Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Irene held onto him quietly for a moment before forcing a smile.

"I'm exhausted. I think I'll head back to rest."

Bryan didn't say anything, but he couldn't help noticing her slightly unsteady walk, his frown deepening.

She had only taken a few steps when he suddenly scooped her up from behind.

Bryan lived just above Tequila Sunset. He'd been taking on risky jobs for years and had made more than enough money, so he had booked a room at Tequila Sunset for six months straight. Now, as he carried Irene in his arms, a small smile played on her lips, and she quietly leaned against his chest.

When they reached the room, he knelt to take off her shoes, his demeanor almost reverent.

Irene was indeed exhausted, not wanting to move a muscle, but seeing him kneeling by the bed brought back memories of similar moments from the past.novelbin

When Bryan looked up, he saw her gazing at him with deep, affectionate eyes, but he knew they weren't meant for him.

She was looking through him, at someone else―001.

A frown briefly crossed his face as he held her delicate foot in his hands.

"Ms. Irene?"

"Hmm?"

"What kind of person was 001?"

She seemed so free-spirited, so unrestrained, it struck him as odd that she'd invest so much emotion in one man.

Yet her feelings for 001 seemed deep and steadfast; otherwise, she wouldn't treat him as a stand-in for 001. Irene couldn't answer.

She tried to pull her foot back, but Bryan let go, understanding her reluctance to respond. "Need a shower?" he offered.

He turned to start the water in the bathroom, and once it was ready, he carried her in to wash her, inch by inch.

Back in bed, Irene finally said, "He was like you, earnest, attentive."

Bryan paused on his way to turn off the light, his lips twitching slightly.

"I'm not like him. I'm not earnest. Betraying Fisher was a moment's decision, and betraying you in the future might be just as easy."

He turned off the light and lay beside her, only to feel her arms wrap around his waist.

"I'm not afraid."

Irene held on tightly.

Even if he betrayed her, it would be her own fault, not his. He was blameless.

A hundred life-or-death missions couldn't make up for now, let alone a mere betrayal.

"I'm really not afraid."

Bryan's heart softened inexplicably. He couldn't understand her; she was only using him as a stand-in, yet she was so deeply involved. His eyes closed.

"Let's sleep."

Irene was indeed sleepy, snuggling into his embrace, and drifted into a sweet slumber.

get

When she woke, the room was prepared with dinner, and it was already evening, her schedule completely flipped. Several sets women's clothing, more modest than before, were laid out for her choice.

Irene casually picked an outfit, and after eating, headed down to the bar.

Bryan was there, mixing drinks, seemingly more approachable after Irene's demonstration the previous day. The women trying to flirt with him grew bolder.

One mimicked Irene, caressing his hand with her fingertips.

But he just glanced at her, smiled, and withdrew his hand, politely.

"Your drink, ma'am."

Another tried to kiss him forcefully.

He gently pushed their lips away with his palm, the woman's lips pressing into his hand before she reluctantly pulled back.

Irene, dressed in trousers and a crop top, took a seat at the bar and ordered the most expensive drinks.

Bryan's lashes fluttered, and after preparing her drinks, he pushed them toward her.

"Try to go easy."

His tone was casual, fleeting, before he moved on to serve other patrons.

Despite ordering strong drinks, Irene found them sweet to the taste.

She leaned on the bar, chin resting on her arm, quietly watching him.

The bar was noisy, with a crowd dancing in the distance. Recognizing her as the popular dancer from the past few nights, some approached offering drinks.

Irene declined them all, waiting until Bryan was back at her side to ask, "With all your money, why come here?"

Renting a room upstairs wasn't cheap, nearly a fortune a night, and he had it for half a year.

Clearly, working here wasn't about the money.

"Mixing with regular folk."

Irene laughed lightly, "Brother, there's nothing 'regular' about this place. It's all oddballs here."

When wealth accumulates to a certain point, people's pursuits change. Simple happiness can't satisfy those bloated by gluttony.

Desires multiply, becoming harder to fulfill, leading everyone to seek out new thrills.