40. Brandon's Mysterious Invitation
"Emma, you need to see Brandon before you leave," Eleanor said as soon as I entered the grand foyer, holding a small bag and a few clothes I had ordered online.
I decided to travel at 7 pm to avoid drawing unnecessary attention at the airport, as my picture has been circulated due to my missing status.
"There is no point in seeing him," I said nonchalantly.
"What about Julian?" Eleanor asked.
"His father has banned me from being near him," I said sadly. "Please, take care of him and make sure to tell Brandon that he's sitting on a time bomb. He needs to be very careful," I pleaded, but Eleanor remained silent, her gaze fixed on a distant point.
Suddenly, Brandon's bodyguards surrounded the grand foyer. I turned around and saw Jake, Brandon's trusted bodyguard walking majestically towards me.
"Good evening, ma'am," Jake said, bowing slightly. "The boss wants to see you in his private lounge."
"Tell him I have a flight to catch by 7:25," I said and turned to leave.
"Ma'am…," Jake said.
"No!" I interrupted him.
"Emma, go and see him," Eleanor implored. I turned to look at her and saw one of the domestic workers carrying Julian on her shoulder. A glint of a smile appeared on my face.
With each passing day, Julian resembled his father more and more. My gaze lingered on the baby as I wondered if leaving him behind was a good idea.
As I continued looking at Julian, one of Brandon's bodyguards took my bag and headed towards the exit. Eleanor crooked her fingers and I walked towards her.
"When my son showed up last night at the crazy hour, I knew he couldn't stay a night without seeing you. Julian is only 21 days old as of today. Don't let Brandon fuck you again," Eleanor whispered into my ear. Eleanor's words, though funny, sparked my curiosity about why Brandon wanted to meet me. I nodded and started following the bodyguards.
As we drove along the quiet road, my mind continued to wander. I thought about the reason behind Brandon's invitation. I couldn't wait to find out.
As we pulled over inside the massive garage, Brandon's men guided me towards his private lounge which was situated on the first floor of the castle.
As soon as I entered, I saw Brandon and his friend, the one I had seen in his office the last time, sitting around a glass table, each holding a glass of champagne.
Brandon was dressed in neatly pressed navy blue trousers that stopped right on his ankles and a well-fitted white shirt with three buttons left open, giving him an irresistibly sexy look. Even though his eyes were concealed behind stylish glasses, I could feel his gaze on me.
"Please, have a seat," Brandon gestured to a chair at the table. As soon as I sat down, his friend and all the bodyguards left the room. The glass door slowly closed leaving the whole place dimly lit. Brandon took off his stylish glasses and smiled, but I couldn't bring myself to return the gesture; I simply lowered my gaze.
"Jewel, you know, you can be really stubborn," Brandon chuckled as he stood up and moved closer to me. He sat on the table in front of me, placing one foot on my chair and leaning in closer. His lips were just inches away from mine, while his fingers played with my ponytail.
"Yeah, I know."
A moment of silence enveloped the room as Brandon continued to gaze at me, his breath lightly brushing against my face. The soft, multi-colored glow of the dim rainbow light filled the room, casting an array of hues onto Brandon's exposed body, which was positioned tantalizingly close to me. All I yearned for was to lean against his strong, powerful frame, seeking comfort and solace.
"Why aren't you as smart and calculative as you used to be, Bran?" I murmured. "Your critical thinking skills are outstanding! You thoroughly analyze situations before making informed decisions. You even taught me that enemies often have distinct scents, yet you seem to surround yourself with individuals who pose a threat to you without even sensing it."
"Jewel, I stopped thinking strategically the day I left Malmö without you. Every single day, all I can think about is you. Honestly, it has been incredibly difficult for me. People may see me smiling and going to work every day, but deep inside, my heart is consumed by darkness."
"I have missed you, Jewel," Brandon whimpered, gently pressing his forehead against mine.
After a while, Brandon sat back up, increased the light, and slid a piece of paper towards me. He also dropped a pen in the center of the paper. I picked up the pen and began to read the contents of the paper. Goosebumps appeared all over my body as I read. Even though it was something I had always wanted, I wanted to ensure that we both had the same desires.
"What happened to Brandon, the man of integrity that I know?" I asked, locking eyes with him. Brandon gently cradled my face in his hand, treating it like a delicate treasure, while his other hand rested firmly on my soft and bare thigh.
The warmth of his touch sent a wave of contrasting sensations through my body, like a mixture of fire and ice. As his hand slowly moved along my smooth thigh, I fought to maintain control, resisting the urge to let out an involuntary moan from my lips.
Brandon leaned in closer, his face nearing mine, and his hand continued moving slowly on my thigh as he whispered his response softly into my ear.