Chapter 86

**Summer's POV*

"You're cooking," he observed, his expression softening in a way that made my stomach flutter.

"I thought I'd surprise you," I said, setting down the knife. "But that's not the only surprise."

He raised an eyebrow, waiting.

I wiped my hands on a towel, suddenly unsure how to explain. "I,um...I moved your things. From the guest room. To our room." The words tumbled out in a rush. "I thought since we've already... I mean, I should have asked first,but I wanted to-"

"June." he said softly, cutting off my nervous rambling.

I looked up at him, searching his face for any sign of displeasure. "You're not mad,are you?"

Instead of answering, he stepped closer, brushing my hair back before pulling me against his chest.

"Why would I be mad about that, silly?" he murmured.

I relaxed into his embrace. "You're homeearly today."

His fingers traced lazy patterns on my back. "Missed you." The simple admission sent warmth through my chest. Rising onto my tiptoes, I pressed a quick kiss to his jawlne. "Come on," I said, tugging his hand. "I was in the middle of making dinner." "Let me help." he offered.

In the kitchen. I returned to my chopping while Brandon rolled up his sleeves.

"I can finish this," I insisted. "You've been working all day."

"So have you," he countered, taking the knife from my hand with gentle firmness. "Take a break. I'll handle dinner."

"But I wantedto−′′

A slight smile played at his lips. "Consider it a reward. For your initiative."

He tapped my nose playfully, the casual intimacy of the gesture making my pulse skip.

The rich aroma of sizzling steak soon filled the house. Brandon plated everything with expert care while I poured wine into the crystal glasses that caught the light from the chandelier, casting tiny rainbows across the polished dining table.

"Oh my god," I moaned around a forkful of perfectly seared steak. "Where'd you learn to cook like this?"

Brandon looked amused as he sipped his wine. "College. It was either cook or starve."

I couldn't stop stealing glances at him across the table, mesmerized by the way the light caught his jawline. After the third time I got caught staring,Brandon set down his cutlery with deliberate precision. I jumped slightly. "Not hungry?" he asked. "No! I mean,yes-it's delicious," I stammered, suddenly focusing on my plate. He shook his head. "Eat properly. Whatever's on your mind can wait."

"Right. Sorry." I nodded, feeling my cheeks heat up.

When we finished, I straightened in my chair, gathering my courage. "I told Grandpa George about us today."

"I know," he replied calmly. "And?"

"My parents found out too," I continued, twisting my napkin. "They think I'm lying about giving the shares away. They seriously think I was after Taylor family money all along!"

Brandon's expression remained neutral. "What's your plan? Need my help?”

"Not yet." I shook my head. "I told them as long as they don't mess with the current ownership structure, my portion won't threaten them. But if they try changing things, I'll use my shares to stop them."

Something flickered across Brandon's face.

"What?" I asked anxiously. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No,you did well," he assured me. "But the shares you have no enough for full leverage. At most, you can establish equal footing want real power, you need absolute advantage. Understand?"

I sighed. "You know I never wanted to get involved in this mess. But I ge what you're saying. The problem is, these are all the shares I have." I paused. "I just found out today that what Grandpa signed over earlier wasn't everything. The complete transfer was in the second document. He gave me all of his shares-forty percent of Capital Corp. No wonder Richard and Elizabeth were freaking out." Even with my limited business knowledge, I understood what forty eant-significant, but not controlling interest.Brandon nodded. "Tll handle this. Don't worry."

His chair scraped against the hardwood as he stood, gathering our empty plates. The crystalware clinked softly as he stacked everything with practiced efficiency.

"Let me help with that," I offered, following him to the kitchen.

He placed his hand over mine, shaking his head. "Go relax. I'Il clean up."

I ignored him, trailing behind as he moved towward the sink. "You know, I always thought Wall Street hotshots like you wouldn't do household chores."

"What did you think I'd do?" he asked, sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned forearms as he ran water over the dishes.

"I don't know. Hit up fancy parties? Network with other finance bros?"

Brandon smiled faintly. "I lefthome young, remember? And not all wealthy people live that lifestyle. Stark family education was... extremely strict."

Something in his eyes flickered-a brief shadow of loneliness. Without thinking, I stepped behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"Thank you, Brandon," I said softly. "For what?" "For giving me a home," I whispered. I closed my eyes, breathing him in, realizing only now did I truly feel like we were family, The thought made me hold him tighter. "Tll always take care of you." I promised. "TI'll always be with you."

"Tll always be with you too," he said, a smile in his voice. "But if you keep hugging me like this, these dishes aren't getting done."

"Oh!" I stepped back, embarrassed. "Right! I'll just... go watch TV!"

I hurried out, his low chuckle following me as I retreated to the living room. The enormous flat-screen glowed dimly against the wall,but I barely registered what was playing as I sank into the plush cushions of the sofa. My mind kept drifting to Brandon-the gentleness beneath his tough exterior, how natural it felt to promise him forever.

The soft padding of his footsteps on the carpet announced his arrival. He settled at the opposite end of the sofa, patting his leg invitingly. Without hesitation, I slid over, laying my head in his lap.

His fingers found my temples, massaging in slow circles that made me sigh.

"That feels amazing," I murmured,eyes drifting closed.

I reached up, finding his jawline. "Lower," I commanded playfully."Bend down more."

Brandon caught my hand. "Stop that."

I pulled free, determined to touch him. My fingers traced his jaw,marveling at the smoothness. "How is your skin so perfect?" I complained. "It's better than mine! Better than most women's. So unfair." His lips curved into that dangerous half-smile. "Why be jealous? I'm all yours." The casual declaration hit me like a physical force, I froze,heart hammering as his dark eyes captured mine. "1, uh... wow. I don't even know what to say," I stammered. "I'm tired. I should go to bed!"

I tried to sit up but my muscles protested, aching from stress and emotion.

I looped my arms around his neck.

"I can't move." I admitted. "Carry me?"

Brandon's eyes darkened. "You sure about that?"

Before I could respond, he stood in one fluid motion, lifting me effortlessly against his chest.

He didn't say a word as he carried me through the dimly lit hallway,his jaw set in a way that made my heart race.

My face burned as I realized what he might be thinking. I buried my face against his shoulder, too embarrassed to meet his eyes, my fingers nervously clutching at his shirt. What have I gotten myself into? I thought,my entire body tingling with a mixture of anticipation and shyness as he pushed open the bathroom door with his foot, the soft click of the latch echoing in the silence.