Chapter 10

10

SARA

C hicago, Illinois

A Month Later

Sara stood by the large window in Bryan’s penthouse apartment, the shores of Lake Michigan stretching out before her. It was a stark contrast to the rugged wilderness and dusty compounds they’d left behind, but the chaos of the city seemed fitting for the storm of emotions brewing inside her.

Behind her, Bryan moved through the apartment with the quiet efficiency she’d come to expect. He was packing, preparing for his next mission with Doctors Without Borders. She watched his reflection in the glass, her mind wrestling with the inevitable separation looming over them.

“Are you going to keep staring out that window, or are you going to tell me what’s on your mind?” Bryan’s voice broke through her thoughts, low and steady, with just a hint of amusement.

Sara turned, crossing her arms. “Maybe I don’t want to distract you while you pack.”

He straightened, a folded shirt in his hands, and gave her a knowing look. “You’re not distracting me. You’re avoiding something.”

She hated how easily he could see through her, but she couldn’t deny the comfort it brought, either.

“I’m not avoiding anything,” she said, her tone defensive. “I’m just… processing.”

Bryan arched a brow. “Processing what?”

Sara hesitated, then shrugged. “Everything. This. Us.”

He set the shirt down and crossed the room, stopping in front of her. His hand lifted, his fingers brushing her chin as he tilted her face up to meet his gaze.

“I’m not leaving you behind, Sara,” he said firmly, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she managed to keep her voice even. “You have a job to do. And I have mine.”

His thumb brushed her cheek, the simple gesture grounding her. “Your job doesn’t have to keep us apart. There’s a place for you in my life, if you want it.”

Sara stared at him, her mind racing. She’d spent years building walls, guarding her independence, and defining herself through her work. The idea of giving that up—or even sharing it—was terrifying.

“What would that even look like?” she asked quietly.

Bryan’s lips quirked into a small smile. “It looks like us, figuring it out as we go. Together.”

Her throat tightened at the sincerity in his voice. “I don’t know if I can give up Cerberus,” she admitted. “It’s who I am.”

“It doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” Bryan said, his voice steady. “You don’t have to lose who you are to be with me, Sara. I don’t want that. But I do want you to think about what makes you happy—what you want your life to look like.”

She looked away, his words hitting closer to home than she’d expected. “I’ve never thought about that,” she admitted. “Not really. It’s always been about the mission, the next job.”

Bryan’s hand dropped to her shoulder, his grip firm but comforting. “Maybe it’s time you did.”

The scent of coffee and leather filled the room as Sara sat on the edge of the bed later that evening, her mind still spinning. Bryan had gone to make a few calls, giving her space, but his presence lingered, a steady undercurrent to her thoughts.

Could she really walk away from Cerberus? The idea felt impossible, like leaving behind a part of herself. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny the pull Bryan had on her—the way he saw her, understood her, and challenged her in ways no one else ever had.

The sound of the door opening pulled her from her thoughts, and she looked up to see Bryan stepping into the room. His gaze found hers immediately, and the intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

“Decide anything?” he asked, his voice low.

Sara shook her head. “Not yet.”

Bryan crossed the room in a few strides, stopping in front of her. He knelt, his hands resting on her thighs, his gaze unwavering.

“You don’t have to decide tonight,” he said softly. “But I need you to know something.”

Her breath hitched as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “I want you, Sara. Not just for tonight, or for the next mission. I want you in my life. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of his words sinking in. “Bryan…” she started, but he cut her off with a kiss.

It wasn’t gentle. It was possessive, commanding, and filled with the passion and emotion she had come to expect from him. Bryan never did anything by half measures. Sara melted into it, her hands tangling in his hair as he pushed her back onto the bed.

Bryan’s weight pressed against her, grounding her as his lips moved to her neck, his teeth grazing her skin. She gasped, her body arching beneath him, her walls crumbling with every touch.

“You’re mine, Sara,” he murmured against her skin, his voice rough with emotion. “And I’m yours.”

Her hands gripped his shoulders, her voice trembling as she whispered, “Yes. Always.”

The night unfolded in a blur of passion and intensity, their connection deepening with every kiss, every whispered word. Bryan’s dominance was a steady guide, his care and respect anchoring her in a way she’d never experienced before.

The next day, when the morning light filtered through the curtains, Sara lay tangled in the sheets, her body pressed against Bryan’s. She traced lazy circles on his chest, her mind quiet for the first time in what felt like forever.

“You still processing?” Bryan asked, his voice rough with sleep.

Sara smiled, pressing a kiss to his chest. “Maybe. But I think I’m getting there.”

He chuckled softly, his arm tightening around her. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere without you.”

For the first time, Sara believed him. And for the first time, she didn’t feel the need to fight it.

brYAN

The steady hum of voices filled the room as Bryan adjusted his newly made black leather vest. He caught his reflection in the polished mirror lining the hallway outside the main lounge of Club Southside. The tailored fit of his new leathers was undeniably flattering, the sleek lines accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame.

“Well, don’t you look like the poster boy for a midlife kink awakening,” Seth quipped as he leaned against the doorway, his signature grin firmly in place.

Bryan rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the faint grin tugging at his lips. “Don’t start, Seth.”

“Oh, I’m just getting warmed up,” Seth replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “From scrubs to leathers in just a couple of months? Fitz is going to have a field day with this one.”

Bryan turned to face his friend, his expression softening. “You’d do the same for someone who turned your world upside down.”

Seth’s grin faltered, replaced by something warmer, more genuine. “Yeah, I would. I did. And for what it’s worth, Bryan, you clean up well.”

“Thanks,” Bryan said, his voice low.

“Don’t screw this up,” Seth added, clapping him on the shoulder before disappearing into the lounge.

Bryan exhaled, his nerves tightening in a way he hadn’t felt since the day he first set foot in an operating room. Tonight wasn’t just about ceremony; it was about making a promise—to Sara and to himself.

The main floor of the dungeon had been transformed into a romantic sanctuary. Warm, golden light spilled from chandeliers, casting a soft glow over the gathered crowd. Their friends from both Southside and Baker Street filled the space, their familiar faces a mix of excitement and curiosity.

But it wasn’t the crowd that caught Bryan’s attention. It was Sara.

She stood at the center of the room, her back to him, speaking quietly with Miley and Damon. Her custom green silk brocade corset hugged her curves perfectly, the black lace detailing adding an edge of elegance to the striking ensemble. The matching thong left little to the imagination, but it wasn’t just her beauty that had Bryan’s breath catching in his throat.

It was the way she held herself—with confidence, grace, and the quiet strength he’d fallen in love with.

When she turned, their eyes met across the room. The noise faded, the crowd disappearing until it was just the two of them. She smiled, and Bryan felt the last of his nerves melt away.

He stepped forward, the murmur of voices growing softer as the room’s attention shifted to them. Damon and Miley stepped aside, leaving Sara alone at the center.

“You look stunning,” Bryan said, his voice low as he reached for her hand.

“And you look incredibly handsome and dashing,” she replied, her lips curving into a teasing smile.

He lifted her hand to his lips, brushing a kiss against her knuckles. “Are you ready?”

Sara nodded, her eyes shining. “I’ve never been more ready for anything.”

Bryan turned to Seth, who stood nearby, holding a small velvet box. Seth opened it, revealing the collar Bryan had designed especially for her.

The emeralds and baroque pearls gleamed under the light, the square-cut diamond at the center catching every facet of brilliance. Gasps of admiration rippled through the room, but Bryan barely noticed. His focus was entirely on Sara.

He took the collar from the box, the weight of it solid and reassuring in his hands. “Sara Gray,” he began, his voice steady, “this collar is more than a symbol. It’s a promise. A promise to honor you, to support you, and to love you. Always.”

Sara’s breath hitched, her lips parting as emotion filled her eyes.

“Will you accept this?” Bryan asked softly.

She nodded, her voice trembling. “Yes. Always.”

With practiced hands, Bryan secured the collar around her neck. The emeralds and pearls lay perfectly against her skin, the diamond glinting like a star.

Applause erupted, breaking the intimate bubble that had surrounded them. Sara turned to face their friends, her smile radiant, but it was the way she looked at Bryan—like he was her anchor, her safe harbor—that left him breathless.

Miley approached, clinking her glass to get the room’s attention. “A toast!” she called, grinning broadly. “To Bryan and Sara—may your adventures be as thrilling as your love story and your dynamic as strong as your spirits!”

Later, as the celebration began to wind down, Bryan and Sara slipped away from the others.

“What’s next?” Sara asked, her hand brushing against his.

Bryan looked at her, his heart swelling with love and determination. “Whatever we want. Our future is ours to make.”

She smiled, leaning into him. “I like the sound of that.”

Bryan wrapped his arm around her, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew they would face them as a team—stronger and more connected than ever.

The night was theirs, and the future waited, full of promise.