Chapter 159
Brandon’s POV
“Brandon! June’s voice rose several octaves, eyes wide with fear.
I moved instantly, pulling her into my arms and positioning myself between her and the overeager canine.
“Sit down, Max!”
Max immediately backed up at my sharp glare, sitting on his haunches with a pitiful whine, head tilted in confusion.
“It’s okay,” I murmured against June’s hair, rubbing soothing circles on her back. “He won’t hurt you. You’re safe.”
Her body trembled against mine, fingers clutching my shirt. Max let out another plaintive whine, ears drooping as he stared up at June.
“Sorry,” June whispered as her breathing steadied. “I might have overreacted. It’s just that he looked like he was going to jump on me, and I panicked.”
“No need to apologize. Max can be intimidating if you’re not used to him.”
She blinked, looking at Max more carefully. “Yeah.”
June’s expression shifted from fear to determination. She slowly pulled away from me and carefully lowered herself to a crouch, extending her hand toward Max.
“Hey there, boy. Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to freak out on you.
Max perked up but remained seated. At my slight nod, he approached slowly, extending his paw against her palm like a peace offering.
A smile broke across June’s face. “Well, aren’t you a gentleman?” She reached out to stroke his head, and Max leaned into her touch,
Max circled June happily, nudging her hand for more pets.
“See? I’m not afraid anymore,” she declared proudly, glancing up at me.
I couldn’t help smiling. “Very brave, June.”
A pointed cough reminded us we weren’t alone. Sean stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, an amused expression on his face.
“Dr. Sean! I almost forgot you were here,” June said, startled.
“Naturally,” Sean replied with a dramatic sigh. I’ve just been standing here, watching this touching reunion.”
‘What do you want, Sean?” I asked bluntly.
He sniffed the air appreciatively, eyes drifting toward our dinner. “Mrs. Stark, I hope my unexpected arrival with Max didn’t disrupt your evening too much.”
“You know damn well it did,” I muttered. “What are you really doing here?”
Wed, Apr 30
Chapter 159
Sean’s gaze locked onto our dinner table. “Something smells absolutely divine.”
“I should go get another place setting,” June offered.
I placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t bother. He isn’t staying.”
Sean was already heading toward the kitchen. “Don’t mind your husband’s terrible manners, Mrs. Stark.” He retrieved not only a plate for himself but also a dog bowl.
“Don’t even think about it, I warned. “Max is not eating at the table
Max’s ears drooped dramatically, eyes going wide and pleading as he looked from the bowl to June.
“Oh, Brandon, look at him,” June said, melting under the dog’s manipulation. “He looks so sad.”
“He’s playing you,” I informed her flatly. “Sean taught him that look specifically.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie,” she said to Max. “You go wait in the living room, and I’ll bring you something when we’re done, okay?”
To my surprise, Max immediately trotted off to the living room, settling on the rug with remarkable obedience.
“Well, well,” Sean remarked. “Looks like Max has a new favorite person.”
“Let’s eat,” June declared. “I’m starving.”
As we settled at the table, Sean continued his commentary. “Mrs. Stark, Max really seems to have taken a shine to you.”
I shot him a warning glare, which he ignored.
“Then again,” he continued, “animals have excellent judgment about people.”
“Are you done?” I asked coldly.
Sean grinned. “My, my, someone’s touchy tonight. Marriage has certainly amped up your jealousy levels.”
June touched my arm gently. “Brandon, eat your food before it gets cold.”
My anger dissipated at her touch. “You too,” I replied, my voice softening. “You’ve had a long day.”
Sean made a gagging noise. “Wow. How enviable.”
After dinner, I led Sean to my study while June cleared the table despite my objections.
“Domestic life agrees with you,” Sean began, dropping into one of my chairs. “Never thought I’d see the day Brandon Stark would be playing house.”
Td be more content if you hadn’t interrupted my evening.”
“The others would have a heart attack if they saw you now. The fearsome Brandon Stark, tamed by marriage.”
Cat the crap, Sean. Why are you really here?”
He sobered immediately. “Actually, I do have news. My cousin Micha asked me to pass along a message–there’s movement down in Mexico. He figured you should know.”
Chapter 159
I opened my desk drawer, pulling out a cigar case. “Michael doesn’t do favors without reason.”
“He’s grateful, believe it or not. He appreciates that you married Summer.”
I offered him a cigar, which he waved away.
“Quit, he explained.
“Anything else I should know about Mexico?”
“Just watch your back. Michael thinks they might try to hit you or Edward next.”
“Tell Edward to stay alert,” I instructed. “You too.”
Sean nodded, then added, “By the way, I heard you’re eyeing that Manhattan West Side development?”
“Your grapevine being Michael?”
“Apparently Fortune Corp wants a piece of the action. Word is, Richard Taylor’s been cozying up to your grandfather, trying to leverage some old favor.”
A cold smile worked its way onto my face. “Let them try. If they want to play this game, I’m more than willing to indulge them. But they’ll need to prove they can handle what they’re asking for.”
“Sounds like things are about to get interesting,” Sean remarked, rising. “Well, it’s getting late. I should head out.”
He paused at the door, grinning. “Oh, before I forget–I need to leave Max with you for a while.”
“Again?” I stared at him incredulously.
“Just for a week or two! He seems to really like Summer, and I’ll be pulling doubles at the hospital.”
“Sean,” I growled, “are you trying to get yourself killed?”
He backpedaled toward the door. “I promise he’s no trouble at all.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Dog food. Credit card. Now.”
“You’re the best, Brandon,” Sean replied cheerfully, pulling out his wallet.
After Sean finally left, I found June curled up in the armchair by our bedroom window, carefully applying nail polish to her toenails. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, her lower lip caught between her teeth as she meticulously brushed the deep red color onto each nail.
I watched her for a moment, struck by how completely she’d transformed my life–my house, my routine, even my relationships.
‘Here, let me,” I said, taking the small bottle from her hand.
She looked up. “Brandon, what are you doing?”
I gently lifted her foot, placing it on my lap as I sat across from her. What does it look like? I’m painting your toenails.”
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 160
