Chapter 11: Who Just Drove You Home?
Summer’s POV
“Miss Taylor.” His deep voice seemed to fill the space between us. “Sometimes you need to face what’s inevitable. Don’t you agree?”
I wanted to argue, to insist on my independence, but something in his expression told me this wasn’t a battle I was going to win. Fine. One car ride. What’s the worst that could happen? With a resigned sigh, I let him guide me to the waiting Bentley.
The interior felt like another world entirely. The soft leather seats probably cost more than my monthly salary, and the subtle scent of his new car leather made my head spin slightly. Or maybe that was just the effect of being trapped in an enclosed space with
Brandon Stark.
I caught his reflection in the window – those dark eyes studying me with that same intense focus. Don’t engage, just get through this ride. “Left at the next light,” I said instead of answering his question
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “You’re quite determined to ignore me.”
“I’m quite determined to get home, Mr. Stark.” I kept my voice professionally detached. “And I appreciate the ride, but that’s all
This
The Bentley glided to a smooth stop at a red light, and 1 could feel his gaze on me. “Is it?”
Something in his tone made me finally turn to look at him. The streetlights cast shadows across his face, highlighting those sharp cheekbones and the subtle curve of his lips. God, why does he have to be so… Brandon Stark?
“Mr. Stark.” I fought to keep my voice steady. “Whatever game you re playing-
“Game?” He cut me off, his voice carrying an edge that made my pulse jump. “Is that what you
think this is?
“What else would it be? The words came out sharper than I’d intended. “You’re Brandon Stark. You could have any woman in Manhattan. Why would you possibly-
“Second light on the right?” he interrupted smoothly.
“Yes, but
“Then let’s focus on getting you home safely. His tone brooked no argument. “We can discuss your fascinating theories about my motivations, another time.”
I bit back a frustrated reply and returned to staring out the window. The familiar buildings of my neighborhood came into view, and I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders. Almost there. Just a few more minutes.
The Bentley came to a stop in front of my building, the engine purring softly in the night air. Before I could reach for the door handle, Brandon’s voice stopped me.
“My offer still stands, Miss Taylor Call me
me when you’re ready.
I turned to face him, suddenly angry, “Mr. Stark, I’m sure half of Manhattan’s eligible women would line up for a chance with you. Why waste your time on ne?”
His dark eyes held mine. “That’s your perception, not mine.”
“Mr. Stark.” I gripped my bag tighter, needing something to ground me. Thank you for the ride, but about your proposal – Im sorry,
it abcept it. I just escaped one trap, I’m not looking to jump into another one.”
1/2
Chapter 11: Who Just Drove You Home?
Something flickered in his exfession. “How can you be so sure it’s a trap when you haven’t given it a chance? His voice softened slightly. “Nothing is absolute, Miss Taylor. It’s late now, get some res
1 practically fled from the cat, my heels clicking against the pavemen Bentley’s engine fading into the night should have been reassuring
hurried toward the building entrance. The sound of the stead, it left me feeling strangely hollow.
“Who was that in the car that just dropped you off? You can’t just fit yourself a random guy so soon!“
The voice hit me like a physical blow. No, Not now. Not him. I turned slowly, already knowing what I’d see. Alexander stood in the shadows of the building’s entrance, his familiar face twisted with an expression I’d never seen before.
by heart threatened to beat
“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.” I was proud of how stoly my voice sounded, even as my of my chest.
He took a step closer, and I fought the urge to hack away. “How is it not my business? Summer, do you even realize what you’re doing?”
A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it. “What Fm doing? That rich, coming from you.”
“I understand this is hard for you to accept – Victoria and me. His tone carried that patronizing note I’d somehow never noticed before. “But you’re young, you’ll find someone else. Look, I’m going to be your brother–in–law soon. I just want what’s best for you.”
The words hit like acid, burning through what little composure I had left. “How thoughtful of you! Please, just do me a favor and stay out of my life.”
“Summer, why are you being like this?” He ran a–hand through his hair- a gesture I’d once found endearing. Now it just want to scream. “What’s done is done. Victoria and 1 it’s real love.
made me
“Fine, I get it. You love Victoria.” My you just leave me alone?”
My voice cracked slightly. “What mere do you
want from me? I’ve already stepped aside. Why can’t
His expression darkened. “Victoria’s suffering because of you. Your grandfather won’t approve our marriage. about that?”
Don’t you feel guilty
“Guilty?” The word exploded from me like a bullet. “Are you kidding me? The only ones who should feel guilty are you two. Now, get out of my sight. Oh god, I’ve got tired of keeping say that!“
But he didn’t move. Instead, his eyes narrowed dangerously, “Who was that man? What did he say to you? You’ve changed.”
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