Summer’s POV
After I yelled, several heads turned in our direction, curiosity evident in their expressions even in the dim light. I wanted to sink into my plush seat and disappear, but Brandon seemed completely unfazed by the attention.
My embarrassment was getting unbearable. “Let go, I whispered, trying to pull my hand free. “My palm is all sweaty.”
“Is it?” His deep voice carried that dangerous edge of amusement. I shifted his grip slightly but showed no intention of releasing
- me.
“How am I supposed to eat popcorn like this? I tried again, gesturing at the large bucket balanced precariously on the armrest
between us.
Without missing a beat, Brandon reached over with his free hand, picked up a piece of popcorn, and held it to my lips. The casual intimacy of the gesture made my heart skip several beats. Is this really happening? Brandon Stark, the most feared CEO on Wall Street, is actually…
“Eat. he murmured, his deep voice carrying that velvet–soft quality that never failed to make my skin prickle. Even in the darkness of the theater, his voice seemed to wrap around me like silk richer and more compelling than even the movie’s leading man. How does he make even a simple word sound so… intense?
I stared at him in disbelief, grateful for the darkness hiding my flaming cheeks. He met my gaze steadily, that infuriating half–smile playing at his lips as he waited. After what felt like an eternity but was probably only seconds, I gave in, accepting the offered
popcorn.
“Want more?” The amusement in his tone was unmistakable.
“I can feed myself!” I protested weakly.
He passed me a drink instead. “Don’t have too much.”
I found myself automatically following his instruction before realizing what I was doing. When did this dynamic become so… natural
Behind us, a female voice carried clearly through the quiet theater: Look at how sweet they are! He even feeds her popcorn. Meanwhile, you’re just glued to your phone!”
“If other boyfriends are so great, why don’t you go date them instead?” Her companion shot back, clearly annoyed.
“Are they talking about us?” I whispered to Brandon, mortification making my voice crack slightly.
→
His dark eyes gleamed with something dangerous. “Not convincing enough as a couple? Should I feed you again to prove it?”
“That’s not the point!” I hissed. “We’re being used as some kind of relationship benchmark!
Brandon’s only response was to offer me another piece of popcorn, his movements impossibly elegant even in this mundane task. How does he make everything look so effortless? I couldn’t help studying his perfect profile in the flickering light from the screen. The sharp angles of his face seemed softened somehow, though no less striking.
So romantic!” The girl behind us sighed loudly. “Why can’t we be like that?”
“It’s bad enough watching couples be lovey–dovey in the movie,” her boyfriend grumbled. “Now we have to deal with it in real life too?”
Why are you being so difficult today?” She demanded.
And you’re being dramatic! He shot back. He can’t be her real boyfriend, they’re obviously putting on a show.”
I turned to Brandon, unable to hide my amusement, “He thinks we’re acting.”
“He’s jealous.” Brandon’s voice carried that velvet–solt quality that never failed to make my skin prickle.
Looking back at the screen, l’had to admit the boy wasn’t entirely wrong. We weren’t a normal couple we’d literally gotten married before dating. The thought should have been unsettling, but somehow, sitting here in the dark with Brandon’s hand warm around mine, it just felt… right.
The rest of the movie passed in a blur of stolen glances and shared popcorn. By the time the lights came up, my cheeks hurt from smiling.
“This is all your fault,” I complained as we left the theater. “You kept feeding me popcorn!”
“I thought you enjoyed it. His dark eyes danced with barely suppressed mischief.
“Brandon Stark!” I tried to sound stern despite the warmth blooming in my chest. “You’re impossible!”
His fingers threaded through mine as we made our way into the mall “Speaking of impossible… your car is still at Fortune Corp.
“Oh no, I forgot-
“James took care of it.” Of course he had. Brandon never left loose ends.
“Want to look around?” He gestured at the high–end shops lining the mall’s corridors. “We have time.”
I hesitated, suddenly nervous. “What if someone sees us?”
“Worried about being seen with Stark Group’s CEO?” His lips curved into that dangerous half–smile. “Am I that recognizable?”
“You know what I mean!” But I couldn’t help laughing at his mock offense. “Weren’t we keeping this private for now?”
He pulled me closer, his cologne wrapping around me like a familiar blanket. “This nervous about dating your husband?”
“Wait…” A thought suddenly struck me. “Isn’t this mall owned by Stark Group? I remember hearing about the acquisition two years ago at Fortune Corp.”
“Wondering if that’s why I know the layout so well?” His dark eyes held mine with dangerous intensity.
“It’s getting late,” I said quickly, trying to ignore how my pulse raced under his gaze.
“Relax. His thumb traced gentle circles on my palm. “If we’re starting with dating, we should do it properly.” He guided me toward the upscale boutiques, his stride shortening to match my pace. “Let me take my wife shopping.”
I found myself following half a step behind, hyperaware of our joined hands and the height difference that forced me to look up at him. My Louboutins clicked against the polished floor as I tried to maintain my usual grace.
Tired?” His voice softened as he noticed my slightly uneven steps.
“I’m fine!” But he’d already slowed his pace further, his hand steady and warm around mine.
“June.” The way he said my name made my breath catch. “You don’t have to try so hard. We have all the time in the world.”
2/3
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
