But this?
This was something else.
It wasn’t just the way Victoria had touched her—it was the way she’dlookedat her. Assessing. Measuring. As if she was deciding whether Isabel was worth the effort of caring.
And the fact that she’d stitched Isabel up herself instead of pawning her off on the medics spoke volumes.
Shit.
Isabel swallowed hard, forcing a crooked grin onto her face. “You’re awfully gentle for someone who probably learned this in a war zone.”
Victoria’s hands didn’t pause. “I’ve patched up worse.”
I’ll bet you have,Isabel thought, studying the sharp lines of her face, the way tension seemed baked into her posture, as if she’d forgotten how to relax.
“You ever think about quitting?” Isabel had asked, voice softer now. “Doing something less…” She’d gestured vaguely with her free hand. “Life-threatening?”
Victoria’s gaze had flicked up, cool and unreadable. “No.”
“Not even once?”
“No.”
Isabel had hummed. “So you’re one of those ‘the job is my life’ people.”
Victoria gave her a look. “And you’re not?”
“Touché.”
Isabel had wished she had a better retort, but she couldn’t think straight. She was too busy noticing the way Victoria’s thumb had brushed against the inside of her arm, steadying her skin for the next stitch.
That warmth, that softness—it was undoing her.
The attraction wasn’t just physical anymore. It was deeper, messier. She didn’t just want to get Victoria naked—though, God, the thought was driving her near insane.
She wanted to know what Victoria sounded like when she laughed.Ifshe laughed.
She wanted to know what she looked like when the weight of the job wasn’t crushing her shoulders.
She wanted?—
Fuck.
She was inso much trouble.
Victoria had tied off the last stitch and sat back. “Done.”
Isabel had flexed her arm, testing the range of motion. It ached, but the pain was manageable. “Not bad, Captain. Didn’t even cry.”
Victoria arched a brow. “I told you.” Victoria rolled her eyes, but there was the barest twitch of a smile at the corner of her mouth.
And Isabel? Isabel wanted to kiss her.
Not just to win. Not just for the thrill of it. She wanted to kiss her because Victoria hadearned it.Because she was sharp and steady and maddeningly competent. And because Isabel was tired of pretending this was just about the chase. The realization hit hard, knocking the breath from her lungs. Hiding shock ringing through her body at that realization, Isabel smirked.
“You did. And Isolove when you’re right.” Isabel had watched Victoria closely as she turned her head closely, seeing Victoria’s nostrils flare slightly before responding.
“You need rest.”
