me feel like I'm constantly walking on eggshells in life, and I try every day not to let such situations come up ever again," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like if I make one wrong move, everything will fall apart."

Isabel reached out her hand, her fingers brushing against Drew's. "You're not alone," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "We all feel that way. But we can't let fear paralyze us."

Their words hung in the air, raw and vulnerable. But instead of pulling away, they drew closer, their eyes locking in a deep understanding. The wine bottle was empty, but they didn't notice.

They were lost in each other's eyes, their hearts beating as one.

Izzy’s words were like a balm to her soul, soothing her fears and calming her doubts.

As they talked, their faces inches apart, Drew felt her emotions raw and exposed. But instead of pulling away, she leaned in, drawn to the warmth of Izzy’s presence.

Then, without a word, Izzy’s lips met hers, their kiss gentle yet passionate. The world around them melted away, leaving them lost in their emotions.

Drew moved closer, their tongues tussling in a passionate kiss. Her hands began to seek beneath Izzy’s shirt instantly, her hunger for her stronger than ever before.

Izzy responded to her, letting out a little moan as Drew’s hands began to roam her body. The lightest of brushes over her nipples had them erect and excited and Drew couldn’t wait any longer.

She began stripping Izzy’s clothes off to feed the desperate need inside of her and as she did, she felt Izzy’s hands beginning to strip her own shirt from her. Her Calvin Klein bra was suddenly being pulled over her head. Their movements were needy and desperate in amongst kisses.

In barely any time at all they were both naked and Drew dropped to her knees on the floor, desperate to taste Izzy.

She pushed Izzy’s thighs roughly apart with her hands and there was no teasing tonight. Her hungry mouth took an eager mouthful of Izzy’s hot wet pussy. The taste of her and how wet she was drove Drew crazy.

Izzy moaned.

“I need you,” Drew took a breath and spoke before going straight back to what she was doing. Then another breath. “You taste so good, you are so fucking wet for me,” she said.

Izzy’s moans got louder and Drew noticed her thighs part further and her hands tangle in Drew’s hair as she pulled Drew’s face tighter into her.

Drew devoured Izzy, her mouth working hard both to please and to satisfy her own desperate hunger.

She wanted this woman so badly and she had nearly lost her today. Their passion was driven by the fear of loss, the bullet graze on Drew’s arm long forgotten as Drew’s tongue took everything from Izzy.

The hot wet heat of her pulsing in need on Drew’s tongue.

“Oh, Drew… oh, fuck,” Izzy’s voice was just a whimper.

Drew brought her right hand up pushing fingers inside Izzy with no warning. She wanted to fuck her, she needed so desperately to fuck her now.

“Ohhhhh” Izzy cried out loudly. “That feels so good.”

Drew began to thrust in and out, her mouth still on Izzy’s clitoris, her tongue lapping eagerly. She was finally fucking Lieutenant Colonel Oakley in the way she had fantasised about since the first time she saw her and it felt like the biggest thrill Drew could imagine.

Oh, and there was something else she wanted before Izzy came.

She pulled away from Izzy suddenly. “Turn over,” she growled.

Izzy’s eyes opened as she sat forward, her big brown eyes widening at Drew. “Trust me, you’ll like it,” Drew said, her mind whirring with filthy possibilities.

Before Izzy could argue, Drew stood, pulling Izzy up off of the sofa and repositioning her bent over the arm of the sofa. Drew pushed her face down into the cushions knowing that would raise her ass deliciously.

This was what she wanted to see, Izzy’s ass in the air, pulling her open and on display for her and it didn’t disappoint.

Oh fuck, yes.

“Oh, baby, you look so good,” Drew said as she ran her hands up Izzy’s back, tangling them for a second in her dark hair and giving a gentle tug.

“I’m going to take you and your beautiful body somewhere now, baby. You just relax and come with me.”

Drew’s hands ran eagerly over the globes off Izzy’s round ass. Drew had always recognised how good it looked in pants, but now, it looked absolutely edible.

She knelt on the floor again. This hadn’t been her original plan, but right now she couldn’t resist. She parted Izzy’s cheeks with her hands and licked with her tongue eating Izzy with purpose again, Izzy’s clit swelling in her mouth as Drew sucked on it. Then Drew’s tongue parting her labia and pushing as deep as it could reach.

Then Drew’s tongue running over her anus and up the beautiful cleft of her ass.

Fuck, I could do this all day.

By the sounds of Izzy’s moans, she could also do this all day.

Drew’s hands parted Izzy’s cheeks again as she began properly tonguing her asshole and enjoyed the delicious shivers she felt running through Izzy’s body in response. She felt them transferring to her own body like electricity pulsing through her veins.

Their was one hell of a sexual connection between them Drew felt her own clit throbbing and her own wetness becoming almost uncomfortable as she pressed her tongue into Izzy’s tight anus, feeling it begin to open for her and she pushed inside more.

That’s right, baby. Open up for me.

She moved her right hand plunging 3 fingers into Izzy’s soaking wet pussy while she continued her tongues efforts on Izzy’s asshole.

She heard Izzy’s cries muffled by the sofa cushions.

She added a 4th finger curling her fingers downwards to press Izzy’s G spot as she began to fuck her roughly. Izzy was so wet and open for her and moaning loudly at every thrust.

Drew kept her fingers inside Izzy and stood up, smiling at Izzy’s beautiful body writhing in pleasure beneath her.

She leant forward over Izzy’s body her own breasts grazing Izzy’s back as she whispered in her ear,

“I’m going to fuck your ass now baby. And you are going to come with my fingers inside your ass.”

She felt Izzy shudder beneath her, “Drew, I’ve never…” she gasped.

“Got to try everything once,” Drew growled as she took Izzy’s earlobe between her teeth and pulled on it.

“Unless you say the word STOP, I’m going to continue,” Drew whispered giving Izzy an out she hoped she wouldn’t take. She liked the idea of taking Izzy sexually in a way she had never been taken before.

Drew took both of her hands and ran them over Izzy’s body. Izzy hadn’t said anything so Drew took it as a sign to continue.

She had a small tub of vaseline in her pocket that she had been using for her lips which had been dry in the desert air.

That will be perfect.

She pulled out the vaseline, taking a big smear of it with her right index finger, she pulled Izzy’s asscheek aside with her left hand exposing her anus and smeared the lube on it with her right finger.

Another loud moan from Izzy.

She wants this. She daren’t say it out loud but she’s certainly not stopping me.

Drew began to play with her right index finger circling Izzy’s anus before pushing very slowly deep inside and the feeling of Izzy’s anus opening for her finger was right up there with the most beautiful pleasure Drew had experienced. She felt literal sparks on her finger, their connection was that powerful.

“That’s it, Baby. Open up for me,” Drew growled. Izzy’s breathing was coming in quick pants and Drew could sense her orgam beginning to build. Sometimes anal was like that. The feelings could be so very intense and overpowering.

She pulled her finger slowly all the way out, before beginning to plunge it all the way back in as far as it would go.

Izzy’s ensuing moan was deep and guttural.

“You are going to come while I fuck your ass, baby. It will be the most powerful orgasm you’ve ever had.”

Izzy moaned in response and shivers ran through her whole body as Drew began to move her finger in and out faster. Izzy’s ass felt suddenly totally relaxed and open to her. As she pulled her finger out, she coated another finger in vaseline and added a second finger pressing both inside of Izzy deeply. Izzy was lost to it now, her body was responding of its own accord, shuddering and moaning in pleasure as Drew’s fingers fucked her ass.

She smiled to herself. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.

She reached her left hand underneath and cupped it so her fingers pressed Izzy’s clitoris as the fingers of her right hand continued to fuck her ass.

Seconds later, Izzy exploded in orgasm gushing into the palm of Drew’s left hand her anus pushing around Drew’s fingers. Her orgasm seemed to go on and on as though it would never stop and it was minutes later when her body was limp and Drew finally slid her fingers out of her.

That climax was incredible and Drew felt privileged to have been able to give it.

Her own sexual need however was throbbing insistently between her legs. She felt her own wetness trickling down her inner thigh.

Izzy was breathing heavily and still lying in the exact same position.

Drew rolled her over until she was on her back along the sofa, her lovely long legs draping over the arm of it.

Her body was flushed and wet with sweat, her breasts rising and falling with her laboured breathing.

Her eyes looked up at Drew glazed with lust. “That was the most incredible thing I’ve ever felt,” she whispered. “I can still feel you inside of me, as though you’ll always be there. So deep. So very deep,” she whispered.

Drew put her hand on Izzy’s chest between her breasts. “I know, baby. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever felt. I’m so turned on now though. I need something from you. Can I come in your mouth?” Drew asked, not wanting to do anything without Izzy’s consent but she needed to come so badly she might scream.

Izzy nodded and didn’t move as though she no longer had the energy to do or say anything.

However, that didn’t matter. Drew got up on the sofa, straddling Izzy’s face, lowering her needy pussy onto Izzy’s mouth. Izzy’s tongue pressed into her.

“No need, baby. You just lie there. This won’t take long.”

Drew ground her pussy down tightly onto Izzy’s mouth, and as soon as she felt the sweet pleasure of the pressure of Izzy’s face against her clit she released her orgasm loudly and wetly into Izzy’s mouth. Moaning, grinding, coming once, twice, thrice.

Fuck that feels good.

They lay wrapped in each other's arms, their hearts raw and exposed, until they both drifted off to sleep.

When Drew awoke, she was alone and cold on the sofa, the scent of their sex still heavy.

She dressed quickly and headed back to her own room.

The next day, showered and fresh, Drew sought out Izzy to go over a few details for the new mission. She had been thinking about their passionate night together, replaying the memories in her mind. She wanted to see her again, reconnect, and feel that spark again.

She wanted her. She couldn’t stop thinking about it.

As she approached Isabel’s quarters, she felt a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. She knocked on the door, her heart beating even faster.

Isabel opened the door, her expression neutral, her eyes avoiding Drew's. "Major," she said, her voice polite but distant.

Drew’s heart sank and sensed something was off. " Lieutenant Colonel Oakley," she replied, trying to sound casual. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Isabel hesitated, her eyes flicking to the side. "I'm busy, Major. We have a mission to prepare for."

She felt a sting of rejection. "Actually, it's about the mission," Drew pressed, trying to keep her tone light to hide her surprise at Isabel’s new behavior.

But her expression remained firm. "I'm afraid not, Major. We'll see each other in the briefing room. You can leave. I'll meet you there."

Drew's face fell, and her heart grew heavy with disappointment. She felt snubbed and rejected like she was nothing more than a casual encounter.

"Understood," she said, trying to hide her emotions.

As she turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of Isabel’s face, her eyes flashing with a hint of regret. But it was too late. The moment had passed.

She walked away feeling lost, confused, and more than a little hurt. What had happened to the connection they had shared just hours before?

How had she gone from hot to cold so quickly?

Drew turned around and looked back to see that Isabel was coming from behind. She was determined to find out what was wrong.

"Lieutenant Colonel?"

Isabel turned the opposite direction and quickened her pace. She had gone a few feet when she turned and stopped, her eyes fixed ahead. "I'm busy, Major," she said curtly, her voice devoid of warmth.

Drew's frustration grew, her emotions simmering just below the surface. "What's going on?" she demanded, her voice rising. “You're acting like a stranger, like nothing happened between us."

Isabel stopped abruptly, her eyes flashing with a warning. "Nothing did happen, Major," she said, her voice icy. "We've had our moments, yeah. But it was just a time of weakness. Let's just forget it, shall we?"

Drew felt like she had been slapped, her face stinging from the rejection. "Forget it? You can't just dismiss everything we shared like that."

Isabel's expression turned glacial. "I can, Major, and I am. Now, if you'll excuse me, we have work to do."

"Stop," she ordered. “Stop or I'll ask for a direct transfer out of the unit."

Drew knew she was being dramatic, but she couldn’t help herself. She needed to talk to Izzy alone,

This must have taken Isabel by surprise, and she shook for a moment before slowly turning around.

"Alright, let's talk," she said, resigned.

They went to the makeshift cafeteria in the base and had barely sat down when she started to press Isabel for answers. Their conversation grew more heated, and anyone who passed them could see that there was more tension between them. Even the other soldiers in the cafeteria noticed.

One of them, a burly sergeant, snickered and made a crude joke. "Hey, why don't you two lezzas just get a room already?" To which everyone laughed.

Isabel's face turned beet red with anger, her eyes blazing.

“Sergeant. My office 2pm. You’ll face a disciplinary.”

She spun to Drew, her voice low and venomous. "I can't do this anymore, Major. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid."

Drew felt her face flush with embarrassment, her eyes darting to the surrounding soldiers. "I'm just trying to talk to you."

But Isabel was having none of it. "No, you're not," she snapped. "You're making a spectacle of yourself. And me." She paused and looked around as if checking to make sure that no one was listening in. "Let's keep it professional from now on. I'll take my leave now."

With that, she got up and walked away, leaving Drew feeling foolish and humiliated. The other soldiers snickered and whispered to each other, their eyes fixed on her.

Her face burned with unshed tears. She felt like she had been wounded. She didn't know what to do, so she just sat there, frozen in discomfort.

The sergeant who'd made the joke patted her on the back, his voice sympathetic. "Don't worry, Major. She's just stressed out. It's not you."

But Drew knew better. She knew she had crossed a line, their connection had been too intense it was terrifying for Izzy to have let go with her on such a level and Izzy was done with her.

As she sat there, a realization dawned on her. The joke, Izzy’s anger, the whispers and snickers from the men, it all clicked. Talk had been spreading about them, about their relationship, and Isabel was trying to distance herself to avoid any repercussions.

Her mind raced as she thought about the potential consequences. They were both high-ranking officers, and their relationship would be a problem, they both knew that.

It could ruin their careers, undermine their authority, and create tension within the unit.

Suddenly, Izzy’s behavior made sense. She was trying to protect herself, her reputation, and her career. And she couldn't blame her for that.

But that didn't make it any easier. She felt a pang of sadness and loss. She had thought they had something real, something special. But now it seemed like it was all being torn apart by gossip and speculation.

Drew took a deep breath, trying to process her emotions. She knew she had to be professional and maintain her composure. But it was hard, especially as all she wanted to do was talk to Isabel, clear the air and figure out what was going on.

Instead, she got up and strolled to the briefing room, trying to focus on the mission ahead. But her heart was heavy, and her mind raced with thoughts of what could have been, even as she saw no way out of the present ordeal.

She had barely walked a few steps when the general’s deep baritone stopped her.

"Major Drew Mitchell, kindly come to my office now."