Chapter 33

"The girl beside him is promiscuous," Bailey said.

"He's not the kind of guy who'll be satisfied with a pushover," Naomi replied as they returned to the bar.

Shortly after, Maximus announced he had an appointment the next day, and Naomi said she had to leave for a court case in the morning. With the two most important people departing, the group decided to call it a night.

In the parking lot, Maximus noticed Brendan wasn't with Naomi.

"Let me drive you home, Naomi," Maximus offered, remembering she'd had wine earlier.

"Alright!" Naomi agreed.

Just as she was about to enter Maximus's car, someone grabbed her arm. Before she could react, Brendan abruptly asked, "Are you his wife? Why are you leaving with him?"

He didn't give her a chance to answer, throwing her into the backseat of his car.

"Ouch!" Naomi exclaimed as her elbow hit the door. She kicked him once he got in. "Are you crazy?"

Brendan ignored her, ordering the driver, "Head home, James."

The crowd was stunned.

"Mason, what's going on?" asked the girl who had been with Brendan.

Mason shrugged. "Brendan's been married for two years. You all don't stand a chance."

The girl's surprise was evident as she pieced it together: Brendan was married to Naomi. No wonder he'd looked at her all night, even when she was beside him, and visibly reacted when she mentioned Maximus staring at Naomi.

As the car sped off, Brendan dusted off his pants and said, "Do you want to sit in his car again? Is one time not enough?"

"You have no right to say this," Naomi scoffed.

Brendan knew she was referring to the time he'd accompanied Chloe to the hospital. He explained, "That's because I owe her a favor."

"Sure," Naomi sneered. "Whatever you say, Brendan. I'm sure you have your reasons."

Despite Naomi's unforgiving attitude, Brendan felt a slight warmth in his heart. This was their first real argument; usually, they brushed problems aside. At this moment, he truly felt Naomi was acting like a wife should.

"I'll be more careful next time," Brendan promised, surprising Naomi. "I have no idea who that girl was, but I admit I did it to spite you."

Brendan worried Maximus might take advantage of Naomi now that he was back. So, before Naomi could demand an explanation, he decided to confess first.

Naomi rolled her eyes and ignored him.

Brendan leaned back. "My head hurts."

Naomi remained silent.

Brendan peeked at her. "Can you massage my temples?"

"No," Naomi refused.

"Please?" He grabbed her hand and placed it on his temples.

Naomi didn't remove her hand, massaging his forehead while complaining. After all, she still needed him to father a child.

They arrived home after half an hour. Jennifer and the other maids were already asleep. As Naomi went upstairs, she saw Brendan heading for the kitchen. She mocked, "What's wrong? Are you planning to sleep in the kitchen because you're in the wrong?"

(The final sentence, "Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!" appears to be unrelated and likely promotional text.)