Chapter 8X
My heart slammed against my ribs. I did the only thing I could think of–I ran. I turned on my heel and bolted out of the bathroom, nearly slipping as my bare feet hit the cold floor. My pulse pounded in my ears, my mind racing as I tried to process what had just happened.
Brandon. Brandon was here.
Jasmine’s older brother. The man I had crushed on years ago. The man who had been nothing more than a distant, impossible memory from my past.
I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and immediately dialed Jasmine. She picked up on the third ring, sounding far too amused.§
“Veronica,” she greeted. “Settling in well?“}
“Why didn’t you tell me your brother was here?!” I hissed, pacing back and forth.
Jasmine just laughed. A laugh! Oh, god! She was clearly playing with me.}
“Well,” she said, dragging out the word, “I didn’t know he was there.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Jasmine, I know you. Did you set me up?”
Silence. Then->
“Maybe,” she sang.
I groaned, rubbing my temple. “Jasmine-“}
I couldn’t believe this. She betrayed me. I had thought that I was going to be here alone. I wanted to be alone–not to be with Brandon. had long forgotten about him. Why now?>
“Oh, come on,” she cut me off. “You’ve had a thing for my brother forever. Even before Elias. Don’t even try to deny it.”
I stiffened. “That was years ago.“}
“And you’re both single now.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to keep my patience. “Jasmine, I don’t have time for this. I have bigger problems than your matchmaking attempts.”}
Jasmine let out a dramatic sigh. “Veronica, listen to me. My brother is perfect for you. And not just because you used to be obsessed with him-“0
“I was not “0
“-but because he can keep you safe.“}
That made me pause.
Jasmine’s tone turned serious. “You know what Brandon does for a living. He’s an expert in combat. He’s trained in martial arts, weapons, survival skills. If anyone can protect you from Elias, it’s him. Plus, you know that Elias’s gonna come to you soon.”}
I swallowed, my grip tightening on my phone.
It was true. Brandon had always been different. He was the kind of man who commanded attention the second he walked into a room not just because of his looks, but because of his presence. Calm, confident, dangerous.}
And now, he was here.
“Think about it,” Jasmine pressed. “This might actually be the best thing for you.”
I exhaled. “Jasmine, I don’t have time to fall in love.“}
“Who said anything about love?” she teased. “Just… try. At the very least, let him protect you.“}
I opened my mouth to argue, but she cut me off.”
“Anyway, enjoy your day with my brother,” she said cheerfully. “Call me if you have a real problem.” –
Then she hung up. I stared at my phone, stunned.
Did she seriously-? Damn it!?
A slow chuckle echoed behind me.
I froze. My fingers tightened around the phone as I turned around slowly.
Brandon was standing in the doorway.”
Still half–naked.
Still wet from the jacuzzi.}
A towel was wrapped around his waist, low enough that I really didn’t need to see that much of his abs. Heat crept up my neck, and I quickly looked away, pretending to be very interested in the floor.
“Something wrong, sweetheart?” he asked, voice laced with amusement.
I forced myself to keep my expression neutral. “No.“}
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Brandon smirked. “Then why are you blushing?“>
I wasn’t blushing.
F
Was I? This is impossible. He always affected me. I thought it was gone–but now, I don’t know anymore.
Chapte
10.12
I straightened, ignoring the way my heart was suddenly hammering in my chest. “Don’t flatter yourself.“}]
His smirk widened. “I don’t have to. You’re doing it for me.“”
I shot him a glare. “Enough.”
Brandon took a slow step forward. “Didn’t you used to have a crush on me?“>
I clenched my fists. “No.”
He tilted his head, pretending to think. “Hmmm. I remember differently.”}
I scoffed. “Go away.“}
Brandon leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest. “That’s too bad, sweetheart.“}
His gaze locked onto mine, sharp and knowing.
“Because you’re stuck with me now.“>
My breath hitched. “What do you mean?“}
Brandon’s smirk faded slightly, his expression turning serious. “I’m not just here by accident. Veronica.”
I stiffened.”
Jasmine.
Of course.&
Brandon took another step closer, his voice dropping lower. “You’re not safe, and you know it. Elias Ijswallowed hard.]
I did know that.”
Brandon continued, his gaze unwavering. “So, until this is over, you’re not alone.”>
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper.}
“You’re stuck with me. Twenty–four seven.“>
A shiver ran down my spine.
I didn’t know if this was a good thing or a bad thing.
