Brandon’s POV
Every time I’m about to rest after surgery, you call. Sean’s complaint carried clearly through the mansion’s foyer as he strode in. medical bag in hand. Despite his words, his quick movements betrayed his concern. “This better be important.
You weren’t sleeping anyway.” I kept my voice steady despite the rage still simmering beneath the surface. June lay unconscious upstairs, her skin burning with whatever drug they’d given her. Every second we wasted felt like torture. “Come. Now”
Sean’s usual playful demeanor vanished the moment he saw June’s sl form on my bed. His movements turned precise and professional as he began checking her vitals.
“What happened?” His voice carried that particular edge I recognized from our college days the one that meant he was genuinely worried.
“Just check her condition.” The words came out sharper than intended.
Sean’s hands moved with practiced efficiency as he examined June, his expression growing more focused by the second. When he reached her hand, he paused, studying the shallow cut there with narrowed eyes.
“This was deliberate,” he said quietly, not looking up. “Someone knew exactly what they were doing. The cut’s precise meant to counteract whatever drug they used without causing real damage.”
“Brandon.” Sean’s voice cut through my murderous thoughts. “She’s going to be fine. The drug’s not dangerous – looks like a standard sedative, nothing more. Combined with exhaustion…” He trailed off, studying my face. “She just needs rest.
“She’s been unconscious for hours.”
“Because she’s sleeping,” Sean’s exasperation carried clearly as he packed away his equipment. “When was the last time you saw her get proper rest? The sedative’s wearing off, but her body’s taking advantage of the chance to recover.” A slight smile tugged at his lips. “Never thought I’d see the day – Brandon Stark, worried sick over a woman.”
My glare should have frozen hell itself. “If you value your life…”
A knock at the door interrupted whatever threat I’d been about to make. James entered with his usual efficiency, though something in his bearing caught my attention.
“Sir, we caught the one who drugged her.” His voice dropped lower. “Edward’s assistant Landon is questioning him now.”
“Study. Now.” I cast one last look at June’s sleeping form before following James out.
Sean’s footsteps echoed behind us. “You got Edward’s people involved? This must be serious.”
“Why are you still here?”
He grinned, all traces of the professional doctor vanishing. “Can’t sleep anyway. Might as well watch the show.” His eyes gleamed with dangerous interest as he turned to James. “Where’s Landon working?”
James glanced at me uncertainly. At my slight nod, he answered, “The usual place.”
“Perfect, Sean’s smile turned predatory. “I’ll have answers for you within twenty–four hours.”
The moment he left, James’s professional mask cracked slightly. “Sir, did you plan for Dr. Sullivan to take over the interrogation?”
1/2
Chapter 75
I allowed myself 2
slight smile, Sean’s seemingly casual interest had been exactly what I’d counted on. His methods of extracting information were… uniquely effective. “Have Landon give him whater he needs.”
“About Miss Victoria’s investigation. James continued smoothly, producing a thick folder. We found quite a bit about her activities In the entertainment industry, She’s been… busy.”
I studied the documents with growing satisfaction. Victoria’s perfect mask hid years of careful manipulation and strategic destruction of rivals. “Not all at once,” I decided, selecting one particular incident. Start with this. Give it to the gossip magazines
“Yes, sir.” James’s efficiency never wavered. “And the Windsors?*
“Later.”
I spent another hour in my study before finally returning to the bedroom. The sight that greeted me made something warm unfurl in my chest – June sleeping peacefully, completely defenseless. In the unguarded state, her face held a pure innocence that stirred unfamiliar protective instincts.
After a cold shower, I emerged wearing only a white silk robe. I dimmed the lights, letting the soft glow cast gentle shadows across the room. Standing by the bed, I found myself studying her face with an intensity that surprised even me. Her breathing was deep. and even, face relaxed in complete tranquility.
I settled into the chair by the window, reaching out to brush my fingers along her cheek. In her sleep, June seemed to sense my touch. A small, contented smile curved her lips as she instinctively grasped my hand.
Something about that unconscious gesture of trust made my breath catch. I slipped off my shoes and moved closer, the mattress dipping slightly beneath my weight. As if sensing my presence, June shifted in her sleep, making room for me beside her.
The smile that spread across her face was achingly sweet, even in dreams. Before I could pull away, her arms wrapped around my neck, drawing herself closer until she was practically draped across me.
My eyes darkened as I braced myself on one arm, looking down at her peaceful expression. She nuzzled closer, still smiling, and whispered my name with such warmth it made my chest ache, “Brandon…”
I’ve always taken what I wanted without hesitation, using any means necessary to achieve my goals. But with June… with her, I found myself exercising a patience I never knew I possessed. I understood her hesitation with relationships, her careful approach after being betrayed. While part of me ached for more, I would wait until she was ready to accept me completely.
When I finally moved to get up, her hand shot out, grabbing mine. “Don’t go,” she mumbled, still half–asleep.
My resolve melted instantly. “Alright, I won’t leave.” I squeezed her hand gently, threading our fingers together. “I’ll stay right here
with you.”
Her smile of pure contentment was both reward and torture. For any other man, having their wife this close would be simple pleasure. But I wanted more than just physical intimacy – I wanted her heart given freely, not out of obligation or circumstance.
“Sleep,” I murmured, watching her drift deeper into dreams. “I’ll stay with you always.”
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