The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 42

"Nah, you go take a break." Brandon glanced back at her. "The kitchen's all smoky, not a good place for you."

"I'm fine, really. I used to cook for myself, got used to the smell."

Sophia said, making her way to the countertop full of ingredients. She picked up a carrot and the peeler, ready to chip in, but Brandon turned around, snatched the carrot and peeler out of her hands.

"Be a good girl, go chill in the living room or head back to your room for a rest," Brandon said. "You need to take it easy right now, steer clear of the heavy lifting."

His voice wasn't loud, nor was his tone forceful, but there was an undertone of authority that brooked no argument.

Sophia hadn't forgotten how Brandon's demeanor had turned icy when Yolanda came up during their ride home. She was still not quite used to his mood swings, so she just nodded lightly, murmured a soft "Mhmm," and hesitated before leaving the kitchen. Not wanting to just retreat to her room and wait to be served dinner, she settled on the living room couch.

Brandon was busy in the kitchen by himself, having shed his suit jacket upon entering the home but not yet changed into something more comfortable. He still wore his work attire, a white shirt, and black dress pants, which oddly matched the homely, smoky kitchen.

The guy was tall, over six feet, with a perfect ratio of broad shoulders and long legs, and just the right amount of muscle definition. The white shirt and black pants gave him an aura of refined asceticism. Just standing there, he was easy on the eyes like a painting, radiating a magnetic hormone-fueled charm.

Sophia never denied that she was drawn to Brandon physically, especially during those late nights when he'd come back from work, still in his suit, and lean in to kiss her just as she was about to drift off after turning off the lights. Those moments, Brandon would kiss her while simultaneously shedding his jacket and undoing buttons. The crisp white shirt would gain soft wrinkles from their deepening kisses, and the clearly defined muscles on his chest would tease her as buttons came undone. This Brandon was a far cry from his usual restrained and indifferent self, with a smoldering look in his eyes that was incredibly sexy and alluring.

They were almost perfectly in sync in that thing.

Whether it was stamina, technique, patience, or something else, Brandon was a natural-born king in the bedroom.

And during those times, Sophia's heart would beat twice as hard for him.

She adored Brandon when he was passionate – the way he looked at her, his unintentional sighs, and his tenderness all made her heart race.