Page 41 of Love and Loyalty
“My words were not only insensitive but also selfish as if your own sorrow didn't matter. I was so consumed by my own emotions that I neglected to consider the depth of your hurt. I realize now that my actions were inconsiderate and self-centered, and for that, I am truly sorry. I can only imagine howmy words must have felt like a betrayal, and I want you to know that I understand the weight of my mistakes."
“Come on, Izzy. You know you don't have to?—”
“No, let me finish, please.” She swallowed hard.
"I'm deeply ashamed to admit that my behavior has been completely unacceptable, both professionally and personally. I'm truly sorry for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
“The truth is, I've been living in a state of denial, afraid to confront the uncomfortable realities about myself and my emotions. I've been a coward, dodging the tough issues and the challenges they pose to my work rather than facing them head-on. I've been running from my fears and insecurities instead of acknowledging and addressing them.”
Izzy paused, taking a deep breath as if the weight of her words had left her momentarily breathless.
“I did everything wrong, and I hurt you while struggling with my choices. I sincerely apologize.”
Then came the hardest part of everything.
She cleared her throat. "Major Drew Mitchell, from the instant your sharp wit and sarcasm pierced through my complacency, I knew you were someone special. Through our countless debates, passionate arguments, and emotional turmoil, my love for you has only grown stronger. But it wasn't until I saw you lying there, fragile and vulnerable, that I realized the true depth of my feelings.
“My heart shattered into a million pieces, and I knew I couldn't imagine a future without you by my side. You are the radiant light that illuminates my world, my guiding star, my sparkle. You make me feel seen, heard, and understood in ways I never thought possible. I love you, Drew, with every fiber of my being, and I promise to cherish and support you."
As Izzy's heartfelt words poured out, she witnessed a breathtaking transformation on Drew's face. It was as if the warmth of her declaration had awakened a new dawn.
Drew's features radiated a soft, golden light, like the first gentle rays of sunrise creeping over the horizon. It was delightful. Izzy's heart swelled with emotion as she beheld the woman she loved, reborn in the warmth of their love.
“I can't believe I waited so long to say this. If I had known you'd bloom so beautifully, I would have confessed my feelings much sooner.
“I guess I was too afraid of everything, of myself and the outcome of this, of what will become of the both of us, our passion and our job. But guess what? It doesn't matter at all.”
She watched as a tear slipped from Drew's left eye, and she hurriedly brushed it away. Choked with emotions, Drew tried to say something but couldn't. This was a new phase for both of them, and it was better to take it slow and easy.
“One more thing, you don't have to say you love me back,” Izzy added.
“Shhhhhhhhhh!” Drew’s fingers grazed her lips, sending electric shocks down her body. She reached out to caress her face; her touch was soft and delicate, evidence of her lingering weakness. Yet, despite her frailty, her voice was laced with a passion that made Izzy's heart melt. “Izzy, my one true love,” she whispered, her words dripping with emotion, her eyes burning with a love that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.
"You never need to persuade me to speak my truth because my love for you is undeniable. I've always adored you, every aspect of you. The way your brows furrow in concern when discussing something serious; your warm, kind brown eyes that see right through to my soul; your beautiful body that is always in my dreams. But it's not just your physical beauty thatcaptivates me; it's the passion, commitment, and unrelenting dedication you bring to your work and everything you do. You're a true force of nature, a whirlwind of goodness that sweeps me off my feet. Damn, girl, you're a truckload of sweetness, and I feel so lucky to call you mine."
Izzy blushed at her words.
“My good girl.”
Izzy felt a bolt of desire in her very core when Drew called her a good girl. She felt delicious shivers run through her.
Drew continued, “And about everything that happened, I know I did a lot of things that could be considered wild. I was reckless, but I want you to know that it wasn't for the fun of it. I took that risk for the soldiers, for the success of our mission, for the love of my job, and lastly, for you, Izzy.”
Her heart fluttered gently as Drew's words warmed her soul. “I love my job, and I’ve always wanted the success of our missions. I would not do anything to hurt you or jeopardize our work and our lives. I'm also genuinely sorry about Sergeant Thompson. His death gnawed my soul for days. I wish I could take back my actions, but it's done, and he’s gone.”
Izzy felt her heart punctured again. They had not healed completely from the death of Sergeant Thompson. It was still a sensitive topic, considering the issues surrounding his death and how it hurt both of them. But she knew it wasn’t Drew’s fault.
They hugged each other for a few minutes.
“One more thing,” Drew said.
“What's that?” She raised her eyebrows.
“General Jackson knows.”
“He knows about what exactly?”
“He knows about us, our relationship, and our involvement with each other. I don't know how, but I guess the rumors got to him, and he investigated himself.”