Chapter 36

**Brandon's POV**

"You can't be serious." Sean's voice dropped to a whisper as he watched Summer busy herself in the kitchen, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine shock.

I allowed myself a dangerous smile, enjoying his reaction. "Have you ever known me to joke about such things?"

"Brandon..." His eyes narrowed as he studied my expression. "Have you lost your mind? She's nothing like-"

The temperature in the room dropped several degrees as I fixed him with a cold stare, cutting off whatever he'd been about to say. Sean might be one of my closest friends, but some topics were off limits. He knew that better than anyone.

"Whatever you're planning," he continued in a lower voice, "Summer's innocent in all this. If she knew the truth about-"

"I know exactly what I'm doing." My tone brooked no argument. "This doesn't require your interference. Summer is my wife now. It's that simple."

Sean ran a hand through his hair, a gesture I recognized from our college days- his tell when he was genuinely worried. "Simple? Will the Stark family accept her? You know better than anyone how deep Wall Street's waters run."

"Is that why you're opposed?" I-couldn't help the slight amusement that crept into my voice. Sean had always been the most straightforward of our group,wearing his concerns on his sleeve.

He wisely changed the subject, though his eyes remained troubled. "Just... be careful. Not everyone adapts well to our world."

"Like how you chose to be a surgeon instead of taking over family business?" I kept my tone light, but we both knew the weight behind those words. The Sullivans were one of New York's most powerful family. But Sean had never cared about any of that.

I still remembered the uproar his decision had caused. The entire Sullivan family had opposed his choice to become a surgeon rather than takeover the family business. Even now, years later, the tension remained palpable at any Sullivan family gathering. But Sean had always been stubbornly independent, following his own path regardless of others'opinions. He'd chosen surgery despite unanimous family opposition, and looking at him now, it was clear he had no regrets.

"My decisions, like yours, don't require others' approval." I continued

Sean shrugged, some of his usual humor returning. "Come on, I became a surgeon specifically to avoid all this financial district drama."

The sound of plates clinking in the kitchen drew both our attention.Summer moved with unconscious grace as she prepared dinner,completely unaware of our conversation. Something in my chest tightened at the sight of her in my space, so naturally domestic it almost hurt.

"Dinner's ready," she called, her voice carrying that hint of uncertainty that made me want to both protect and possess her. "Brandon," Sean's grin turned mischievous as we moved toward the dining room, "who would have thought Mrs. Stark would be such a domestic goddess?" "Just eat." But I couldn't quite hide my satisfaction at his use of her new title. Summer set down a perfectly arranged plate in front of me, her cheeks flushing slightly as our fingers brushed. "I'm sorry if it's not up to restaurant standards..."

"Much better than hospital cafeteria food,"Sean assured her with that easy charm that had half of Manhattan's society women swooning."You know,there aren't many Manhattan socialites who still cook these days."

"Please have more if you like it." The shy pride in her voice made something possessive stir in my chest.

I watched her take small, careful bites, hyperaware of every movement.When a strand of hair fell across her face, I couldn't resist reaching out to brush it back, enjoying how she froze at my touch.

"The food will get cold," she mumbled, trying to hide her reaction.

Sean's eyes danced with barely suppressed amusement. "Mrs.Stark,you should know - Brandon isn't nearly this gentle normally."

"Sean." I let just enough warning seep into my voice. "Didn't you just finish surgery?"

"Not tired at all!" He backtracked quickly. "Summer's cooking is really excellent."

After dinner, as we moved to the living room, Sean brought up the inevitable: "Now that you're married, when are we getting together with the others?" I glanced at Summer, noting how she tensed at the mention of social obligations. "When she's ready." "Anytime works for me-us surgeons have way more flexible schedules than you finance types. It'd be great to get Edward and everyone together." Summer's eyes widened slightly. "The Wall Street Four Kings... that's the group people always talked about?"

"You've heard of us?" I couldn't help the pleased note that crept into my voice.

"At Columbia," she admitted, not meeting my eyes. "Students used to talk about you all the time."

"So you were interested in me even back then?" I couldn't resist teasing her,enjoying how her cheeks flushed darker.

"Mr. Stark, please don't joke!" She twisted her fingers nervously. "I didn't even know you then. It was just campus gossip."

Once Sean had finally left, I turned to find Summer still looking adorably flustered. "It's getting late. Let's go home, Mrs. Stark."

"Could you... not call me that?" The way she ducked her head made something warm unfurl in my chest.

"Why not?" I kept my voice gentle but firm. "We're legally married now.You need to get used to your new identity."

She bit her lower lip, a gesture that never failed to capture my attention."Do you know why I'm not introducing you to anyone else yet?"

"Why?" Her voice came out small, uncertain. "Because I need Mrs. Stark, not just Summer Taylor." I watched the words land, noting how her eyes widened slightly. "Until you fully accept that identity, I won't introduce you to anyone. Do you understand?" "I... I'm sorry." She wouldn't meet my eyes. "I'll give you time to adjust." Looking at her now - still shy, still uncertain,but trying so hard-I felt that dangerous possessiveness rise again. *Well,*I thought, watching her fidget under my gaze.*She'll understand exactly what it means to be Mrs. Stark.*