The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
# Chapter 28: I’m Cold, Stay With Me
Brandon’s POV
Sean pushed off from where he’d been leaning against the wall, cigarette dangling between his fingers. His usual playful smirk faded as he took in Summer’s condition.
“The drug’s strong,” he noted, professional demeanor replacing his typical casualness. “Whoever did this knew what they were doing.” His eyes flickered to my face. “You know, if she’s under your protection, why not just take her to a hospital?”
I ignored his probing tone, laying Summer carefully on the sofa. Her fingers clutched at my shirt, reluctant to let go. “You recognize
her?”
“Don’t worry – just saw her once at some charity gala.” He crushed out his cigarette, moving closer to examine her. “Though I am curious how you got mixed up with the Taylor family. Isn’t your distant–relative Alexander somehow connected to them too?”
“Something like that.” I kept my voice neutral, though the mention of Alexander made my jaw clench.
Sean’s hands were gentle as he checked Summer’s vital signs. “So what’s the plan here?”
“You’re the doctor.” I couldn’t quite keep the edge from my voice. “Why are you asking me?”
He glanced up at me, that familiar mischievous glint returning to his eyes. “Come on, man. Beautiful girl like this, and you’re acting so cold? That’s not like you at all. His grin widened. “Though I just finished surgery, and we don’t have any antidote here. The most direct solution is right in front of us…”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as I met his gaze.
“Don’t tell me…” His eyebrows shot up. “You haven’t sealed the deal yet?”
“Are you going to help her or not?”
–
“Hey, you’re the one asking for favors here…” He held up his hands at my expression. “Fine, fine. James, we need ice lots of it. Physical cooling is our only option right now. Though I should warn you, she’ll probably spike a fever afterward. I’ll write you a prescription, but you’re in for a long night.”
Summer stirred restlessly on the sofa, her skin flushed with fever. “Hot…” she mumbled, trying to push away the light blanket James had draped over her. “Everything’s burning…”
I moved her to the master bathroom while James gathered supplies. The massive tub filled quickly, steam rising as hot water mixed with the ice James kept bringing in. Summer fought weakly as I lowered her into the water, her fingers digging into my arms.
“You’re cruel!” She looked up at me with tear–filled eyes, bottom lip trembling. “It’s too cold, you bad man!
“Stay still.” I kept my voice gentle despite the rage still simmering beneath the surface. “Just a little longer.”
She pouted, pressing closer despite the way I tried to maintain some distance. “I’m cold… stay with me.”
I comforted Summer briefly and went out after she felt better, finding Sean sprawled in my favorite armchair.
“How is she?” he asked, studying me with unusual intensity.
“Still here?”
“You know, what you’re doing isn’t exactly fair.”
1/3
# Chapter 28: I’m Cold, Stay With Me
“Fair?” I could feel my patience wearing thin. “I don’t need to discus this with you.”
“Hey, I just helped you out big time! And aren’t you worried about potential complications tonight? I am a doctor – having me stay would be beneficial.”
“Not necessary, James, show him out.”
After they left, I stood on the balcony, watching the moon cast silver shadows across the manicured lawn. Self–control had always been my strong suit. But now… I glanced back at Summer’s sleeping form. Perhaps she would be the exception.
In the car earlier, I’d nearly given in to desire., Only the thought of her potential panic and regret upon waking had stopped me.
She shifted in her sleep, letting out a soft sigh. My fingers hovered over her cheek, pulling back just before making contact.
“Mr. Stark.” James’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Here’s the surveillance footage from the Taylor mansion tonight.”
“Double your bonus this month.”
“Dr. Sean was fishing for information, but I didn’t reveal anything. Though knowing him…”
“Let him be.”
–
James hesitated before continuing. “Sir, about Charles Windsor he does have an oral agreement with Richard Taylor about the investment, but it’s just talk so far. Charles doesn’t have much influence in the Windsor family. George Windsor makes all the decisions, and he might not even know about this.”
“I heard Charles Windsor was interested in Victoria,” James added carefully.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You think Victoria was his target? No, James.”
“What should we do now, sir?”
“Watch and wait. This isn’t your concern. Look into Capital Corp’s recent activities instead.”
“About Fortune Corp’s investment reduction you ordered?”
“They haven’t noticed yet?”
“No, sir.”
“Reduce it another 10%. And that new project bid in the South District – speed it up.”
I worked through the rest of the night, finishing up various tasks until the early hours. The Taylors will regret this, I thought, reviewing the surveillance footage again. Especially Elizabeth and Richard.
After putting away the last of the documents, I lit a cigarette and stood on the balcony, staring into the pitch–black night. The familiar taste of nicotine did little to calm the rage still simmering beneath my surface. I waited until the cigarette burned down to nothing before releasing it, my dark eyes unusually bright in the darkness.
Standing at Summer’s bedside, I looked down at her sleeping form. The fever–induced flush had finally faded from her face, leaving behind delicate features that caught the moonlight. I’d known from the first moment that Summer was beautiful, but I hadn’t realized just how striking she was without makeup. God, she’s stunning.
A slight smile touched my lips as I adjusted her blanket. She sprawled across the bed in a way that completely contradicted her usually composed daytime demeanor. Always trying to maintain control, aren’t you, Summer? The heat must have bothered her – she’d kicked off the covers at some point, exposing one smooth shoulder to the night air.
2/3
# Chapter 28: I’m Cold, Stay With Me
My gaze darkened as I felt my breathing accelerate. Looking down at my own body’s reaction, I realized I was hard again. Since meeting this woman, I seemed to be… losing my self–control. What are you doing to me, Summer Taylor? The desire to touch her, to claim her, was becoming harder to resist with each passing moment.
A phone buzzed by the window, the sound sharp in the quiet night.
Walking over, I picked up Summer’s phone. Several missed calls lit up the screen – some from George Taylor and Professor Thompson, but also Alexander’s number among them. Alexander. The name alone made my jaw clench.
I smiled, switching the phone to silent and watching it continue to flash uselessly in the darkness.
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