Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Evening had fallen over Tequila Sunset, a local hangout bathed in the warm glow of neon lights. Inside, King had gathered a diverse group: Dustin, Andrew, Keiran, Bryan, and Jaired. Not everyone knew each other, but they all knew King. Andrew sat alone in a corner, arms crossed, watching the group. He was a stark contrast to the chatty Max from the past.

King shared an idea, his eyes hopeful as they landed on Dustin. "Bro, what do you think about this proposal plan?"

Dustin, resting his head on his hand, frowned. The plan seemed a bit cliché to him, which made everyone turn their eyes to Bryan, the only one with marriage experience.

Bryan stammered, caught off guard. "I just... slipped the ring on Ms. Irene's finger, and that was that."

Right then, his phone buzzed-a gift from Irene, who insisted he carry it since he wasn't a fan of gadgets. He answered, and Irene's voice filled the room, "Honey, why aren't you home yet? It's dark, and I'm scared."

The rest of the guys fell silent, especially Jaired, who looked like he'd strangle Irene if he could reach through the phone.

Bryan, blushing under their stares, mumbled, "I should head back. Irene's alone, and I'm worried. Sorry, King, I can't help you."

Jaired couldn't resist a dig. "Just keep spoiling her, man. Give it a few days, and you'll probably have to carry her out of bed."

Bryan left, not mentioning that Irene already needed help getting out of bed.novelbin

With Bryan gone, the air grew tense. King had hoped for some brainstorming, but planning a proposal was out of these men's league, who were more used to the cutthroat worlds of business and other less savory activities.

Andrew sensed the shift and bristled as Jaired made another snide remark. "Why ask him? He can't even win his girl over. He's been playing house, cooking, but hasn't made any real moves. If he was any good, he'd be hitched to Aubree by now."

Andrew's mood darkened, and the temperature seemed to drop.

Jaired leaned back, undeterred. "Just saying. And this Keiran, a celebrity with zero love life, how's he gonna help with your grand proposal?"

Keiran, feeling out of place among these strangers except for Dustin, raised an eyebrow. "And who the hell are all of you again?"

Dustin, massaging his temples, sighed. Keiran's notorious short-term memory made him practically useless in this discussion.

Just then, Dustin's phone pinged

with a message from Chase, who had followed Keiran to Beaconsfield from North America and had become a permanent fixture in their lives.

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Chase's text was brief: Is Keiran with you? He's no use there; send him home.

Dustin quickly replied, confirming Keiran's presence and lack of utility. Chase's response was cheeky: "Thanks, big bro, xoxo."

Keiran, about to ask Dustin when they'd return to North America, was interrupted by his own phone's alert. It was Chase again, this time with a

photo of a teddy bear onel.r

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me yet?

accompanied by a plaintive message: "Why aren't you I'm all alone, and even the teddy bear is cold."

Without missing a beat, Keiran texted back, "Just boil some water and pour it on. It won't be cold anymore."