Chapter 37: You Can’t Go Back on Your Word
Summer’s POV
The Hamptons estate materialized out of the gathering dusk like something from a dream. As Brandon’s Bentley glided through wrought iron gates that probably cost more than my entire apartinen, my stomach did a complicated flip. What have I gotten myself
“All of this…” I gestured vaguely at the sprawling grounds, the manicured gardens, the elegant fountains. This is yours?”
Brandon’s lips curved into that dangerous half–smile I was starting to know too well. “Most of this area. His casual tone made something flutter in my chest. Most of this area. Right. Became viening just one massive estate would be too modest.
James stood waiting at the entrance, his professional mask firmly in place despite the late hour. As Brandon guided the car into what had to be the world’s most impressive garage, I couldn’t help the small gasp that escaped. The space looked more like a luxury car showroom than a private garage – gleaming floors, perfect lighting, and more exotic cars than I’d ever seen in one place.
“These are all…” I trailed off, not quite sure how to finish that sentence without sounding completely overwhelmed.
“You have a driver’s license?” Brandon’s deep voice carried that gent authority that never failed to make my p
my pulse skip
“Got it at Columbia.” Back when life made sense and I wasn’t suddenly married to one of Wall Street’s most powerful men.
His dark eyes studied me with that unsettling intensity. “That Porsche–won it from Dr. Sean last year in a bet. Barely drive it. You
can use it.”
“What? No!” The words came out too quickly, too–sharp. “I mean, I can just use Über.”
“A car is basic necessity here. The way he said it like gifting six–figure vehicles was perfectly normal – made my head spin. “You’ll need it for work. The area’s quite isolated.”
“It’s too expensive…” Even as I said it, I knew how ridiculous it sounded. To Brandon Stark, a Porsche probably was like a basic
Becessity.
“As my wife, this is the minimum standard. The casual possessiveness in his voice sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.
The house itself if you could call something this massive a house took my breath away. Modern minimalist
list design somehow managed to be both imposingly elegant and subtly welcoming. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered stunning views of the ocean, and every piece of furniture looked like it belonged in a museum.
“Besides James, there’s no permanent staff, Brandon explained as he led me through rooms that could have comfortably housed my entire apartment building. Professional cleaning service comes three times a week. Private chef on call whenever needed.”
“I can cook!” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. “I me, I’m not great, but..
His dark eyes held mine for a moment longer than necessary. “That would be…
interesting.”
We reached what had to be the security hub, and Brandon’s fingers over a sleek control panel. “Put your hand here,” he instructed. “Need to set up your biometrics.”
I placed my palm against the cool surface, watching in fascination a green light traced my fingerprints. “This is lik
movie.”
thing out
“Fingerprints, iris scan, facial recognition.” He guided me through each step with surprising patience. “The code is
ΠΕ
birthday.”
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Chapter 37: You Can’t Go Back on Your Word
“Oh…” Heat crept up my necks I realized I had no idea when that
“You don’t know? Something flickered across his face – disappointment?
“You never mentioned it,” I said quickly, hating wow defensive I souded.
*June 5th.”
“Wait, that s…” I stared at him in shock. “That’s my birthday. How did you… are we born on the same day?”
“You seem quite unconcerned about your husband, His tone carried at a hint of reproach that made my stomach twist with guilt.
Something about his expression made me reach for my bag, where Le carefully stored our marriage certificate. My hands trembled slightly as I unfolded the document, scanning until I found the information. There It was, in black and white: June 5th, 1992.
“Oh my god.” The words came out as barely a whisper. “We really do have the same birthday.”
Brandon’s dark eyes held mine with that unsettling intensity. “It’s on our marriage certificate, Summer.” The way made my pulse skip. “Pay more attention in the future.”
he said my name
Same birthday. What are the odds? Something warm and complicated unfurled in my chest at this discovery. It felt like the universe was playing some elaborate joke or maybe trying to tell me something
My mind was still reeling from this revelation as we reached the master bedroom. The space was stunning – a 180–degree ocean view, custom furniture that probably cost more than my yearly salary and a walk–in closet bigger than my entire apartment.
Brandon carried my suitcases in himself, moving with that predatory grace that seemed to come so naturally to him. I watched in stunned silence as he began efficiently arranging my things in the massive closet, which had clearly been prepared for my arrival. Hall the space was already organized with empty hangers and drawer space, waiting to be filled.
“Actually…” My voice came out smaller than intended. “Maybe my things could go in one of the guest rooms
He continued hanging my clothes as if I hadn’t spoken.
“I mean…” I twisted my fingers nervously. “We’re still getting to know each other.”
“Summer. His deep voice brooked no argument. “We’re married. As your husband, I see no reason for separate rooms.”
know each other!” The words burst out before I could stop them. “You said you’d give me time.”
“But we barely
I did.” He turned to face me, those dark eyes pinning me in place,
between us.”
me to adjust to our relationship. Not to create more distance
This is all happening so fast.” My voice cracked slightly. “I need time
“Too Last?” One perfect eyebrow arched. “I find it rather slow.”
with th
ed my
Hmm? Brandon moved toward me that predatory grace, backing me up until I stumbled against the wall I found myself cought between the cool surface at my back and his overwhelming presence, my hands pressed flat against the wall head back to meet his gaze. He was close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body, barely inches separating us.
He braced one hand against the wall beside my head, effectively caging me in. The position forced me to look up at him, making me acutely aware of our height difference and how completely he dominated my personal space. When did the room get so warm?
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Chapter 37: You Can’t Go Back on Your Word
I unconsciously licked my dry tips, watching his dark eyes track the movement. “You…
you can’t do this!” Frustration finally overcame my nervogness, “You can’t go back
your word!
I promised you time to adjust. His tone tell no
o com for argument. I never mentioned separate rooms.
I stared at him, torn between admiration for his logical trap and frustration at being outmaneuvered. He’s right–technically, he never promised separate rooms. But something in his expression made me wonder if he’d planned this all along.
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