Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

They had a peaceful meal because Stephen didn't show even a hint of being a boss.

Brandon only spoke occasionally to serve me food or ask if I wanted water. He acted so aloof, and it was as if he were the boss.

After the meal, Stephen quietly left in a low-profile Maybach.

Xander, having had some drinks, called for a designated driver.

While waiting for the driver, Xander draped his arm over Brandon's shoulder and asked, "Bran, how was it? Are you satisfied with today's meeting?"

Brandon shrugged off his hand. "You've had too much to drink."

"Not that much. I know you're worried I'll say something I shouldn't, but don't worry, I'm in control." Xander raised his hand again to pat Brandon on the shoulder.

This time, Brandon grabbed his wrist. "Mr. Roulder, I don't like people patting me on the shoulder. It's best if you avoid doing it to others too. There's a saying in mysticism that everyone's shoulders carry their fortune. A pat like that might just knock someone's good luck away. Got it?"

I almost laughed. I didn't expect Brandon to care about such things.

Xander was taken aback but then laughed. "Bran, when did you become such a nag? I remember you used to..."

"Your ride's here," Brandon cut him off just as the driver arrived.

Before the driver could ask anything, Brandon spoke up. "It's his car. He called you."

Then, Brandon put his arm around my shoulders. "Let's go."

"But, Bran, I wasn't finished talking. Why are you leaving?" Xander called after us, but Brandon didn't stop in his tracks.

We walked to the car, and I remained silent the entire time.

"What's wrong?" Brandon noticed something was off with me.

I leaned against the car and looked at Brandon. "Do you think Mr. Stephen, whom we met today, seems like the big boss?"

Brandon frowned slightly. "Why? Do you think he doesn't?"

"Yeah, he doesn't seem like it as much as you do." I stared into his eyes.

"I think so too," Brandon replied. Then he added, "Mae, you can't judge a book by its cover."

I let out a soft, sarcastic laugh and raised my hand to caress his face. "Yeah. You look like a domineering CEO from a romance novel, but you're not." "Are you disappointed? Or do you wish I were?" Brandon asked.

I shook my head. "No, don't overthink it. I like men like you. Men with a clean background, simple and handsome. That makes me feel safe."

I hadn't drunk any alcohol that night, but my mood felt as if I had.

"If one day I had money, Mae, would you feel unsafe?" Brandon asked me.

I squinted my eyes. "Mr. Howell, when did you ever have money?"

Brandon didn't answer. I remembered how he couldn't even afford Ellie's surgery and tried to comfort him. "Safety isn't about money." Then, I withdrew my hand. "Let's go."

However, Brandon pinned my hand against the car and slowly leaned me down.

He had drunk some alcohol that night. The faint odor of alcohol on his breath, mixed with the night air and my breath, was tantalizing.

My fingers gripped the car door as I swallowed nervously. "Brandon, what are you doing?"

Brandon stared at my lips. I knew he wanted to try the new type of kiss I'd taught him.

I looked at his lips. The traces of my previous kiss and the red lipstick had long since faded on his lips. Still, I teased him and said, "Brandon, you look great with lipstick on."

He gave a hum in reply.

I laughed. "Why do you just hum in reply? What does it mean?"

"I want you to put it on me." Brandon brushed his nose against mine.

"Only me?" I asked as my hand moved up to touch his throat.

He gave another hum.

My hand caressed his Adam's apple. "Can I put some on here too?"

"You've already done it before." Brandon's comment made me think about the time I'd marked him with a hickey.

"Do you want it now?" he asked quietly when I didn't respond.

I opened my mouth and bit down on

his lips. Brandon let out a low groan, I

and the next thing I knew, he lifted

me and pressed me against the car

door.

Velnet

The night was dark, with the wind swirling around us. The car door was cold against my back while Brandon's body radiated heatin front of me.