Brandan’s POV
We crossed the finish line. June’s presence beside me was a warm distraction, her earlier kiss still lingering on my lips. The memory of her boldness made something possessive stir in my chest. She’d initiated that kiss my usually cautious wife had made the first move. The thought brought a slight smile to my face.
The red–haired leader approached as we stepped out of the car, his respect evident in the way he held himself. He pulled out a cigarette, offering it with a grin. “Nice driving, man! Where’d you learn those moves?
I caught the cigarette with practiced ease, turning it between my fingers without lighting it. His eyes followed the movement, clearly impressed by even this small display of control.
“Want to join our crew?” He asked eagerly. “We could use someone with your skills.”
I allowed myself a slight smile. “But I lost.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “No way, man. We all know who really won here.”
“The rules were clear,” I kept my tone light as I handed the cigarette back. “I’m the last one who past the line.”
As turned to guide June back to the car, his voice called out behind us: “Hey, wait! You can take your prize, you know?”
I shook my head without turning. “Keep it.”
“At least tell us your name?” The eagerness in his voice was almost endearing. “Let’s stay in touch!”
One of the crew members stepped forward, his eyes fixed on my license plate. “Wait a minute…” His voice trailed off as realization
dawned.
“Holy shit,” another racer whispered. “Brandon Stark?”
The red–haired leader’s eyes widened. “No way… The Brandon Stark? Wall Street’s most powerful CEO?”
I met his gaze steadily, neither confirming nor denying.
“Man, if we’d known who you were…” The leader shook his head in disbelief. “You could have smoked us all if you wanted. Why’d
you stop?”
“Had something more important to attend to.” My eyes flickered briefly to June.
“Damn,” the leader laughed. “Getting schooled by Brandon Stark himself. Guess we need more practice, boys!”
The drive home was filled with a different kind of tension. June kept stealing glances at me when she thought I wasn’t looking, her tongue darting out to wet her lips nervously. Every time she did, I had to resist the urge to pull over and kiss her again.
“You could have won easily,” she finally broke the silence. “And they admitted you were better! Why didn’t you take the prize?”
I raised an eyebrow, keeping my eyes on the road. “You wanted it?”
She hesitated, then nodded almost shyly. “You were clearly better than them. Why give up the prize?
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Chapter 67
“We can go back and get it if you want. I couldn’t resist teasing her
Her hand shot out to grab my arm, the touch sending warmth through my sleeve. “No, no! I was just saying… They’re probably gone anyway.”
The rest of the drive passed in comfortable silence, broken only by June’s soft breathing as she dozed off. By the time we reached the Hamptons estate, she was fighting to keep her eyes open.
“We’re home,” I said softly, reaching over to ruffle her hair.
She ducked away with an adorable pout. “Stop, treating me like a kid. And don’t pat my head ever again!*
The familiar comfort of my study welcomed me as I settled in to deal with the day’s remaining business. James’s updates about Matthew and the Taylor situation demanded immediate attention.
“Sir, about Matthew,” James’s voice carried his characteristic efficiency. “He’s in police custody now, but he’s refusing to reveal who’s behind all this. Without that information, it complicates our next steps. How should we proceed?”
“Contact Edward Lee,” I instructed, remembering the calculating gleam in Edward’s eyes whenever Matthew was mentioned. “He’ll know what to do.”
“I see.” The pieces were falling into place exactly as I’d expected.
“Also, sir,” James continued, “our sources confirm Capital Corp is in serious trouble. That’s why Richard Taylor is pushing for Victoria’s marriage to Alexander. They desperately need Stark Group’s support.”
I leaned back slightly, pieces clicking into place. “Look into Summer’s history with the Taylor family. Don’t tell her about this yet.”
A soft knock interrupted whatever James had been about to say. June stood in the doorway, her damp hair falling in waves around her shoulders. The sight of her in silk pajamas, looking soft and vulnerable, made something protective stir in my chest.
“Am I disturbing you?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Come here.” I gestured her closer, noting how she clutched the neckline of her robe.
“It’s late,” she said softly. “Shouldn’t you rest?”
My gaze dropped to where the silk robe clung to her curves, lingering on the generous swell of her breasts. She caught the direction of my stare and quickly tightened her grip on the neckline, a beautiful blush spreading across her cheeks. “Stop staring!”
I waited as she gathered her thoughts, watching various emotions play across her expressive face. Finally, she spoke: “About that video James sent… The one of me. You were there that night… I don’t know what my father or Charles Windsor really wants.” Her voice cracked slightly. “Brandon, you’ll protect me, right?”
The vulnerability in her tone made my jaw clench. “Are you scared?”
“A little. The admission seemed to cost her something.
“Don’t worry about it.” I kept my voice gentle despite the rage building in my chest. “I’ll handle everything.”
She nodded, clearly fighting exhaustion. As she turned to leave, I couldn’t resist: “Is my wife inviting me to bed?”
The blush that spread across her cheeks was absolutely worth it. “What? No! I… I should go rest. You should too!”
C
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Chapter 67
At the door, she paused and furned back. “Brandon… thank you.”
The soft sincerity in her voice made something warm unfurl in my chest. I watched her disappear down the hallway, already planning exactly how I would destroy everyone who had dared to hug her.
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