Chapter 112
Chapter 112:
“I don’t need that.” Brinley’s refusal came instinctively, the idea of being shadowed by his people making her frown.
“You do,” Austin cut in, voice firm and final, leaving no room to argue. “Unless you’d rather have me personally drive you to and from work every single day p>
His eyes held a gravity that allowed no refusal, a hard edge that shut down any debate.
Brinley studied the taut lines of his face, realizing he meant every word. His concern wasn’t performative—it weighed on him.
Warmth rose in her chest, laced with a faint sting of helplessness.
She parted her lips to respond, but in the end, she only gave a small nod.
Pleased with her compliance, Austin put the first-aid kit away and straightened to his full height. “It’s late. Go shower and get some rest p>
𝖱еa𝘥 о𝗻 а𝗻𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝗏іс𝖾 𝗼𝗇
“Mm,” Brinley murmured.
Brinley answered softly, almost under her breath. She rose from the sofa and quietly made her way toward the staircase.
Inside her bedroom, she closed the door and leaned back against it, one hand pressed over her thundering heart.
She couldn’t tell how much Austin had actually witnessed, but she wasn’t ready for him to know too much about her.
The truth was, she knew almost nothing about him—much less why he cared for her with such intensity.
In the past, she hadn’t bothered to question it, never curious enough to pry. Now, though, she realized the time had come for a candid conversation.
Hot water streamed over her in the shower, easing the tension wound tight in her chest.
When she emerged, steam trailing after her, she noticed a glass of warm milk waiting on her nightstand, with a folded note beside it.
The handwriting was unmistakably Austin’s: “Drink the milk before bed—it’ll help you sleep p>
Brinley hesitated before lifting the glass, sipping in slow, careful swallows. The warmth slid down her throat and settled in her stomach, easing her tension bit by bit.
Later, stretched across the bed, she stared at the silvered moonlight streaming through the window, restless in a way she hadn’t been before.
In the study, Austin lingered by the window, eyes fixed on the glow from her room until it finally went dark. Only then did he pull out his phone, his voice low and clipped as he instructed, “Miguel, look into Brinley’s past p>
By noon the next day, their lunch appointment had arrived.
Brinley lingered at home far too long, then forced herself into a brisk walk so she wouldn’t be late. She slipped through the restaurant’s doors at the last possible minute.
It was a long-standing eatery in Bleron, a place Austin was rumored to visit from time to time.
Brinley had reserved a private room in advance.
When she pushed open the wooden door, she found Austin already waiting inside.
He wore a light gray shirt, the sleeves casually rolled up to reveal the smooth lines of his wrists. His whole demeanor seemed far more at ease than usual.
He lifted his eyes to her, his gaze lingering on her face for several seconds.