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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 97
Even with my limited business knowledge, I understood what forty percent ownership meant–significant, but not controlling interest.
Brandon nodded. “I’ll handle this. Don’t worry.”
His chair scraped against the hardwood as he stood, gathering our empty plates. The crystalware clinked softly as he stacked everything with practiced efficiency.
“Let me help with that,” I offered, following him to the kitchen.
He placed his hand over mine, shaking his head. “Go relax. I’ll clean up.”
I ignored him, trailing behind as he moved toward the sink. “You know, I always thought Wall Street hotshots like you wouldn’t do household chores.”
“What did you think I’d do?” he asked, sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned forearms as he ran water over the dishes.
“I don’t know. Hit up fancy parties? Network with other finance bros?
Brandon smiled faintly. “I left home young, remember? And not all wealthy people live that lifestyle. Stark family education was… extremely strict.”
Something in his eyes flickered–a brief shadow of loneliness. Without thinking, I stepped behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“Thank you, Brandon,” I said softly.
“For what?”
“For giving me a home,” I whispered.
I closed my eyes, breathing him in, realizing only now did I truly feel like we were family. The thought made me hold him tighter.
“I’ll always take care of you,” I promised. “I’ll always be with you.”
“I’ll always be with you too,” he said, a smile in his voice. “But if you keep hugging me like this, these dishes aren’t getting done.”
“Oh!” I stepped back, embarrassed. “Right! I’ll just… go watch TV!”
I hurried out, his low chuckle following me as I retreated to the living room. The enormous flat–screen glowed dimly against the wall, but I barely registered what was playing as I sank into the plush cushions of the sofa. My mind kept drifting to Brandon–the gentleness beneath his tough exterior, how natural it felt to promise him forever.
The soft padding of his footsteps on the carpet announced his arrival. He settled at the opposite end of the sofa, patting his leg invitingly. Without hesitation, I slid over, laying my head in his lap.
His fingers found my temples, massaging in slow circles that made me sigh.
“That feels amazing,” I murmured, eyes drifting closed.
I reached up, finding his jawline. “Lower,” I commanded playfully. “Bend down more.”
Brandon caught my hand. “Stop that.”
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Chapter 97
I pulled free, determined to touch him. My fingers traced his jaw, marveling at the smoothness.
“How is your skin so perfect?” I complained. “It’s better than mine! etter than most women’s. So unfair.
His lips curved into that dangerous half–smile. “Why be jealous? I’m yours.”
The casual declaration hit me like a physical force. I froze, heart hammering as his dark eyes captured mine.
“I, uh… wow. I don’t even know what to say,” I stammered. “I’m tired. I should go to bed!”
I tried to sit up but my muscles protested, aching from stress and emotion. I looped my arms around his neck.
“I can’t move,” I admitted. “Carry me?”
Brandon’s eyes darkened. “You sure about that?”
Before I could respond, he stood in one fluid motion, lifting me effortlessly against his chest.
He didn’t say a word as he carried me through the dimly lit hallway, his jaw
set
in a
way that made my heart race.
My face burned as I realized what he might be thinking. I buried my face against his shoulder, too embarrassed to meet his eyes, my fingers nervously clutching at his shirt. What have I gotten myself into? I thought, my entire body tingling with a mixture of anticipation and shyness as he pushed open the bathroom door with his foot, the soft click of the latch echoing in the silence.
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