Brandon’s POV
I caught Edward’s narrow–eyed stare as we sto
“You know,” he finally said, leaning against
I didn’t respond. My thoughts were fixed on her body. Someone had tried to kill
my
Wil
stood outside the hospital His scrutiny was almost tangible in the silence between us.
with
practiced casualness, “there are more efficient ways to handle this.”
pale face in that ospital bed, the puncture wounds on her leg, the fever ravaging
Edward seemed to read my thoughts, sighin
others.”
he straightened his e. “Just remember, some messes are harder to clean up than
I shot him a sideways glance, my patience wearing thin. Edward caught my look and fell silent, checking his watch before making an excuse about a meeting.
I didn’t care. I had more important matte
attend to.
When I returned that afternoon, the antiseptic smell hit me immediately. I hated hospitals – the memories they stirred of my
childhood, of Sarah’s accident, of sterile rooms and hushed voices.
Now June was in one of those rooms.
Ruby’s animated voice carried from June’s VIP suite. “Victoria and Anna went way too far this time,” she was saying, anger vibrating in her tone. “A fucking snake? If Chris hadn’t shown up when he did…”
“I know,” Scarlett replied, her usually soft voice harder than I’d ever heard. “Victoria is supposed to be her sister. What kind of person does that to their own blood?”
I paused outside, listening as Ruby continued, “Summer’s resting now. The doctor said she needs to sleep off the last of the antivenom. Let’s go grab some coffee.”
I stepped back as they exited without noticing me. They walked a few steps down before continuing their conversation.
“What do you want to do about it?” Scarlett asked directly. “Just tell me. I’m in.”
Ruby nodded. “You always get me. I say we teach them a lesson they won’t forget.”
“That won’t be necessary,” I cut in.
Both women froze. Ruby’s spine stiffened as she turned, eyes wide with surprise.
“Brandon?” she gasped. “I thought Summer said you went home to rest?”
I fixed her with a steady gaze. “I came to check on her.”
Ruby fidgeted under my stare. “Oh, we should have been more careful. We should have stayed with her when she went to the bathroom.” Her voice caught. “If we’d been more vigilant, she wouldnt have gotten hurt. I’m so sorry, Brandon.”
I lifted a hand, cutting off her unnecessary apologies. “This isn’t on you.”
“June’s situation will be handled,” I added, my tone leaving no room for discussion. “By me.”
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Chapter 124
Understanding dawned in the eyes. Scarlett reached out to tug on Ruby’s arm.
“We should go,” she said quickly. “Brandon, Summer’s all yours.”
I stood outside June’s door for several long moments, forcing the rage back down where it wouldn’t disturb her. Only when I felt composed enough did I finally enter.
The room was dimly lit, afternoon sunlight filtering through partially drawn blinds. June lay on the bed, her dark hair spread across the white pillow, her face still too pale. A band of sunlight fell directly across her face, and even in sleep, she’d turned slightly away.
I crossed the room silently and pulled the curtains closed properly, watching as her brow immediately smoothed. Standing beside her bed, I found myself cataloging every detail of her face – the slight flush finally returning to her cheeks, the almost imperceptible flutter of her eyelashes, the soft parting of her lips with each breath.
My hand moved of its own accord, reaching to brush a strand of hair from her face. I stopped a hair’s breadth from her skin, suddenly aware of how my touch might disturb her rest.
Instead, I withdrew, settling into the chair beside her bed.
I’d just sat down when I sensed movement at the door. Rising silently, I crossed the room and pulled it open before Sean could
enter.
“Need something?” I asked coldly, blocking his view of June.
Sean raised an eyebrow, his usual smirk playing at his lips. “Just checking on my patient. Doctor, remember?”
I didn’t budge. “What do you want?”
Sean’s eyes tried to peer around me. “I’m here to check on Summer. You know, make sure she’s not dying or anything.”
I shifted, cutting off his view entirely. “Say what you need to say and go.”
“Brandon, that’s not very friendly… WHOA!”
My fist shot toward his face before he could finish. Sean dodged, barely, his reflexes saving him from a broken nose. He stumbled backward, a mixture of shock and amusement crossing his face.
“What the fuck, man?” he protested, dancing out of
range as I advanced.
I didn’t respond, just moved forward methodically, my next strike targeting his solar plexus. Sean twisted away again, but I was already shifting, my third blow coming in low and fast.
We moved down the hallway – Sean backpedaling, me pursuing with single–minded focus. A small, rational part of my brain recognized I was being irrational, but the larger part didn’t care.
“Okay, OKAY!” Sean finally shouted, hands raised. “Jesus Christ, Brandon! What happened to ‘first, do no harm‘? We’re supposed to be friends!”
I paused, flexing my fingers. “Talk.”
Sean straightened his rumpled shirt, eyeing me warily. “Joe Watson came to see me.
I narrowed my eyes. “And?”
He wanted my help, Sean explained, keeping a cautious distance. “to save his sister, obviously. Poor thing. But also as an intermediary. He doesn’t realize it was you behind Anna’s… situation He thinks it’s just Manhattan Club’s boss being overzealous.”
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Chapter 124
“He came to you specifically?
“Yeah, playing the you owe me card, Sean said with visible distaste “Because of that thing with your sister a few years back. He’s hoping I can connect him to you, and then you can smooth things over with the boss of Manhattan Club.” Sean’s lips quirked into a humorless smile. “Little does he know.”
“Did you agree?” I asked, my voice deadly quiet.
Sean shrugged. “Well, yeah. I hate owing people. But agreeing to help doesn’t mean I promised results.” Seeing my expression darken, he quickly added, “Look, I did tell him his sister fucked with your woman. So he knows exactly whose bad side he’s on now.”
Sean suddenly glanced over my shoulder. “Oh hey, Mrs. Stark is awake!!
I turned instinctively, only to find I was fooled. When I whipped back around, Sean was already halfway down the corridor.
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