Master of his heart

Chapter 403

Max wiped his hands on the napkin, his gaze lifting to meet hers. “So, the bigwig from that underground poker den didn’t give you any trouble?”

Brielle didn’t need to elaborate. She could tell Max had a pretty good idea of the hand she’d played that night.

200

“Nah, I did run into him, though. Is he from around Beaconsfield? Do you two know each other?” Max shook his head, his fingertips casually tracing the edge of his own glass. The gesture held no disrespect; rather, it was oddly captivating. “The casino doesn’t intersect with Dorsey International’s business. We’re not acquainted, just aware of each other’s circles.”

Hearing this, Brielle had a hunch that the man she had just met was more familiar with Max than he let on. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked those questions.

Upon reaching the Premier Palace, Brielle didn’t play coy about going home. It wasn’t her first time here, after all. She followed Max with the ease of familiarity, her curiosity getting the best of her. “Where were you tonight?”

and spilled the beans about

into a wry smile. She’d expected Ryan to

them, the room plunged into darkness. Guided only by the faint streetlights outside, Brielle could barely make out Max’s silhouette. His fingers traced a path from her neck down her arm, coming to rest on her wrist. The spot where she should have

was bare.

into her throat with each of Max’s deliberate touches. It was as if he was clueless about the art of flirtation, yet every move he made was irresistibly stirring. She was about to tiptoe up for a kiss when she heard him say, “Father. demoted William and instructed me

to William’s influence, but was this really the time to

been too eager. She coughed softly, lowering her tiptoed stance.

Their

had left Brielle feeling vulnerable. If she couldn’t confront William head–on, then she’d have to play the long game,