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.

At–the 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 her neck.

It was brief, and the he was standing straight again. With any other guy. Brielle would’ve fought back, even in her weakened state, like she had with Spencer. But with Dustin, it was different. There was this vibe of utter tranquility between them from the get–go.

He was open with her, letting her know the kind of man he was. So straightforward it disarmed any need for guards.

Dustin reached the 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 any second. The guy’s hostility had ramped up a notch.

Dustin raised an eyebrow, sensing something, and curved his lips into a half–smile. He fished out a business card from his pocket and handed it over.

“My number, for little Bri.”

11:55 The uniformed man stayed silent and didn’t take it at first.

“What’s up? Your boss doesn’t want guys getting close to little Bri?” Dustin mused, his sharpness catching even the slightest hesitation.

The man hurriedly took the card, lips pressed into a thin line, clearly itching to see Dustin off.

Dustin wasn’t fazed. He strolled out to where Aubree sat on a bench, anxiety written all over her face.

“Mr. Lynch Aubree bounced up and hurried over. “How’s Bri? Is she-

Let’s talk in the car.”

With a tone as cool as the evening breeze, Dustin glanced around and stepped outside, Aubree hot on his heels. Once the car door shut, she saw him slip into contemplation, his finger tapping the steering wheel rhythmically.

“Bri’s holding up well. No need to worry.”

Aubree’s tension melted away, and her eyes reddened as she unclenched her fists. She felt a sour sting in her nose.

“Aubree, when you were at Dorsey International, did you see Max?”

At the mention of Max, Aubree’s expression soured. “Yeah, I saw him. He and Alivia were all cozied up.

Looks like they’re tying the knot soon. Good for him. He finally shook Bri off his tail” Dustin lounged back, fingers still playing on the wheel. “Really? How’s Max doing? Didn’t I hear he got banged up?”

“He seemed better than ever. Shame Ryan didn’t finish the job.”

Dustin squinted a smile. “As long as he’s doing fine. Little Bri seems to be worried sick for the guy. If he bit the dust, she’d be a hundred times more miserable.”

Aubree went silent, swallowed by sadness. Women often lacked the ruthlessness of men. Aubree despised Andrew, but the pain of hating him was nothing compared to the agony of him being gone from this world. No matter the hate, she wished he was still breathing.

If only love had an off switch, to easily retract all feelings without a trace. If such a thing existed, she’d trade the world for it.