Chapter 45 : A Stark's Apology Summer's POV er's Pov I gave the security guard my most apologetic smile while gently tugging on Brandon's sleeve . The tension in the Whole Foods aisle was thick enough to cut with a knife , and I could practically feel Brandon's Irritation radiating off him in waves . The security guard - a middle - aged man who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else shifted uncomfortably under Brandon's arctic glare . " Ma'am , we have policies about customer safety … " Of course you do ! " I jumped in quickly before Brandon could say whatever was clearly brewing behind those dangerous dark eyes . " And you're absolutely right . We got a bit carried away , and it won't happen again . Brandon's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly . I knew that look it was the same one he got right before destroying someone's career on Wall Street . God , he's really not used to backing down , is her " It's fine , " I said softly , my fingers finding his wrist . " Really , " The security guard watched our interaction with visible relief as the temperature in the aisle seemed to drop back to normal levels . " Well , ma'am , you seem reasonable enough . " The guard straightened his shoulders , clearly more comfortable addressing me than Brandon . " Since no damage was done , we'll let it slide this time . But you and your husband need to be more careful in public spaces . With our customer volume , safety has to be the priority . " I nodded enthusiastically . " Absolutely . We completely understand , don't we ? I gave Brandon's sleeve another gentle tug . The silence stretched for what felt like hours but was probably only seconds . Then , just when I thought we'd be stuck in this standoff forever , Brandon did something that made my jaw drop . " My apologies for the disturbance . " The words came out perfectly polite , though I caught the barest edge of ice in his tone . Still , the fact that Brandon Stark- Brandon Stark - had actually apologized … Is this really happening ? The security guard looked as stunned as I felt , though he covered it quickly with a professional nod . " Right , well … Just be more careful . Especially with the shopping carts . " As the guard walked away , I caught several other shoppers quickly averting their gazes . Great . We probably just made someone's Instagram story . The thought of Wall Street's most feared CEO being caught zooming around Whole Foods with his wife in a shopping cart was almost enough to make me laugh . Almost , " Are you actually pouting ? " I couldn't help asking as we made our way to the checkout . Brandon's expression was doing something complicated that on anyone else I would have definitely called a suck " I don't pout . His voice carried that dangerous edge that probably sent junior executives running for cover . " Mmhmm . " I bit back a smile as I started unloading our cart . " You know , most people just say sorry instead of … " His dark eyes fixed on me with that intensity that never failed to make my pulse skip . " I am not most people . " " Trust me , I noticed . " The words came out softer than I intended . Just then , James materialized beside us . " Sir , I apologize for the delay . The Manhattan traffic … " " You could have been later . " Brandon's tone could have frozen hell itself . 1/3 Chapter 45 : A Stark's Apology James , bless him , didn't even blink . " The construction on Fifth Avenu , sir … " " Just help with the bags , " Brandon cut him off , though I caught the fight softening in his expression . Whatever James had been late for , it had apparently worked out in Brandon's lavor . The drive home started with me behind the wheel , trying not to feel no self - conscious about driving such an expensive " Relax your grip on the steering wheel , Brandon instructed from the passenger seat . " You're not strangling a snake . " I forced my fingers to loosen slightly . " Easy for you to say . This car probably costs more than my annual salary . " " The car is insured . His voice carried that hint of amusement I was starting to recognize . " And I trust your driving more than your vegetable storage habits . " " Hey ! " I couldn't help laughing despite my nerves . " I store vegetables just fine ! " I merged onto the highway , starting to feel more comfortable with the powerful engine . " You know , when you apologized back there … " " Mm ? " " I don't think I've ever seen you apologize to anyone before . His fingers tapped a gentle rhythm against the steering wheel . " I haven't . " The casual admission made something warm unfurl in my chest . " So why … " " You know why . " His voice carried that velvet soft quality that sent vers down my spine . I did know why , and that knowledge made my heart do complicated things . Brandon Stark , the man who brought Wall Street titans to their knees , had apologized to a grocery store security guard . Because of me . " About Fortune Corp , " I said quickly , desperate to change the subject before my face could get any redder . " The reduced investments and terminated projects … that was you , wasn't it ? " His dark eyes flickered to mine for just a moment . " You're smart enough to a figure that out . " But why ? " The question had been burning in my mind ever since I noticed the pattern . " Fortune Corp depends on Stark Group's support , Without your investment projects … " " Sometimes , " his voice dropped lower , carrying an edge of something dangerous , " people need to learn the cost of their choices . The weight of his words hung between us . He's doing this because of that they did to me , I realized with a jolt , He's systematically dismantling their foundation because they tried to hurt me . " You shouldn't … " I started , then stopped , not sure how to finish that thought . Shouldn't what ? Shouldn't use his power to protect me ? Shouldn't care enough to want " I do what I want , June . The way he said my nickname - soft but intense - made my pulse skip . " Always have . " 1 guided the Porsche into the Hamptons estate garage with probably are concentration than necessary , determined not to scratch Brandon's car on my first day driving it . As I turned off the engine , I felt oddly proud of managing the drive without any incidents . " Not bad , " Brandon commented . 2/3 (-1,450. Mon, Apr. Chapter 45 : A Stark's Apology " Really ? " I turned to him with a smile I couldn't quite suppress . " No criticisms about my turning speed or gear changes ? " His dark eyes held mine with unexpected warmth . " You did well , June " Brandon ? 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