The Billionaire's Sudden Bride Chapter 240

**Summer's POV**

I launched myself into his arms.

He caught me effortlessly, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as I buried my face in his neck. I couldn't stop touching him—his face, his shoulders, his chest—needing to confirm he was really here.

"Hey, hey," he murmured, his hand stroking my hair. "I'm here. It's not a dream. I'm right here."

"I know," I whispered, feeling the solid warmth of him against me. "I can feel you. Your body heat..." I pulled back just enough to look at his face, noticing how his suit was pristine, no trace of the winter chill clinging to him. "How long have you been here? It's a long drive from the Hamptons, but you're not even cold."

The corners of his eyes crinkled with amusement. "What's wrong? Not happy to see me?"

"Don't be ridiculous," I said, clinging tighter. "I'm beyond happy. It's just so late, and..." Reality crashed back, making me tense in his arms. "Wait, didn't you say Elle had people following me? What if they saw you?"

"They won't know I'm here," Brandon cut me off, his voice calm and certain. "Don't worry about it. I'm not leaving." His hands settled on my waist, giving a gentle squeeze. "Think you can let go of me now?"

I shook my head stubbornly. "No."

"So you want me to go back to the Hamptons, then?" he asked, eyebrow raised.

"No!" I tightened my grip, panicked at the mere suggestion. "Don't you dare."

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage, then stepped back and squared my shoulders. "Let's get one thing straight—this is *my* apartment. You don't just get to waltz in and out whenever you feel like it. From the moment you stepped through that door, you became *mine*. In here, you follow *my* rules. Got it?"

Brandon's eyes darkened, that familiar heat sparking between us. "Got it."

He caught my hand, bringing it to his lips. His warm breath ghosted over my knuckles as he pressed a kiss to each finger. "Whatever you command, my queen."

A thrill shot through me at the title, but I kept my stern expression in place. "Good. Now tell me the truth—what exactly are you doing here in the middle of the night? Spill it."

"You don't know why I'm here?" Brandon's voice dropped to that dangerous register that always made my knees weak.

Before I could blink, he had me backed against the wall, one hand capturing my wrist and pinning it above my head. His body caged mine, the expensive fabric of his suit brushing against my thin sleep shirt. I froze, captivated by the intensity in his dark eyes.

"I came," he whispered, his lips a breath away from my ear, "to see you."

The simple honesty in his voice stunned me. I pushed against his chest, blinking rapidly as I tried to process the emotion behind his words.

"What's this?" he teased, his thumb stroking my wrist. "Aren't you supposed to throw yourself into my arms now?"

"As if!" My cheeks burned. "You're being ridiculous! You're usually such a... I mean, you're not exactly Mr. Proper all the time, but you're at least not this—mmph!"

His mouth captured mine, swallowing whatever I'd been about to say.

\---

Hours later, I collapsed onto the bed beside Brandon, completely spent. My limbs felt like liquid, my body deliciously sore in all the right places. Brandon's hand found mine in the darkness, our fingers intertwining.

"I'm not going anywhere," he murmured, his thumb tracing circles on my palm.

"I know," I whispered back, my voice rough.

He shifted, leaning over to press feather-light kisses across my forehead, my eyelids, the tip of my nose, the point of my chin. "What kind of spell have you cast on me, you little witch?"

I rolled over to drape myself across his chest, resting my chin on my hands as I looked down at him. "That's right—I've got you under my spell. And it's permanent, no take-backs, no counter-curse."

Brandon's hands settled at my waist, gently but firmly stopping my restless movements. "Behave yourself," he warned. "Or you'll be in trouble again."

I sighed contentedly, settling against him. After a moment of comfortable silence, I asked the question that had been nagging at me. "Brandon, you were already here when I got home, weren't you? You didn't just show up tonight."

He didn't answer immediately, his fingers tracing idle patterns on my back. "Just bear with this situation a little longer," he finally said. "It won't be for too long. I'll take care of our problem."

"I know," I said softly. "I understand this isn't what you want either. I'm not trying to pressure you, it's just..." I bit my lip. "I'm not scared of being alone. I just miss you like crazy."

Brandon lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my palm. "I'm sorry you have to deal with this."

"Don't be," I insisted, shifting to look him in the eyes. "I'm not the one juggling a massive corporation on top of all this drama. You're the one I'm worried about."

Despite Brandon's reputation as one of Wall Street's most powerful titans, I knew the truth—he was still human. He got tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed just like anyone else. Behind that impenetrable facade, he needed someone to lean on too.

"We're not in a rush," I told him, resting my head on his chest where I could hear the steady beat of his heart. "We'll handle this at your pace."

"Mmm," he agreed, his hand stroking my hair. "Don't worry. I won't shortchange myself, and I certainly won't shortchange you."

I couldn't see his face, but something in his voice held a determination that went beyond reassurance. I could almost feel his silent promise—to clear every obstacle, to create a world where we could live without constantly looking over our shoulders.

"I know," I whispered. "I believe in you."

A massive yawn caught me by surprise, making Brandon chuckle.

"It's late," he said. "Get some sleep."

I pushed myself up just enough to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Goodnight, Brandon."

"Goodnight, June."

I drifted off almost immediately, the steady rhythm of Brandon's breathing better than any lullaby.

I was barely aware of Brandon tucking the blankets around me as he slipped from the bed. Even half-asleep, my fingers tightened around his hand, refusing to let go.

"Shh," he soothed, gently prying my fingers loose. "I'm not leaving. Just going to take a quick shower. I'll be right back."

I mumbled something unintelligible and rolled over, already falling back into dreams.