Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Martha had always been a woman of means, and it showed in the steely glint of her eyes as she bore down on Brielle with an almost predatory gaze. A scornful chuckle escaped Martha. “Seems like something did happen between you two.”

Brielle felt an icy chill spread through her body. Every word from Martha was a sharp sting to her pride.

“And did you think to use protection? My son is a good kid, but I doubt he thought that far ahead during his first time at the rodeo. But you, Ms. Brielle, ought to know better about these things as a woman. And let’s not forget, Alivia is the one the Dorsey family has embraced. Since you’ve decided to play in Max’s garden, you should be prepared to do it in the shadows. You’re a college–educated woman, Ms. Brielle. I shouldn’t need to teach you such basics. But out of respect for the fact that you were born, if not properly raised, I’m reminding you that the Dorsey family doesn’t allow illegitimate children to tarnish its name. It’s a creed etched in our bones. If you are pregnant, that child won’t see the light of day.”

Martha’s tone was light, yet her words were weighted with a gravity that crashed into Brielle’s ears, causing an almost physical pain. The humiliation from the woman whose approval she desperately sought was unbearable. It was all for the sake of the man she loved.

Martha reached into a drawer and pulled out a strip of pills, her face void of emotion. “Here, Ms. Brielle. Take these.”

Brielle recognized the label instantly; they were birth control pills. She couldn’t take them; if she did, the life growing inside her would be in jeopardy.

Brielle internally cursed herself for not having thought through their actions, which was why she was now at such a disadvantage.

Martha’s expression sharpened. “Or are you saying you’re already pregnant?” Was that why Max had suddenly brought Brielle here, to prepare her for this confrontation?

“I’m not, Ms. Martha. Max and I have always been careful.”

Martha’s laugh was cold as ice. “Is that so? Then prove it. Swallow a few right now, in front of

me.”

Brielle’s fingers tensed; she desperately hoped for Max to return soon.

Martha narrowed her eyes, “I’m laying it out here, Ms. Brielle. If you are indeed pregnant, it’s either the child or me. My life means nothing to me anymore. If I die over this disgrace you carry, do you think Max would still stand by you? How far can a relationship built on guilt really go? Of course, this is only if you’re pregnant. To prove you’re not, pop three of these pills right now.”

Brielle wanted nothing more than to walk away from Martha and all this madness, but this was Max’s mother. It must have taken a lot for Max to decide to bring Brielle here, and she had botched everything.

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Martha’s disdain for her was even deeper than Alivia’s, who at least pretended to have some courtesy. Martha’s eyes bore into Brielle like she was the enemy. It hurt because, until this moment, except for Tiffanie, Brielle had not earned the approval of anyone in Max’s family.

Not taking the pills would mean Martha would never let her off the hook and might even suspect she was pregnant, which could lead to using the Dorsey family’s influence to make the problem “go away.” Even if Max wanted to help Brielle, would he challenge his own mother’s

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Taking the pills could harm the baby.

Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, Brielle’s mind flashed back to a college debate where she had firmly believed love should not be pursued because it involved two families, not just two

hearts.

The pain of being struck by a tile falling from a roof was one thing, but the deliberate sting of a pebble thrown by a loved one or their family was agony doubled.

Brielle took the bottle and poured out three pills, Martha’s words still echoing. “You can’t breathe a word of this to Max. He thinks I’m clueless about you two. Keep it zipped.”

So, it was Alivia who had spilled the beans?

Brielle had always been confident, but the recent stress of her pregnancy had left her feeling utterly drained. Sometimes, love wasn’t enough. The obstacles that surrounded a couple could slowly erode their passion. That weariness seeped from her bones, leaving her defenseless. Without further thought, she brought the pills to her lips, but before she could swallow, the door swung open, and Max stepped in. Brielle’s heart jolted, her eyes instantly welling up.

Max saw the distress in her eyes, then noticed the pill bottle in her hand, and his face darkened. “Spit them out.”

Brielle turned away, but he closed the distance swiftly, grasping her chin firmly.

In the next breath, his lips were on hers, prying open her mouth to whisk away the pills she hadn’t yet swallowed into his own.

For the first time, Brielle felt the raw intensity of Max’s emotions, fierce as if a gun were held to his heart, both brazen and wild.