Chapter 151
Chapter 151:
With words that balanced firmness and tenderness, Austin left Brinley blushing, her heartbeat uneven.
She tried to slip her hand away, but his grip only tightened.
“Austin…” Her voice wavered, betraying how flustered she was.
He didn’t answer. He only looked at her, his gaze layered with complicated, unspoken emotions.
The warmth of his palm against hers sent her pulse racing in bewilderment.
Just then, her phone buzzed, cutting through the charged silence.
Jensen’s name lit up the screen.
“Brinley, are you okay?” His voice came through thick with guilt. “This is on me. I never should’ve let Bowman get near you p>
“It’s not your fault. I just wasn’t careful enough.” Brinley hurried to reassure him, her voice soft but firm. “How are things on your side? Miguel didn’t give you any trouble, did he p>
Jensen let out a small laugh, relief threading through his words. “Not at all. Miguel was surprisingly helpful—he actually cleared things up for me. Oh, and Brinley, your car p>
𝖡𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗈𝗇
“The car isn’t important. What matters is that I’m alright.” Her reply was quick, almost cutting him off. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll get in touch once I’m discharged p>
After ending the call, she lowered the phone toward the bedside table. Before it could touch down, Austin’s voice broke the stillness.
“I’m staying with you tonight p>
Her hand froze midair. Brinley snapped her head up, staring at him wide-eyed. “What did you just say p>
Austin’s tone held calm certainty, as if he were stating something no one could dispute. “I said I’m staying here tonight. With your arm like this, you’ll need someone to help you—with water, the bathroom, everything p>
Brinley’s reaction was instant. “That’s not necessary!” she blurted, instinctively scooting deeper into the bed. “There are nurses around, and I can take care of myself p>
The idea unsettled her. Even if the mattress looked wide enough, the thought of squeezing two people onto it felt unbearably awkward.
But Austin seemed deaf to her protests. He strode to the wardrobe, pulled out a neatly folded set of pajamas, and lifted them as if presenting undeniable evidence. Clearly, he’d planned this well in advance.
“See? I even brought clothes.” His eyes held a steel-edged resolve as he gave the pajamas a small wave. “Don’t fight me on this. You’re injured, so for once, just listen p>
Unease sharpened Brinley’s voice as she tried to push herself upright. “Austin! This is a hospital, not our home. You can’t just p>
“Can’t just what?” He arched a brow and leaned closer, his face hovering near hers with deliberate provocation. “When I was in the hospital, you stayed by my side, didn’t you? So why are you trying to push me away when you’re the one who needs help p>
Her cheeks burned as words tumbled out. “That’s not the same at all! Back then, you insisted you needed me around twenty-four seven, and I got dragged into it against my will p>
Austin drew out his reply, his eyes gleaming with playful mischief. “Well, I have to say, you took excellent care of me. Now it’s my turn to return the favor p>