Page 33 of Branded Hearts

The guy mutters an apology and scurries away, swallowed by the crowd. Bradley turns to me, his gaze softening.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice gentle.

I nod, feeling a rush of relief wash over me. “Y-yeah, I’m fine. Thank you.”

As I look into Bradley’s eyes, so full of concern and strength, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. It’s probably just a coincidence that he’s here at the right time again, but still, in his presence, I feel safe, protected. I take in his appearance—dark cargo pants, combat boots, and a black hoodie—I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest. He must’ve come straight from work. My face heats up, and I try to subtly hide my blush, hoping he doesn’t notice my sudden change.

I feel all flustered and warm, and it’s definitely not from the alcohol.

11

Smooth Operator - Sade

Istand in front of Amelia, fuming at that prick who thought he could just lay a hand on her. Fucking idiots like that really piss me off. I watch as the guy scurries away, disappearing into the crowd, and turn my attention back to Amelia.

“You sure you’re okay?” I repeat my question.She said yes before, why are you asking again?

Amelia’s movements are a bit stiff as she nods, looking flustered, her cheeks tinged with pink. Despite the alcohol, her smile remains, unwavering as ever. Even in her frilly blue dress and white sneakers, she has this glow about her.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Thanks to you,” she replies, her voice shaky.

I study her for a moment, taking in the way her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, the way her eyes dart nervously around the room. She looks so vulnerable, and it pisses me off that someone would dare make her feel uncomfortable.

But I keep my thoughts to myself, simply nodding in response. “Anytime.”

Anytime?Really, Brad?

To my left, a group of girls come barreling toward us at the bar. A red-headed girl leads the charge, exclaiming, “We just saw your texts!!”

Her enthusiasm is matched by the blonde-haired girl beside her, who adds, “Why the urgency? I mean, we’ll never say no to shots!”

I stay silent, just watching as they gather around Amelia, completely oblivious to my presence. An older woman stands behind them, and I wonder if these are her friends, or maybe work colleagues.

The girls continue chatting, animated and unaware of me, until I clear my throat. They turn, finally noticing me standing behind Amelia. The blonde’s mouth falls open in surprise, and the older woman lets out a soft whistle.

The clearing of my throat snaps Amelia out of her daze. “Oh, gosh! Guys, this is Officer Bradley... Mitchell,” she says, hesitating on my last name. Odd. And why such a formal introduction?

“Bradley’s just fine,” I murmur, keeping my eyes on Amelia.

“Wait. Bradley as in…” The redhead’s voice trails off.

“Oh, shit!” This comes from the blonde, followed by another, “Oh… Holy shit!”

Amelia smacks her forehead, and it makes me smirk. I love seeing her all flustered like this.

“Oh, move out of my way, you foolish girls.” This comes from the older woman behind them. She pushes the girls aside and steps in front of me, offering up her hand.

“Bradley, it’s nice to meet you, son. I’m Amanda, Mills here hastold us all about you,” she adds with a wink.Mills.I like that.

So, Amelia’s been talking about me, huh? Can’t help but wonder what she’s been saying. It’s strange hearing that from her friend. Makes me feel... something. Protective, maybe. Or just curious about what’s going on in that head of hers.

Either way, I like knowing she thinks about me enough to mention me to her friends.

“Has she, now?” I ask, my voice low.

“No!” she says way too quickly, almost mortified. “I mean, good things, yes, just…” She trails off, before the blonde woman cuts in.

“What she means to say is yes, your name has come up once or twice in conversation about Olivia. You’re her brother, right? The police officer?”

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