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The situation was tense as Catherine and Branden stood watching the couple ahead. Catherine’s silence only deepened Branden’s curiosity, and he could sense that something was bothering her. The couple in front of them was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind them.
The man, with his artful appearance and expensive shopping bags, seemed to be the source of Catherine’s attention. His casual intimacy with the woman, who looked so cheerful and innocent, seemed to irk Catherine in a way that Branden couldn’t fully understand.
Catherine had already made her move earlier, decisively asserting her dominance over Henry and his bluster about the Duncans. Yet, now, this simple moment of watching a couple interact had visibly shifted her mood. Branden was quick to notice the change, and it wasn’t the first time he had seen her hard to read. Still, the unease that seemed to radiate from her was something he couldn’t ignore.
When Branden asked if she knew them, Catherine gave him a brief look before turning away without offering an answer. Her silence spoke volumes, and Branden, despite not knowing the full context, had the sense that this was a personal matter for her—something he shouldn’t push on.
In a moment of clarity, Branden pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the couple, sending it to Paxton without a word. He had no idea what the connection was, but he trusted that Paxton would know how to handle this. He wasn’t going to press Catherine for answers, not now, not when she seemed so distant. She’d speak when she was ready.
As they moved further down the street, Catherine remained in a quiet, contemplative mood. Branden stayed close, ever protective, but he knew this wasn’t the time for questions. He simply followed her lead, letting her take the reigns as she usually did.
What had caused this shift in her mood? And who were the people that had caught her attention so sharply? Only time would tell. For now, all Branden could do was stand by her, ready to support her in whatever came next.
As Catherine walked away from the couple, Branden noticed the shift in her demeanor—her calm exterior had turned cold, and a quiet storm seemed to simmer beneath the surface. He could sense that something was off, though he wasn’t sure exactly what had triggered her reaction. The couple she’d fixated on seemed completely unremarkable, yet something about them had clearly struck a nerve with Catherine.
Branden, ever the perceptive one, felt the need to understand what had just transpired. He pulled out his phone, quickly snapping a picture of the couple as they strolled down the busy street. Sending it to Paxton was a decision made almost instinctively. He knew Paxton had connections and could quickly find out who these people were, or at least help Branden piece together what had caused Catherine’s reaction.
Catherine had stopped a few steps ahead, her expression hardening as she watched the couple with narrowed eyes. Branden caught up with her and, without speaking, followed her gaze. Even though her focus was on the pair, there was an unmistakable tension in her body language.
After a long silence, Catherine finally spoke, her voice colder than usual. “It’s nothing,” she muttered, her eyes still fixed ahead. “Just someone from my past.”
Branden’s curiosity piqued, but he didn’t push her. Instead, he gave her space, choosing to remain silent for a few moments longer. His concern for her was evident, but he understood that she needed time to process whatever was bothering her.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Branden finally asked, his tone soft but genuine.
Catherine shook her head, dismissing the question as quickly as it had come. “Not now,” she replied, her voice tinged with finality.
Branden could tell she wasn’t in the mood to share, and while he respected her boundaries, he knew she’d eventually open up when she was ready. But tonight, he was prepared to be patient. Whatever history she had with the couple, he knew it wasn’t something she wanted to relive at that moment.
Instead of pushing, Branden simply reached out, gently resting a hand on her shoulder in a gesture of comfort. It was a silent way of showing her he was there for her—no questions asked.
Catherine glanced at him briefly, her features softening just a little. She offered a small, appreciative smile before nodding her head toward the street.
“I’m fine,” she reassured him, her voice quieter now, more composed. “Let’s get out of here.”
Branden nodded in response, his hand dropping away from her shoulder as he walked beside her. He knew that, with Catherine, actions often spoke louder than words. She would deal with whatever was on her mind when she was ready. For now, he would stand by her, as he always did.
As they made their way back to the motorcycle, Branden’s mind was still buzzing with thoughts of the couple and the sudden shift in Catherine’s mood. Whatever her history with them was, he was determined to find out—but only when the time was right. And for now, he’d leave it in her hands.