Chapter 23
Chapter 23:
Brinley froze for a heartbeat, then let out a soft, helpless laugh. She hadn’t told her brothers what had happened with Colin.
Racing had always been Felix’s obsession. Ever since they were kids, he had dragged her to tracks around the world, teaching her the basics.
In the end, she had outpaced even her mentor—her natural talent eclipsing his lessons. Her wins on the underground circuit had been too dazzling, though, so she never breathed a word of them to him. She always competed under an alias.
When she got together with Colin, Brinley gave up chasing that rush, forcing her urge to fly down the track into silence. She hadn’t raced in years.
By the time she returned three months ago, her brothers had been scattered abroad, unreachable.
She had held back, knowing it wasn’t the right time to bring it up. Felix’s unexpected call meant he had finally stolen a moment away from his international races to check in.
“No need to worry,” she murmured softly. “I’m doing fine p>
“Fine?” Felix’s tone cracked like a whip. “That bastard swore he’d treat you well for the rest of your life. And now he dares to toss you aside? Is that son of a bitch begging for death p>
Brinley could picture him storming through the racetrack locker room, fists clenched, temper blazing.
“It’s all behind me now,” she murmured, her voice low. “And… it wasn’t him who ended things p>
рo𝘱𝘶𝗹а𝘳 𝘴t𝘰𝘳i𝗲𝗌 o𝗇 ѕ.с𝗈𝗆
She quickly summarized the whirlwind of the last three months—her marriage to Austin, Colin’s constant harassment, every tangled detail.
“Felix, I was so stupid before. I’m sorry p>
The silence on the other end stretched so long she thought the call had dropped. Then she heard him inhale sharply, his voice rough but tightly controlled. “What on earth are you apologizing for p>
He hesitated only a beat before his voice burst out, bright with relief. “That’s perfect! To hell with him! That piece of shit should’ve been dumped where he belongs a long time ago p>
The outburst caught her off guard and pulled a laugh from Brinley.
“But Brinley…” Felix’s voice hardened again, seething with fury. “Colin actually dared to hurt you? Damn it. I’ll request leave from the team and catch the first flight home. I swear I won’t rest until I make that asshole pay p>
“No, absolutely not!” Brinley cut in quickly, her voice firm but soothing. “I can deal with Colin myself. You need to stay focused on your races—don’t let this distract you p>
She kept insisting gently, calming him little by little until Felix finally relented. Though he agreed not to fly back immediately, he still vowed to make Colin regret ever crossing her.
When the line went dead, Brinley finally noticed the vehicle slowing to a stop at the Shaw Mansion’s imposing front gates.
“Felix really looks out for you,” Austin remarked warmly as he stepped out first. His voice carried a quiet gentleness as he held the door open for her.
Brinley gave a small nod, unbuckled her seatbelt, and slid out of the car.
She drew in a steadying breath and started forward—only to feel Austin’s hand close firmly around her wrist.