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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 38: The First Night
Summer’s
If I really wanted to do something to you,” Brandon’s deep voice had carried that dangerous edge that never failed to make my pulse race, “would I need to wall until now?
I’d frozen as he withdrew his hand, my voice coming not small: “Iniry.
No need to apologize. His dark eyes had held mine with unsettling intensity. “We’re married now. need to remember – I’m your husband
treat you as my wife, and you
led continued after a moment, his tone carrying a weight that made my skin prickle: “If I really wanted to take advantage of you, those two times you were drugged would have been perfect opportunties. But I don’t prey on the vulnerable.”
My heart had clenched painfully at the reminder. “I…”
1ll give you time to adjust, he’d said finally, “but not indefinitely. You take the master bedroom. I’ll use the guest room.
Despite the luxurious comfort of the custom king–size bed, sleep claded me completely. Every time I closed my eye the day flooded hack.
memories of
o someone else’s life h
Our shared space. The thought alone made my heart race. Everything felt surreal, like I’d stumbled into s
mistake.
After an hour of tossing and turning. I finally gave up on sleep. The house felt different at night – all sleek shadows and quiet elegance. As I padded down the hallway in my simple pajamas, I couldn’t help feeling like an imposter in this world of casual haxury.
A warm glow spilled from Brandon’s study, the door left slightly ajar. I hesitated, torn between curiosity and caution. Should I knock? Just walk away? What’s the protocol when you’re married to someone you barely know?
Before I could decide, his deep voice carried through the gap: “Come In.”
Heat flooded my face as I pushed the door open. Brandon sat on an Italian leather sofa, surrounded by stacks of documents. He’d loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves, somehow managing to look even more devastating than usual. The sight of those forearms shouldn’t have affected me so much, but something about the casual intimacy of the moment made my pulse skip.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” I said quickly, suddenly very aware of my bare feet and simple sleepwear. “I just couldn’t sleep and
saw the light…”
His dark eyes studied me with that unsettling intensity I was starting to know too well. “Trouble sleeping in a new place?”
“Something like that.” I shifted nervously, unable to meet his gaze. The study was incredible–floor–to–ceiling bookshelves lined with everything from investment treatises to rare art books. My fingers itched to explore them” “Your collection is even more impressive than Grandpa Jonathan’s.“.
Looking for something specific? The amusement in his voice made me realize I’d been staring at the books like a kid in a candy
store.
“No, I just… I grabbed the nearest volume, needing something to do with my hands. I saw you weren’t in the guest room. so…
“Work doesn’t stop for personal matters. He set aside some papers,ving me his full attention. “Today’s impromptu move throw off my schedule.”
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Chapter 38: The First Night
The guilt most have shown of my face because his expression softened slightly. “Come here t
My feet canied me forward before my brain could object, Up close, could see the subtle signs of fatigue around his eyet, though his posture remained perfect as always.
The words stuck in my throat as I watched him loosen the further. About our marriage could we keep it now? At least from my grandfathers?”
for
One perfect eyebrow arched. “Why?”
“You know how Grandpa Thompson is.” I twisted my fingers nervously. “I just ended things with Alexander, and even though he likes you, I explicitly told him nothing would happen between us…
“And now we’re married.” That dangerous half–smile played at his lip “Worried about his reaction?”
“Hell think I was lying to him! The words burst out before I could stop them. “And Grandpa George… after everything that happened at his birthday party..
“Summer.” The way he said my name made my skin prickle. “They’ll find out eventually. Hiding it will only make things more complicated
“I know, I just need time to figure out how to tell them.” I sank onto the sofa beside him, careful to maintain some distance. “Everything’s happening so fast.”
He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “You’re overthinking things.”
“Lasy for you to say! You’re… 1 gestured vaguely at him, encompassing everything from his perfect posture to the casual authority he radiated. “You. And I’m just…”
“My wife.” He cut me off smoothly, those two words carrying enough weight to make my breath catch. “That’s all that matters.”
Sunlight was streaming through the windows and the smell of coffee filled the air, waking me up.
The smell of breakfast drew me downstairs like a siren song. I found Brandon in the kitchen, looking unfairly attractive in casual clothes as he moved with easy confidence between professional–grade appliances. The sight of him cooking was so unexpected it stopped me in my tracks.
I
“Sleep well?” He didn’t turn around, but I could hear the smile in his voice
“You cook?”
“Basic skills.” He plated what looked like a perfect omelet. “Freshly squeezed orange juice in the fridge.”
retrieved place settings, hyperaware of his presence as we moved around each other in the massive kitchen. Everything felt strangely domestic, like wed been doing this for years instead of hours.
“I can cook next time,” 1 offered, watching him add a sprig of herbs with chef–like precision. “You shouldn’t have to…
“I’m used to it.” He set a plate in front of me, the presentation worthy of a five–star restaurant. “Eat. You’ll need energy for work.”
to face Fortune Corp, deal with
The mention of work sent a jolt of anxiety through me. Reality crashed back in – I still had to Alexander and Victoria, navigate this new life I’d chosen.
As if reading my thoughts, Brandon pulled something from his pocket. The keys sparkled in the morning light as he set them beside
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Chapter 38: The First Night
my plate. For the Porsche. You’ll need it for the commute.
“But what about you?“.
That dangerous half–smile played at his lips. “Worried about me alremly?”
Heat flooded my face. “That’s not what I meant!”
“The car’s yours.” His tone broaked no argument. “I have other options.”
The drive to Fortune Corp felt surreal, like I was playing dress–up in someone else’s life. The Porsche handled like a dream, responding to the slightest touch. This is really happening. I thought, watching the speedometer climb. I’m married to Brandon Stark driving his car, sleeping in his bed….
The familiar sight of Fortune Corp’s parking garage helped ground me. But as I pulled into a spot, a shadow fell across my window. My heart nearly stopped as I recognized that silhouette.
“Summer.” Alexander’s voice carried that particular blend of concern and condescension that used to make my heart flutter. Now it just made my skin crawl. “We need to talk.”
Before I could respond, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist as I tried to step away from the cor. “Let go!” The words came out sharp with genuine anger.
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