Chapter 11: Who Just Drove You Home?
Summer’s POV
“Miss Taylor.” His deep voice seemed to fill the space between us. “Sometimes you need to face what’s inevitable. Don’t you agree?”
I wanted to argue, to insist on my independence, but something in his expression told me this wasn’t a battle I was going to win. Fine. One car ride. What i the worst that could happen? With a resigned sigh, 1 let him guide me to the waiting Bentley.
The interior felt like another world entirely. The soft leather seats probably cost more than my monthly salary, and the subtle scent of his new car leather made my head spin slightly. Or maybe that was just the effect of being trapped in an enclosed space with Brandon Stark.
1 caught his reflection in the window – those dark eyes studying me with that same intense focus. Don’t engage. Just get through this ride. ““Left at the next light,” I said instead of answering his question.
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “You’re quite determined to ignore me.”
“I’m quite determined to get home, Mr. Stark.” I kept my voice professionally detached. “And I appreciate the ride, but that’s this is”
The
Bentley glided to a smooth stop at a red light, and I could feel his gaze on me.
Something in his tone made me finally turn to look at him. The streetlights cast shadows across his face, highlighting those sharp cheekbones and the subtle curve of his lips. God, why does he have to be so… Brandon Stark?
“Mr. Stark.” I fought to keep my voice steady. “Whatever game you’re playing-
“Game?” He cut me off, his voice carrying an edge that made my pulse jump. “Is that what you think this is?”
“What else would it be?” The words came out sharper than I’d intended. “You’re Brandon Stark. You could have any woman in Manhattan. Why would you possibly
“Second light on the right?” he interrupted smoothly.
“Yes, but-
“Then let’s focus on getting you home safely.” His tone brooked no argument. “We can discuss your fascinating theories about my motivations another time.”
I bit back a frustrated reply and returned to staring out the window. The familiar buildings of my neighborhood came into view, and I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders. Almost there. Just a few more minutes.
The Bentley came to a stop in front of my building, the engine purring softly in the night air. Before I could reach for the door handle, Brandon’s voice stopped me
“My offer still stands, Miss Taylor. Call me when you’re ready.”
I turned to face him, suddenly angry. “Mr. Stark, I’m sure half of Manhattan’s eligible women would line up for a chance with you. Why waste your time on
His dark eyes held mine. “That’s your perception, not mine.”
“Mr. Stark.” I gripped my bag lighter, needing something to ground me. “Thank you for the ride, but about your proposal escaped one trap, I’m not looking to jump into another one.”
I’m sorry, I can’t accept it. I just
Something flickered in his expression. “How can you be so sure it’s a trap when you haven’t given it a chance?” His voice softened slightly. “Nothing is absolute, Miss Taylor. It’s late now, get some rest.
1 practically fled from the car, my heels clicking against the pavement as I hurried toward the building entrance. The sound of the Bentley’s engine fading into the night should have been reassuring. Instead, it left me feeling strangely hollow.
“Who was that in the car that just dropped you off? You can’t just find yourself a random gay so soon!”
The voice hit me like a physical blow. No. Not now. Not him. I turned slowly, already knowing what I’d see. Alexander stood in the shadows of the building’s entrance, his familiar face twisted with an expression I’d never seen before.
“I don’t see how that s any of your business.” I was proud of how steady my voice sounded, even as my heart threatened to beat out of my chest.
Chapter 11: Who Just Drove You Home?
He took a step closer, and I fought the urge to back away. How is it not my business? Summer, do you even realize what you’re doing?”
A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it. “What Fm doing? That’s rich, coming from you.”
“I understand this is hard for you to accept – Victoria and me. His tone carried that
at patronizing note I’d somehow never noticed before. “But you’re young. you’ll find someone else. Look, I’m going to be your brother–in–law soon. I just want what’s best for you.”
The words hit like acid, burning through what little composure I had left. “How thoughtful of you! Please, just do me a favor and stay out of my life.”
*Summer, why are you being like this? He ran a hand through his hair a gesture Id once found endearing. Now it just made me want to scream. “What’s done is done. Victoria and I–it’s real love.”
“Fine, I get it. You love Victoria. My voice cracked slightly. “What more do you want from me? I’ve already stepped aside. Why can’t you just leave me
His expression darkened. “Victoria’s suffering because of you. Your grandfather won’t approve our marriage. Don’t you feel guilty about that?”
“Guilty?” The word exploded from me like a bullet. “Are you kidding me? The only ones who should feel guilty are you two. Now, get out of my sight. Oh god, I’ve got tired of keeping say that!”
But he didn’t move. Instead, his eyes narrowed dangerously, “Who was that man? What did he say to you? You’ve changed.”
