Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The threat in his words sent a shiver down Brielle’s spine. She was facing a man who had long held power, whose presence was so commanding it could make her tremble.

Instinctively, she leaned closer to Max, and when they were finally alone in the booth, she swallowed hard, her voice laced with anxiety, “Uncle Max, you’ll talk him out of it, right?”

The marks on her neck were still visible under the dim lights, hinting at a possibility of sensuality.

Brielle wouldn’t mind if something happened between them in this private booth. After all, the privacy here was impeccable, and she doubted any waiter would come in to interrupt.

She reached out, her hand seeking warmth, but all she found was the cold glass of her drink.

“Go back,” he said, his gaze indifferent as he draped his suit jacket over her shoulders again, “Stay out of Andrew and Aubree’s business.”

The implication was clear-if she meddled and something happened, he might not intervene. Knowing Andrew, he was capable of anything.

Brielle pushed down a twinge of frustration and looked up at him, “Andrew is engaged to Tessa, and he and Aubree are technically siblings. What kind of relationship is that? If Andrew’s influence on Aubree is inevitable, then Aubree’s feelings for him are either hate or love. Clearly, it’s the latter. I don’t want my friend to get hurt.”

She had imagined many responses from Max, but none as cold as his next words.

“Phenylacetic acid, dopamine-when people interact, they release a cocktail of hormones that create the illusion of love.”

a

His emotionless analysis came off as if he were a deity, observing the world’s entanglements as nothing more than fleeting distractions. Brielle was overcome with a chill. She knew Aubree all too well. Usually full of passion and allure, Aubree would only soften and pull in her sharp edges when she was around Andrew. If she wasn’t in love with him, she wouldn’t show such humility.