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Chapter 2 - Chapter 4-5-6

Chapter 4: Grant Shawn's Past

The FBI office in New York had settled into a more relaxed rhythm after the case was closed. Even with the normal routine resumed, OA, Maggie, Kristen, and Jubal were still intrigued by Grant Shawn. He had left such a strong impression that it was impossible not to want to know more about the man who seemed to be the FBI's "wild card."

"So, did he really train HRT when he was at DEVGRU?" OA asked, as she typed something on her computer.

"That's what Dana said," Maggie replied. "But honestly, I want to see it. There must be records or photos of that training somewhere."

"I'm curious, too," Kristen said. "A guy with his background? There must be something documented. Let's look."

Jubal, who was passing by the room, heard what they were saying and stopped. "Are you guys investigating Grant Shawn now? He's practically a myth; good luck finding anything interesting."

"Challenge accepted," Kristen said with a mischievous smile.

After a few minutes of searching, Kristen exclaimed, "I found something!"

Everyone gathered around as Kristen projected a series of official photos onto the screen. The images showed Grant Shawn from his DEVGRU years, during joint training with the HRT. He was in camouflage fatigues, with SEAL and DEVGRU patches visible, standing next to other operators.

"Look at this," OA said, pointing to the screen. "This is CQB training. You can clearly see they're simulating a closed-quarters assault."

"These are infiltration shots," Maggie noted, highlighting a photo of Grant leading a group of operators in a nighttime simulation. "That's impressive."

"Look at the caption," Kristen said, reading aloud. "'Lieutenant Grant Shawn of DEVGRU was asked to lead a training session with the FBI's Hostage Rescue Unit. During his stay, he also interacted with other FBI agents, including Agent Dana Mosley of the BAU and Agent Isobel Castille of the Narcotics Division.'"

"So that's how they met," Jubal said, crossing his arms. "Well, that explains a lot."

Kristen scrolled to the next photo, and everyone laughed. It was a more casual shot, showing Grant standing next to Dana and Isobel. Dana appeared to be explaining something, while Isobel smiled in the background. Grant, on the other hand, had his arms crossed, his expression casual but still striking.

"Okay, now I see what Dana meant," Maggie said, laughing. "He was really handsome back then. Not that he isn't now, but… wow."

"He had that 'action hero' look," Kristen agreed. "Seriously, how could someone like that not be noticed?"

Jubal shook his head, laughing. "You two sound like fangirls. He was just a military man trained to lead in extreme situations. There's nothing special about that."

"Oh, Jubal," Maggie said jokingly. "You're just jealous because he has a natural charm."

"Charming or not, he knew what he was doing," OA replied, gesturing to the pictures. "These pictures show he wasn't just there to look good. He was leading."

"Look at this last one," Kristen said, showing another picture.

It was a group photo, with Grant and the DEVGRU operators standing in formation next to the HRT. Everyone was smiling, but Grant, in the center, stood out with his confident stance.

"He stands out even in a crowd," Maggie commented.

"That's true," OA agreed. "And now it makes sense why he was able to build such a reputation in the FBI. He was a natural leader before he even joined the agency."

Kristen turned off the projector and leaned back in her chair. "I can't imagine what it would have been like to be there back then, watching him and Dana start their careers."

"Well, you heard what Dana said," Jubal replied. "He wasn't just good at what he did; he also knew how to win people over. Including, apparently, Isobel."

"That's another mystery," Maggie said. "How exactly did he do that? I mean, Isobel doesn't seem like the kind of person who lets herself be charmed."

"It's not just charm," OA said. "It's authenticity. You can have all the charisma in the world, but if you're not authentic, people can tell. I think that's what makes Grant so unique."

"You're right," Kristen said thoughtfully. "He has this mix of confidence and sincerity. It's rare."

As the conversation continued, Dana walked by the room and stopped when she heard Grant's name. "What are you guys up to now?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"We found some old photos of Grant at DEVGRU," Maggie replied, smiling.

"Oh, the famous HRT training photos," Dana said, smiling nostalgically. "I remember that day. He looked so confident, but he was also extremely respectful. That's how he caught everyone's attention."

"What about Isobel?" Kristen asked curiously.

Dana laughed. "Oh, Isobel didn't fall for him right away, if that's what you want to know. But Grant is persistent. And more importantly, he showed her that he was more than just looks and charm."

"Do you think he's changed much since then?" OA asked.

"Not as much as you might think," Dana replied. "He's still the same driven, charismatic man. But like I said before, Isobel helped him grow in ways he didn't even know he needed."

The group was silent for a moment, reflecting on everything they had learned about Grant. He was more than a legend; he was someone who had worked hard to become who he was, and that was something they could all admire.

"Well, I hope we get to work with him again," Maggie said.

"Absolutely," OA agreed.

Dana smiled, looking around at her team. "I'm sure that when the next big case comes along, Grant will be around. And in the meantime, we have work to do. Let's go."

With that, the team went back to work, but now with a newfound admiration for the man who had passed through their lives like a hurricane.

Chapter 5: Memories and Messages

In the quiet of her office, Isobel Castille, ASAC of the fugitive task force, was reviewing recent reports. The day was quiet, but her mind was working incessantly, focused on the operations at hand. Still, she couldn't help but be interrupted by a casual conversation in the hallway between two agents.

"Did you hear Grant Shawn was in the New York office recently? He helped solve that complicated case with Dana Mosley."

At the mention of Grant's name, Isobel looked up immediately. Surprise was written all over her face.

"Grant?" she muttered to herself.

He must be out of the country, involved in some classified work. The last time they had spoken, he had mentioned something about international operations. Confused, she picked up her phone and opened her messages. She soon found an unread notification from Grant.

"Hey, honey, I'm back in the States. I stopped by the New York office to help Dana with a case. I'll be back soon to see you... and make you moan."

The final words brought an instant heat to Isobel's cheeks. She put her hand to her face, shaking her head and suppressing a smile.

"That's so like him," she thought as her heart beat faster.

Still smiling, she leaned back in her chair, allowing herself a moment to remember how it all began between them.

Years ago, Isobel was in the Narcotics Division, working on a case that had led her to Quantico. During that time, the FBI often collaborated with elite military units to share techniques and training.

That was how she met Grant Shawn, then a lieutenant in DEVGRU, who had been invited to lead a training session with the HRT. She remembered the moment she first saw him clearly.

He was in camouflage fatigues, surrounded by operators and agents. Tall, with a confident posture and a magnetic presence, he looked more like a movie hero than a real soldier.

"Agent Castille, right?" he had said, extending his hand. His voice was deep but friendly.

"That's right," Isobel replied, shaking his hand, impressed by his attentive, confident gaze.

They had spoken briefly that day, but Isobel soon realized that Grant was more than just a skilled soldier. He had a rare ability to connect with people, making him instantly memorable.

Years later, when Grant joined the FBI, he and Isobel met again on a joint narcotics and counterterrorism case. By then, Grant had left DEVGRU and was part of the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), a transition he seemed to have mastered.

"Castille," he had said when he saw her, with a smile that made her stomach turn. "I knew I'd meet you again. Fate never fails."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Destiny, huh? Or are you just really good at being in the right place at the right time?"

"Maybe a little of both," he replied in that casual tone that only added to his charm.

Working alongside him on that case was eye-opening. He was strategic, intelligent, and above all, trustworthy. Their mutual respect soon turned into something deeper. It wasn't long before the two began seeing each other outside of work.

Isobel was pulled from her memories by the sound of a new message. It was from Grant again.

"I'm on my way. Get ready." She snorted, chuckling to herself. "This man..." she muttered, trying not to let her anticipation show.

Knowing that he could show up at any moment, Isobel decided to use the remaining time to gather her thoughts and prepare herself. She knew that, behind his charm and provocations, Grant had an innate ability to solve problems and create solutions where no one saw a way out.

More than that, he had a vast network of contacts, built over decades of service in DEVGRU and the FBI. From politicians to military officers, intelligence agents and corporate leaders, Grant was friends with people in high places a trait that always made him useful and indispensable.

"But he doesn't let it go to his head," she thought, with a twinge of admiration.

A short time later, a knock on the door caught her attention. Before she could even answer, the figure of Grant Shawn entered her office as if he owned the place. He was dressed casually but impeccably, in a sports suit that emphasized his athletic build.

"Isobel," he said, smiling in that carefree way she knew well.

"Grant," she replied, standing up. "You could at least wait for me to say 'come in.'"

"You'd never keep me out," he snapped, leaning closer and kissing her on the cheek.

She felt the heat rise to her face again, but she kept her composure. "I heard you helped Dana in New York. I thought you were out of the country."

"I was. But when Dana asked, how could I refuse?" He shrugged. "And of course, it gave me an excuse to come back to you."

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile. "Always ready with an answer, aren't you?"

"It's part of my charm," he said, winking at her.

They chatted for a while, catching up on their work and the latest developments. But for Isobel, just having him there was enough. Grant Shawn could be many things to many people a leader, a problem-solver, a legend.

But for her, he was simply Grant: the man who made her feel complete. As he talked about his plans, she found herself thinking again how lucky she was to have him in her life.

Even with all the responsibilities and pressures of their careers, they always found a way to be together, and that was all that mattered.

"Are you listening to me, Isobel?" he asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"Sure," she replied quickly, though she knew he had sensed her distraction.

"Great," he said, leaning in closer. "Because, like I said in the message, I'm going to make you moan… with joy, of course."

"Grant!" she exclaimed, patting his shoulder lightly as he laughed.

"I can't resist," he said, holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender.

Despite his teasing, Isobel knew he was serious about one thing: he would do anything to keep her happy and safe. And, in the end, that was all she needed.

Chapter 6: A Moment Just for the Two of Us

The day was over, and Isobel Castille finally had some time to herself. After locking up her office and making sure all her reports were properly filed, she found Grant Shawn waiting for her in the parking lot of her building. He was leaning against his SUV, an easy smile on his lips as he watched her approach.

"Ready to go?" he asked, holding the door open for her.

"Ready," Isobel replied, getting into the car.

The drive to Isobel's house was quiet, but filled with casual conversation. Grant updated her on his recent work and asked about the cases she was leading on the fugitive task force. Isobel, in turn, couldn't help but feel the warmth of his presence, the familiarity that always made her feel safe and comfortable.

"So, when are you going to tell me why you decided to come back now?" she asked playfully.

"I told you. I missed you," he replied, with a smile that suggested there was more to his words.

Isobel rolled her eyes, but smiled. "You and your canned responses."

When they finally arrived at Isobel's house, she opened the door and stepped inside, expecting Grant to follow. But before she could move any further, he surprised her. With a quickness that only someone with his training could muster, he grabbed her around the waist, pulling her closer.

"Grant!" she exclaimed, though there was no real surprise in her voice.

He held her tightly, one hand reaching down to squeeze her bottom as he lifted her up to his waist. Isobel instinctively wrapped her legs around him for balance.

With his face very close to hers, he murmured in her ear, "I told you I'd make you moan, Isobel. And that's exactly what I'm going to do."

The deep tone of his voice sent shivers down her spine. For a moment, she closed her eyes, letting herself be carried away by the intensity of the moment.

"Grant, you don't have any limits, do you?" she asked, pretending to be reprimanding, although the smile on her lips betrayed her.

"Not when it comes to you," he replied, kissing the corner of her mouth softly before bringing his lips to her neck, teasing her.

Grant carried her into the house, kicking the door shut without ever letting go of her. He took her to the living room and placed her gently on the sofa, but not before taking her face in his hands and looking directly into her eyes.

"I missed you, Isobel. Not just being with you, but everything. Your voice, your smell, even the way you try to pretend you don't like it when I tease."

Isobel felt her heart race. He always knew exactly what to say to disarm her.

"You really know how to make a woman feel special, don't you?" she said, touching her fingers to his face.

"I only speak the truth," he replied, leaning in to kiss her deeply.

The kiss started slowly, but quickly gained intensity. Grant's hands explored her back, while Isobel pulled him closer, as if there wasn't enough distance between them.

"You really don't have the patience, do you?" she asked with a smile, as he began to kiss her collarbone.

"Not when it comes to you," he repeated, lifting her up in his arms again.

Grant carried her to the bedroom, where the room was lit by soft light. He placed her on the bed carefully, as if she were something precious. For a moment, he just looked at her, admiring her.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" he said, sincerely.

Isobel looked away, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks. "You're not going to embarrass me, Grant."

"I don't mean to. I'm just being honest," he replied, smiling before leaning in to kiss her again.

The next few minutes were a blur of touches, kisses, and whispered words. Grant was attentive, but also intense, just as Isobel knew he would be. Every gesture seemed charged with emotion, as if he wanted to make sure she knew how much she meant to him.

"You really know how to keep a promise," she said breathlessly as he held her tightly.

"I always do," he replied, chuckling softly.

Hours later, they lay side by side, sharing the comfortable silence that only two people deeply connected could experience. Grant played with a strand of Isobel's hair as she rested her head on his chest.

"So what are you going to do now?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Stay here as long as you can," he replied.

"That sounds dangerous. I still have work to do, you know?"

"Then I'll wait," he said with a smile.

Isobel laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Grant."

"Impossible, but irresistible," he replied, kissing the top of her head.

Despite his teasing, Isobel knew he was right. No matter how busy or focused she was, Grant always found a way to come into her life and remind her of what really mattered.

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