Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 473

Michael had the power to throw her into that mess once: he could very well do it again. And if they found out she was MIA from her personal prison, who’s to say what he’d get up to next?

The Dorsey clan, the Barnes bunch, the Rowland gang they were all eyeing her like a pack of wolves circling their prey. Maybe, just maybe, sticking around here was the safer bet.

Dustin didn’t press her for answers. After all, a girl who could rake in a cool billion at the blackjack tables in one night wasn’t without resources. She had her reasons for staying put.

“Little Bri,” he said, his voice casual but firm. “I’ll leave my digits with that uniformed dude at the door. If you ever get cold feet or whatever, give me a ring. The Lynch turf ain’t in Beaconsfield, but keeping a lady safe? That’s a cakewalk for us.”

He pondered for a second, then nonchalantly ruffled her hair like she was a pet bunny or something. “Besides, I kinda dig being your knight in shining armor, if…” he added, trailing off before he could finish the thought. A rare hint of melancholy flickered across his eyes.

“Anyway, if you smell trouble brewing, have that guy outside give me a shout. Can’t quite peg who he’s rolling with, but he seems to mean you no harm.”

“Mr. Lynch, thank you,” Brielle said, heartfelt gratitude lacing her voice. Through all the time she’d known Dustin, with his rep and all, he’d been nothing but good to her. He had never crossed a line.

There was no further hesitation from Dustin. With Aubree waiting at the door, he didn’t want to give her the wrong idea by lingering. “Alright, I’m out. Remember, hit me up if things get too hot to handle.”

Brielle felt a lump in her throat, her eyes misting over.

door, Dustin paused, then turned back and pulled her into a hug. Brielle stiffened, caught off guard, but he simply patted her back – a gesture devoid of any untoward intent, perhaps a reaction to the bruises on

was brief,

her weakened state, like she had with Spencer. But with Dustin, it was different. There was this vibe of utter tranquility

the kind of man he was. So straightforward it disarmed any need for

door and slowly closed it behind him. The uniformed man seemed more on, edge, eyeing him like a hawk, muscles tensed as if ready to throw a punch at

half–smile. He fished out a business card from his pocket

number, for

1/2

11:55

stayed silent and didn’t take it at first.

close to little Bri?” Dustin

pressed into a thin line, clearly

He strolled out to where Aubree sat on a bench, anxiety written all

face.

hurried over. “How’s Bri? Is

in the