Chapter 45: A Stark’s Apology
Summer’s POV
er’s Pov
I gave the security guard my most apologetic smile while gently tugging on Brandon’s sleeve. The tension in the Whole Foods aisle was thick enough to cut with a knife, and I could practically feel Brandon’s Irritation radiating off him in waves.
The security guard – a middle–aged man who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else shifted uncomfortably under Brandon’s arctic glare. “Ma’am, we have policies about customer safety…
“Of course you do!” I jumped in quickly before Brandon could say whatever was clearly brewing behind those dangerous dark eyes. “And you’re absolutely right. We got a bit carried away, and it won’t happen again.
Brandon’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. I knew that look it was the same one he got right before destroying someone’s career on Wall Street. God, he’s really not used to backing down, is her
“It’s fine,” I said softly, my fingers finding his wrist. “Really,”
The security guard watched our interaction with visible relief as the temperature in the aisle seemed to drop back to normal levels.
“Well, ma’am, you seem reasonable enough.” The guard straightened his shoulders, clearly more comfortable addressing me than Brandon. “Since no damage was done, we’ll let it slide this time. But you and your husband need to be more careful in public spaces. With our customer volume, safety has to be the priority.”
I nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. We completely understand, don’t we? I gave Brandon’s sleeve another gentle tug.
The silence stretched for what felt like hours but was probably only seconds. Then, just when I thought we’d be stuck in this standoff forever, Brandon did something that made my jaw drop.
“My apologies for the disturbance.”
The words came out perfectly polite, though I caught the barest edge of ice in his tone. Still, the fact that Brandon Stark- Brandon Stark – had actually apologized… Is this really happening?
The security guard looked as stunned as I felt, though he covered it quickly with a professional nod. “Right, well… Just be more careful. Especially with the shopping carts.”
As the guard walked away, I caught several other shoppers quickly averting their gazes. Great. We probably just made someone’s Instagram story. The thought of Wall Street’s most feared CEO being caught zooming around Whole Foods with his wife in a shopping cart was almost enough to make me laugh. Almost,
“Are you actually pouting?” I couldn’t help asking as we made our way to the checkout. Brandon’s expression was doing something complicated that on anyone else I would have definitely called a suck
“I don’t pout. His voice carried that dangerous edge that probably sent junior executives running for cover.
“Mmhmm.” I bit back a smile as I started unloading our cart. “You know, most people just say sorry instead of…”
His dark eyes fixed on me with that intensity that never failed to make my pulse skip. “I am not most people.”
“Trust me, I noticed.” The words came out softer than I intended.
Just then, James materialized beside us. “Sir, I apologize for the delay. The Manhattan traffic…”
“You could have been later.” Brandon’s tone could have frozen hell itself.
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Chapter 45: A Stark’s Apology
James, bless him, didn’t even blink. “The construction on Fifth Avenu, sir…”
“Just help with the bags,” Brandon cut him off, though I caught the fight softening in his expression. Whatever James had been late for, it had apparently worked out in Brandon’s lavor.
The drive home started with me behind the wheel, trying not to feel no self–conscious about driving such an expensive
“Relax your grip on the steering wheel, Brandon instructed from the passenger seat. “You’re not strangling a snake.”
I forced my fingers to loosen slightly. “Easy for you to say. This car probably costs more than my annual salary.”
“The car is insured. His voice carried that hint of amusement I was starting to recognize. “And I trust your driving more than your vegetable storage habits.”
“Hey!” I couldn’t help laughing despite my nerves. “I store vegetables just fine!”
I merged onto the highway, starting to feel more comfortable with the powerful engine. “You know, when you apologized back
there…”
“Mm?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you apologize to anyone before.
His fingers tapped a gentle rhythm against the steering wheel. “I haven’t.”
The casual admission made something warm unfurl in my chest. “So why…”
“You know why.” His voice carried that velvet soft quality that sent
vers down my spine.
I did know why, and that knowledge made my heart do complicated things. Brandon Stark, the man who brought Wall Street titans to their knees, had apologized to a grocery store security guard. Because of me.
“About Fortune Corp,” I said quickly, desperate to change the subject before my face could get any redder. “The reduced investments and terminated projects… that was you, wasn’t it?”
His dark eyes flickered to mine for just a moment. “You’re smart enough to
a figure that out.
“But why?” The question had been burning in my mind ever since I noticed the pattern. “Fortune Corp depends on Stark Group’s support, Without your investment projects…”
“Sometimes,” his voice dropped lower, carrying an edge of something dangerous, “people need to learn the cost of their choices.
The weight of his words hung between us. He’s doing this because of that they did to me, I realized with a jolt, He’s systematically dismantling their foundation because they tried to hurt me.
“You shouldn’t…” I started, then stopped, not sure how to finish that thought. Shouldn’t what? Shouldn’t use his power to protect me? Shouldn’t care enough to want
“I do what I want, June. The way he said my nickname–soft but intense–made my pulse skip. “Always have.”
1 guided the Porsche into the Hamptons estate garage with probably are concentration than necessary, determined not to scratch Brandon’s car on my first day driving it. As I turned off the engine, I felt oddly proud of managing the drive without any incidents.
“Not bad,” Brandon commented.
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(-1,450. Mon, Apr.
Chapter 45: A Stark’s Apology
“Really?” I turned to him with a smile I couldn’t quite suppress. “No criticisms about my turning speed or gear changes?”
His dark eyes held mine with unexpected warmth. “You did well, June
“Brandon?” I reached over to touch his sleeve
