The Billionaire’s Sudden Brida
Chapter 76
summer? Pov
I drifted slowly hom a warm dream where Brandon held my hand, leading me forward through an endless path of light. The dream felt so real that when consciousness finally crept in, I could still feel the lingering warmth in my palm.
Ary eyes fluttered open to find myself in the familiar master bedroom of the Hamptons estate. Soft morning light filtered through the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting everything in a gentle gelden glow. The first thing I noticed was Brandon’s cologne – that subtle, masculine scent that always made my pulse race.
Then I saw him.
Brandon was asleep in the armchair beside the bed, his perfect features softened by sleep. His suit jacket lay carelessly draped over the chair’s arm so unlike his usual precise habits. In the morning light, his face looked almost vulnerable, those impossibly long eyelashes casting shadows across his cheeks.
My heart did a complicated flip as memories from last night tried to surface. The Plaza Hotel… Victoria’s accusations… being drugged in the bathroom… Everything after that was a blur of disconnected sensations. Panic started to build in my chest as I realized I couldn’t remember how I’d gotten home.
I touched my lips absently, finding them slightly swollen. Heat flooded my face as implications started to sink in. What exactly happened last night?
“Awake?” Brandon’s deep voice, still rough with sleep, made me jump
I couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “You… I mean, last night…”
The corner of his mouth lifted in that dangerous half–smile. “Nothing happened. You’re perfectly safe.”
“Really?” I couldn’t keep the hope from my voice. “You’re not just saying that?”
“Why would I lie about this?” His dark eyes held mine with quiet intensity.
I twisted my fingers nervously in the silk sheets. “But Victoria and I had that argument, then someone drugged me in the bathroom. What exactly happened?”
“They kidnapped you.” His jaw tightened slightly. “But we got you out in time.”
“I must have been so useless…” The words came out smaller than intended.
Brandon’s fingers found mine, his touch surprisingly gentle. “Actually you did very well. Those recording devices you and Ruby set up? They’ll be very useful.”
–
Heat crept up my neck. “That was Ruby’s idea she’s a reporter, remember?”
“Mm.” His approval was subtle but clear. “She’s a good friend to you.
When I started to get up, Brandon moved with that predatory grace that seemed to come naturally to him. He retrieved a pair of soft slippers, setting them precisely by my feet. “The floor’s cold.”
His hand found mine again as I shipped them on, the gesture so natural it made my heart skip. “After Victoria and I fought…” I couldn’t quite keep my voice steady. “And then being drugged in the bathroom. What really happened?”
Brandon’s expression darkened slightly, but his voice remained gentle. “It was a planned kidnapping attempt. But you were never in
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Chapter 76
ahy real danger than people watching. Wo get you out immediate
–
Something shun the carolul way he phrased it made me wonder my phone bussed insistently.
detalls he was leaving out. Bin before I could prees further,
i fumbled for (1, realizing i should probably let Ruby know I was ok. Her sleepy voice answered on the third ring: “Who dares to call at this ungodly hour? Don’t you know it’s bad karma to wake people up?
Ungodly hour? It’s almost noon, Ruby.”
“Summer? All traces of sleep vanished from her voice. ‘Oh my god, you finally called! Do you have any idea how worried I was when you disappeared?”
My throat tightened with emotion. I’m fine! I’m so sorry I worried you!”
“Thank god…” The relief in her voice made tears prick at my eyes. But why are you only calling now? I was up all night worrying! Only got to bed at 3AM!
“Go back to sleep then! Guilt twisted in my stomach. “I just woke up myself. Brandon mentioned you were worried…”
“No, no, I’m awake now.” Her voice turned sharp with interest. “But how did Brandon rescue you? He wouldn’t let me
you.”
help look for
I’m not sure about the details myself, but I’m safe now.” I caught Brandon watching me with that intense focus that never failed to make my skin prickle. “Let’s meet for brunch?”
“Definitely!”
The smell of fresh coffee and warm croissants drew me downstairs after I hung up. Brandon had already arranged everything perfectly – fresh fruit, pastries, and what looked like an entire French café’s worth of breakfast options.
“Smells amazing!” I couldn’t help the enthusiasm in my voice.
“Hungry?” Brandon pulled out my chair with casual elegance. “Come eat.”
I studied his face as I settled into my seat, noticing the slight smile that seemed to linger at the corners of his mouth. “You seem happy.”
“Shouldn’t I be?”
My fingers unconsciously went to my lips again. “Did something happen last night that I should know about?”
That dangerous half–smile widened. “Dear, don’t you remember what you did?*
“I was unconscious!” Heat flooded my face. “I couldn’t possibly remember! You must have done something!”
His low laugh sent shivers down my spine. “If that’s what you think.1
“I was unconscious,” I tried to sound stern despite how my pulse raced, so whatever you say must be true!”
Brandon’s phone buzzed, interrupting whatever he’d been about to say. His expression shifted subtly as he answered. “What is it?”
I could hear James’s carefully professional tone through the speaker. Am I interrupting, sir?”
“Report.” Brandon’s voice carried that gentle authority as he turned to me. “Drink your tea.”
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Chapter 76
The casual command made something warm unfurl in my chest. I sipped obediently, watching his expression turn to ice as James continued speaking.
“Sir, Dr. Sullivan has been… thorough. The suspect insists Victoria was behind this, but we traced two payments another from an untraceable offshore account.”
one from Victoria,
Brandon’s fingers drummed a dangerous rhythm against the table. “And?”
‘The suspect’s kneecaps are… no longer intact.” James’s voice carried clear discomfort. “Dr. Sullivan mentioned something about his pet sharks needing feeding.”
I nearly choked on my tea. Brandon’s hand found mine under the table, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my palm even as his voice turned arctic. “I see.”
The casual way he discussed violence while still holding my hand with such tenderness should have frightened me. Instead, I found myself leaning into his touch, grateful for the protection he represented. The memory of last night’s terror felt distant now, like a bad dream that couldn’t touch me anymore.
Maybe that’s what safety feels like, I thought, watching Brandon’s profile in the morning light. Not the absence of danger, but knowing someone will always come for you.
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