The relentless tick-tock of the clock echoed through Reid's office, mirroring the impatience and frustration that consumed him. Another week had slipped away since the revelation of his medical results and the undeniable truth that the child growing in Bella's belly was his. The weight of the unknown gnawed at him, pushing him to the brink of insanity.Seated behind his imposing desk, Reid shot a glance at Boris, his head of security, who stood before him with a somber expression. The air in the room was charged with tension, and Reid's voice cut through the silence, sharp and impatient."Boris, I need answers. It's been a week, and we're no closer to finding her. How is that even possible?" Reid's frustration seeped into every word, the controlled composure he usually wore crumbling in the face of the unknown.Boris sighed, a tinge of apology in his eyes. "Mr. Carter, I've exhausted every resource we have. There are no trails, no hints. It's like she vanished into thin air."Reid cle
As Boris entered Reid's office, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Reid leaned forward, his eyes locked on Boris, his demeanour a mix of tension and eagerness. Boris held a report in his hands, the culmination of their relentless search for Bella."I've got news, Mr. Carter," Boris began, his voice steady but edged with urgency.Reid's focus sharpened, "What is it? Have you found her?"Boris nodded, his gaze meeting Reid's. "We may have a lead. We employed a hacker to track Bella's social media activity, specifically through her best friend Lily's account. Just recently, a new profile accessed Lily's account, and we traced the IP address."Reid's breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. "Where? Where is she?"Boris continued, his words measured yet laden with significance. "The IP led us to Dallas, Texas."The name of the city struck a chord within Reid, setting off a whirlwind of emotions. Dallas, the place where Bella had vanished, where their paths had
As the plane's wheels touched down on Texas soil, Reid was greeted by the liaison waiting for him. The liaison, a seasoned local, briefed him on the latest developments regarding Bella's location. With the sun starting its descent, casting an amber hue across the horizon, Reid felt a surge of impatience and determination.He gathered his security team and boarded two SUVs with tinted windows. The vehicles carved their way through the Texas landscape, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Reid's thoughts raced, anticipation fuelling his every breath. The drive seemed interminable, every minute dragging on like an eternity.When they approached the farm, the last rays of daylight were slipping away. Reid instructed his team to stay in the car, not wanting to alarm anyone. With his heart pounding against his chest, he took resolute steps toward the farmhouse. His mind buzzed with a mix of anxiety and determination.Reid reached the door, and with a steadying brea
As Bella untangled herself from Reid's unexpected embrace, she found herself flustered and taken aback by the flood of emotions that moment had unleashed. His tight hug, so filled with sincerity and emotion, was a side of him she had never seen before. She had anticipated a confrontation, perhaps even a demand or threat, but certainly not this display of vulnerability.Looking at Reid's face, she realized she had only seen such expressiveness once before—on the night they had conceived their baby. It was a stark contrast to the usual cold and impassive demeanor he wore like armor, an impenetrable shield.Outside, the sky was transitioning into twilight, signaling the approaching darkness. Bella felt a sudden urgency to use the washroom, a common occurrence in her pregnancy. She glanced at Reid, who seemed momentarily lost in his thoughts, and then asked if he'd like to join her for tea. His nod of agreement was almost eager, surprising her once again.Bella quickly hurried from the ro
In the midst of their intense conversation, Reid couldn't help but notice the turmoil etched on Bella's face, her eyes reflecting a mix of confusion, skepticism, and a hint of vulnerability. He understood her hesitation, knowing he had caused her pain and uncertainty.He observed Bella stifling a yawn, and it struck him that she might be exhausted, mentally and emotionally. He didn't want to push her further; he knew he needed to tread lightly, especially considering her condition, and allowing her space and time to process everything without feeling pressured."Bella," Reid began, his voice calm and measured, "I don't want to overwhelm you. It's been a long day today." He paused, trying to gauge her reaction.Bella's eyes met his, a hint of relief flashing across her face, grateful for his understanding. "I appreciate that," she replied softly, a hint of weariness in her voice."I want a chance to make things right," he continued, his tone gentle. "But I don't want to impose. For ton
After his encounter with Bella, Reid stepped out into the cool Texas night, the door closing behind him with a soft creak. Boris, his loyal head of security, waited for him outside, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the farm."Boris," Reid began, placing a hand on his shoulder, "You stay here overnight. Watch over Bella. She and the child are my top priorities now."Boris furrowed his brow, his usual stoic expression reflecting his uncertainty. "But sir, what about your safety? Shouldn't I be with you?"Reid shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Boris, my safety is of no concern tonight, I have the rest of the team with me. Bella needs protection, and I trust you with that task. Besides, I want you to get to know her. She'll be an essential part of my life."Boris blinked, trying to process the unexpected turn of events. "Mr. Carter, I thought we were here to find her, not… not to become her protector
As Reid read Bella's message, a wave of confusion washed over him. They had confirmed their lunch plans earlier, and now, without warning, she was canceling. Disappointment settled in his chest, followed by a tinge of frustration. What could have changed so drastically in such a short span of time?He dialed Boris's number swiftly, needing to understand what might have transpired."Boris, any updates on the situation?" Reid inquired, attempting to maintain his composed demeanor despite the brewing turmoil within.Boris, ever reliable, quickly responded, "All's quiet here. Bella and Kate invited me in for a coffee and breakfast. They seemed fine.""How did Bella look?" Reid's question was laced with curiosity, seeking clues to Boris's observation."In the morning, she seemed a bit flustered but smiling. Last time I saw her, though, she seemed a bit off, a tad disappointed," Boris explained, his tone reflecting the concern in his observations.Reid felt a sense of frustration rising wit
After Reid released her from his arms, after a few seconds Bella hurriedly retreated to her room, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. She slid down the door, her heart pounding erratically, emotions swirling like a tempest within her. Flustered and enticed by Reid's unexpected reaction, she needed a moment to collect herself. Her knees were still trembling, and her heart was beating really loudly.Rushing to the small ensuite, she splashed her face with cold water, attempting to regain control over her scattered thoughts. The cool water served as a balm, soothing the intensity of the moment. Leaning on the sink, she stared at her reflection in the mirror, still feeling the imprint of Reid's touch and his passion. He kissed her like a starved man and the way he looked at her, she realised that there was no escape.Shocked by the level of control and attraction Reid had over her, Bella tried to make sense of the turmoil within. She was caught off guard by the resurgence of f