Chapter 164
Chapter 164:
Scanning the leftovers in her lunchbox, he frowned at the heap of roots and scraps of meat. “Is this what’s left for you? Did the Owens finally turn their backs on you p>
Arms folded and voice flat, Rylie shrugged off his concern. “Looks like I’ll be on my own soon p>
His steady composure wavered as Brad’s eyes met hers, a rare graveness taking hold. “Then maybe you should let me look after you instead p>
Surprise flickered across Rylie’s features, her laughter breaking the silence that had followed her initial shock. Sunlight streamed down, bathing her in warmth and lending her an almost glowing vibrance.
The sight left Brad completely spellbound. He couldn’t look away from her infectious grin, losing his train of thought for a heartbeat.
In a playful gesture, Rylie lifted the food box and held out a piece of the mysterious “plant root,” nudging it toward his lips. “Mr. Morgan, are you brave enough to taste this p>
Before he realized what was happening, Brad’s reflexes had already betrayed him — he opened his mouth and took a bite.
The flavor hit instantly, an odd mix flooding his palate. His face contorted, as though he had chewed on something both musty and pungent, with the unmistakable tang of spoiled fish.
A deep frown etched across his brow, and Brad fought the urge to spit it out. His visible discomfort drew a barely contained snicker from Rylie. “This is fish mint. One of the servants picked it up fresh at the market. It’s a lot better with meat, don’t you think p>
Pressing his knuckles against his mouth, Brad stifled a cough and managed to whisper, “Please… water p>
Amused, Rylie noticed the flush in his cheeks and quickly passed him a glass. “Is it really that awful p>
He grabbed the water and gulped it in one go, his Adam’s apple working and sweat popping out on his forehead. Once he caught his breath, he muttered, “You’d have to be fearless to willingly eat something like that p>
With mischief dancing in her eyes, Rylie twirled another piece between her fingers. “Care to risk it again p>
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Brad instinctively backed away. Normally composed in every negotiation, he now looked thoroughly rattled by a simple herb. He watched her playful expression, then, in a sudden move, he reached out and caught her wrist.
“If you’re such a fan…” With a swift tug, he drew her close, his other hand bracing on the counter, hemming her in. “Maybe you should have a little more p>
Rylie, stunned by the sudden closeness, found herself pressed against him. The scent of antiseptic and clean…
Linen filled her senses as she lifted her gaze to meet his, their faces nearly touching. The spoon she’d been holding slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor.
Lowering his head until their lips nearly brushed, Brad let his breath linger between them. “What’s wrong? Have you lost your nerve p>
Out of nowhere, a piercing alarm blared through the lab, making both of them jump. In an instant, Rylie used the distraction to wriggle free, cutting the moment short. “The Petri dish — it’s overheating p>
Her quick dash to the workstation looked more like a getaway than a concern for her experiment.