3/3
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 228
Summer’s POV
“Truth or Dare?” Sean’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he proposed the game, and I couldn’t help but cringe internally.
Amelia voiced my thoughts exactly. “Seriously, Sean? Truth or Dare? That game was played out in like, the eighties! Can’t you come up with something a little more… I don’t know, this century?”
Sean clutched his chest in mock offense. “What’s wrong with Truth or Dare? Some games are classics for a reason! It’s not about how new they are—it’s about how entertaining they can be. He turned to Ethan, giving him an exaggerated wink. “Right, Ethan?”
Ethan touched the bridge of his nose thoughtfully, his finger tapping his brow. “Sean has a point. If you want to play, let’s play.”
And just like that, the decision was made. Nobody was going to argue with the evening’s guest of honor.
Sean jumped to his feet, suddenly energized. “Alright, everyone who’s playing, gather around!” He spotted James Wilson and Edward’s assistant Landon hovering near the door. “Hey! We’re gonna need more booze over here! Get the good stuff–put it on
Brandon’s tab!”
“Okay, here’s how we play,” Sean announced as bottles arrived. “We spin the bottle. Whoever it points to has to choose—truth or dare. If you refuse both, you drink. Got it?”
“Crystal clear,” Amelia replied. “Let’s do this!”
Ethan leaned forward, his elegant fingers giving the bottle a precise flick. It spun rapidly, gradually slowing until its neck pointed directly at… me.
“Looks like Mrs. Stark is our lucky winner!” Sean crowed. “Ethan, hit her with a question everyone’s dying to know!”
Brandon’s hand found mine, his grip reassuring. “It’s just a game,” he murmured. “If you don’t want to answer, I’ll drink for you.”
“I’m not nervous,” I whispered back. “Just… awkward!”
Ethan studied me, then turned to Sean. “Why don’t you ask the question, Sean?”
Sean’s grin turned devilish. “Summer, when and where was your first time with Brandon, and how long did it last?”
The room went silent. I felt my face turn approximately the shade of a fire truck.
“I’ll… uh… I’ll drink,” I stammered, reaching for the glass. Brandon’s hand caught mine.
“Hamptons estate,” Brandon stated. “As for how long, Sean, think about how long I could beat you up continuously, and you’ll have
your answer.
The room exploded with laughter.
“That doesn’t count!” Sean protested. “Summer was supposed to answer, not you! Besides, how do we know you’re not just bragging?”
Brandon calmly removed his jacket and handed it to me, then stood up. “Would you like me to demonstrate? Stand up.”
Sean’s face paled. “Hey, we’re playing a game here! No need to get violent!” He grabbed his glass. “Fine, I believe you! I’ll drink for
Ethan!”
1/3
Chapter 228
Ethan leaned back. “Actually, I’m curious to see if Sean’s improved fighting skills.”
“So am I, Brandon agreed, still standing.
“No, no, no!” Sean gulped down his drink. “I’m drinking, see? Whose urn is it now? Summer?
With newfound confidence, I reached for the bottle and spun it. The universe must have been on my side because it landed directly
on Sean.
“Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it?” Edward commented dryly.
“Truth or dare, Sean?” I asked, feeling Brandon’s amused gaze on me
Sean looked between us, clearly trying to gauge which option would be less painful. “There’s no way I’m picking truth. I choose
dare!”
“Perfect,” I replied sweetly. “I dare you to French kiss someone in this room–and it can’t be me or Brandon.”
Sean’s jaw dropped. “What the actual-” He looked around at the expectant faces. “Are you serious?”
“Totally serious,” I confirmed. “You chose dare! Time to pucker up, Doctor!”
Sean’s eyes darted around desperately. “Can I just… die instead?”
“Nope,” I said cheerfully. “You suggested this game, remember? You can’t back out now. What would everyone in Manhattan say?”
“Summer,” Sean pleaded, “I was wrong, okay? I was so wrong. Can I do something else? I’ll sing for you! I’ll call you ‘Your Majesty for the rest of the night! Anything!”
I pretended to consider his offer. “Alright, I’ll be merciful. You don’t have to kiss anyone–but you do have to finish that bottle of
whiskey.”
Sean looked at the nearly full bottle. “You’re vicious, you know that? Even worse than Brandon. At least he’s upfront about it.”
With a resigned sigh, Sean grabbed the whiskey and began to drink, his face contorted in dramatic martyrdom.
“Will this do?” I asked Brandon quietly.
“He’ll be fine,” Brandon assured me. “His alcohol tolerance is legendary.”
The game continued for several more rounds, with Sean becoming the night’s biggest loser. Somehow, every time I spun the bottle, it landed on Sean. After the fifth time, I started to wonder if the bottle was rigged.
By the time we called it a night, Sean was significantly tipsy but still standing. Amelia wasn’t far behind, having taken a few dares that involved drinking.
“We should head out,” Brandon announced, his arm protectively around my
waist.
“Already?” Sean protested. “The night is young!”
It’s almost two in the morning,” Brandon pointed out.
Outside the club, Manhattan’s lights sparkled against the night sky. The crisp air cleared my head a bit as Brandon guided me toward the waiting car, James following with our belongings.
3
Chapter 228
Back at the Hamptons estate, helped Brandon to our bedroom, though he insisted he was perfectly fine. It was endearing to see him slightly less composed than usual–not drunk, just more relaxed his guard lowered just a fraction.
“Let me help you,” I said as I began to unbutton his shirt. He watched me with those intense eyes, saying nothing as I carefully removed his clothes. “You should take a shower.”
After getting him into the bathroom, I laid out fresh clothes and turned down the bed. When he emerged, hair damp and skin flushed from the hot water, he looked much more like himself–except for that glint in his eyes that I recognized all too well.
“Brandon,” I protested, pushing his hand away when he slid firbeside me. “I said I’m tired!”
“I heard you,” he replied, his lips finding my neck. “You sleep. I’ll entertain myself.”
I groaned, rolling away from him. “No, I
me
it! I’m exhausted. Just lie down and go to sleep!“.
Brandon’s chuckle was warm against my skin as he pulled me back against his chest. “You sleep your way, I’ll do it my way.”
I sighed, too tired to argue further. As his hands began to wander again, I knew sleep would have to wait just a little longer.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
PO
