Chapter 5: Mr. Stark, You Might Wanna Check Your Brain

Summer's POV

"Are you out of your mind?" I took a step back, my heart racing as I watched him move with that predatory grace that seemed to come so naturally. Every gesture, every look reminded me that this man was dangerous - not in the crude way of those guys at the bar last night, but in a way that made my pulse skip. "Marriage? We don't even know each other!"

His dark eyes tracked my movement, and the corner of his mouth lifted in that infuriating half-smile that somehow managed to be both arrogant and attractive. Those eyes - they seemed to see right through every defense I tried to put up. "Don't we?" The subtle sound of his footsteps made my pulse race. "You crashed into my arms last night, Summer. And I didn't find your touch... unpleasant."

I jerked away as his fingers reached for my chin. "Mr. Stark—"

"Brandon."

"Whatever." I crossed my arms, trying to create some kind of barrier between us. "Don't you understand? I won't marry you. I don't know you, and I definitely don't love you."

Something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "Then who do you love? Alexander?" His voice carried a razor's edge. "Well, he's going to be your brother-in-law soon."

The casual cruelty of his words hit me like a slap. "What's that got to do with you?" My voice cracked embarrassingly. "Why are you so obsessed with marrying me? Can't you find someone else?"

"You're the first woman I don't find repulsive."

I stared at him, momentarily speechless. Was that supposed to be a compliment? "Wow. Really? That's your pitch? Mr. Stark, you might want to work on your proposal skills."

He moved to the leather sofa, settling into it with the casual grace of a predator at rest. Even just sitting there, he exuded an aura of absolute control that made me painfully aware of how out of my depth I was. "It's simple. Let's make a deal."

A deal? With Brandon Stark? My mind flashed back to all the whispered stories I'd heard about his business dealings - about how no one ever came out ahead when making deals with him. "A deal?" I backed away until I felt the cool glass of the window behind me. "This isn't a merger or acquisition, Mr. Stark. This is marriage we're talking about."

"I need a wife." He stated it like he was discussing the weather. "And you're perfect for the position."

I laughed, "Mr. Stark, you might need to check up your brain."

"Miss Taylor." His voice softened slightly, but his eyes remained intense. "Take your time. I'm a patient man."

Before I could form a response, there was a discrete knock at the door. James entered with the same efficient grace I'd noticed last night, carrying what looked like designer shopping bags.

Brandon barely moved, just lifted his chin slightly. "Your clothes, Miss Taylor."

I hesitated, eyeing the bags suspiciously. The events of last night were still fuzzy, but I distinctly remembered being helped into silk pajamas by a maid. My clothes must have been ruined by that ice bath...

James set the bags down with a slight bow. "The bathroom is through that door, Miss Taylor. Everything you need should be there."

Everything I needed turned out to be a complete Chanel outfit, from lingerie to a stunning cream-colored dress that probably cost more than my monthly rent. What made my skin crawl wasn't the obvious expense – it was how everything fit perfectly. How did he know my exact size?

Alone in the massive marble bathroom, I finally let my mask slip. The face that stared back at me from the mirror looked foreign – pale, with shadows under the eyes that even designer concealer couldn't quite hide. One year. I'd been gone for just one year, managing Fortune Corp's European division. One year of late-night calls with Alexander, of missing him so much... I gripped the marble counter until my knuckles turned white. Come on, Summer, don't cry over them again.

When I emerged, I knew my eyes were red-rimmed despite my best efforts. Brandon was standing by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the Manhattan skyline. He turned as I approached, something unreadable flickering across his face.

He held out a business card, the cream cardstock thick and expensive between my fingers. My breath caught as I read the embossed text: Brandon Stark, CEO, Stark Group.

"Don't reject help when it's offered." His voice was quiet but carried that same undercurrent of steel I'd noticed before.

"Help?" I couldn't help but laugh. "That's what you call this? Everyone in New York's financial district knows who you are, Mr. Stark. On Wall Street, you're practically God. So what about you just say what you want from me?"

His fingers brushed my forehead, tucking away a stray strand of hair. The touch sent an involuntary shiver down my spine - gentle, almost tender, but somehow still feeling like a claim being staked. I found myself holding my breath, caught between the instinct to pull away and a traitorous urge to lean into his touch. "I'll be waiting for your good news."

I stood frozen, watching his retreating back. The door closed with a soft click, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a business card that felt like it was burning a hole in my palm.

Brandon Stark. One of Wall Street's Four Kings. The financial prodigy who'd taken control of the Stark Group at an age when most people were still figuring out their careers. His name, along with Dr. Sean's, was whispered with equal parts fear and admiration throughout New York's elite circles.

And he wanted to marry me? Why? What could someone like him possibly want with someone whose reputation was in tatters, whose own family had turned against her?

I slipped the card into my bag before I left, trying to ignore how my fingers trembled slightly. Whatever game Brandon Stark was playing, I wanted no part of it. So why can't I just throw his card away?