Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Aubree froze, rooted to the spot. Outside, Andrew had set all the dishes on the dining table, but she was nowhere to be seen. Untying his apron, he made his way to the bathroom door and gave it a gentle knock. "Aubree?" he called softly.

That brought Aubree back to reality, and she quickly splashed some water on her face. Emerging from the bathroom, Andrew noticed her lips were swollen and a vibrant shade of red. His pupils darkened, his throat tightened, and he felt an undeniable urge to kiss her. But Aubree turned away, a small frown creasing her brow. That simple action felt like a dagger to Andrew's heart, piercing the most tender part. He chuckled bitterly to himself, then said, "Let's eat."

Aubree remained where she was, finally speaking after a moment. "Andrew, you really didn't have to cook for me."

Andrew lowered his gaze, his voice light. "Who do you want to cook for you then? That young guy who dropped you off last night? You kissed him at the door for ten minutes. Enjoyed it, did you, Aubree?"

His eyes were red, a wave of worthlessness washing over him. How had he sunk to being jealous of a young man, fearing he'd be left behind?

Aubree stiffened, genuinely unable to recall kissing Matthew. Her scalp prickled at the thought. If Mr. Casey found out, would he think she was taking advantage of his son?

Andrew, hearing no answer from Aubree, felt a weight settle in his chest. But really, what right did he have to ask for explanations from her? Who was he to Aubree? A brother? An old fling? Neither role entitled him to ask for explanations. Aubree changed her clothes and came out, her tone cool. "I'm not hungry. I have work to do."

Andrew looked at the meal he had painstakingly prepared, lost for words. The scene was all too familiar. Aubree had once set a table full of delicious food for him, but he never came home, always using "seeing Tessa" as an excuse. She had reheated the food time and again, and he had ignored her efforts.

Now, it felt like the tables had turned, and he was the one feeling the gut-wrenching pain.

"Aubree," he called, his eyes misty as he followed her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things. Please, at least eat something before you go. You know how bad your stomach can get. What if it starts acting up on your way?"

Aubree didn't like seeing Andrew so defeated. It didn't bring her any satisfaction. If Andrew's pain was at a hundred percent, she felt at least eighty percent of it herself. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady her emotions. "Andrew, that's enough."

She couldn't count how many times she'd said it was enough, but Andrew never listened. Just then,

the doorbell rang. Aubree openedet

the door to find Matthew standing there with a huge bouquet of roses, his face lighting up at the sight of her.

"Morning, Aubree," he greeted with a grin.

Aubree felt a headache coming on. What was he doing here?

Matthew peeked inside, spotting Andrew by the dining table. "Not going to invite me in?"

Considering her boldness with him the previous night-and knowing he was Mr. Casey's son-Aubree didn't dare refuse. She fetched a pair of shoes from the entrance; theynoveldrama

belonged to Andrew, who visit

often enough to warrant having a pair at her place. She certainly wasn't going to get him anything; she figured not tossing his stuff out was generous enough.

Seeing Matthew slip into Andrew's shoes, Andrew's pupils contracted sharply, his hand clenching at his side, itching to punch the kid. But he held back. There was no point in picking a fight with an eighteen-year-old. Matthew stepped inside, asking, "Got a vase? I'll put these roses in for you."

Aubree wasn't sure what this young lord was up to, so she went to find a vase. But she wasn't the one who kept the house in order. After a minute of searching, she realized she didn't know where she'd stashed them.

Until Andrew moved, heading to a cabinet and retrieving one of several vases. He took the roses from Matthew's arms, and Aubree awkwardly thanked him. Now Andrew knew more about where things were in her house than she did.

Matthew noticed the scene, the apron, and Andrew's adept handling of the flowers, and couldn't resist asking, "Is this your housekeeper? Quite handsome."

That comment darkened Andrew's mood visibly. He was sure it was a deliberate jab. Aubree hurried to introduce them.

"This is Andrew, CEO of Clements Corporation, my brother."

"Brother, huh," Matthew said with a hint of meaning, finding a spot to sit. But he didn't dwell on it, instead smiling at Aubree.

"Feeling better? You drank a whole

bottle of wine by yourself last night, then passed out. I was kind enough to bring you home, and you insisted on kissing me for a full ten minutes, Aubree. That was my first kiss. How are you planning to make it up to me?"