Chapter 152
Chapter 152:
Brinley had no answer for that. She turned her head away, avoiding his gaze, and finally hissed, “No matter what, you’re not sharing a bed with me. If you want to rest, take the sofa p>
Yet Austin acted as if the sofa didn’t exist. He sat on the edge of her bed instead, slowly unfastening the buttons at his cuffs. “That thing’s too soft. My back won’t survive it p>
Brinley blurted, staring at him in disbelief, “Since when do you have back problems p>
She remembered seeing him at the gym not long ago, casually lifting weights heavier than the trainer’s without the slightest sign of strain.
Austin tipped his chin up, a crooked smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe I twisted it when I rushed over to save you this afternoon p>
The mix of truth and exaggeration slid neatly under her defenses.
The memory of his frantic dash earlier tightened her throat, the words of refusal sticking fast.
There was no way she was going to let him strain his back any further because of her.
Catching her hesitation, Austin pressed on smoothly. “Just one night. Sleep without worry, and I swear I won’t lay a hand on you p>
His tone was steady, his eyes disarmingly sincere, leaving her momentarily without an argument.
𝖳𝗋𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗂𝗇 𝗈𝗇
With reluctant resolve, Brinley shifted deeper into the bed, making space for him. Her voice fell to a fragile whisper. “You’d better keep that promise p>
“Deal,” he replied at once, though a flicker of smug satisfaction glinted in his eyes.
After changing into his pajamas, he eased down beside her.
The hospital bed was wider than standard ones—wide enough to leave a fist’s breadth of space between them.
Even so, Brinley couldn’t shake the tension tightening in her chest.
With every breath, she caught the faint scent of his shampoo. His steady breathing brushed her ears, and his warmth seeped across the narrow divide. Every subtle trace of him teased her senses like feathers against bare skin, stirring her restless heart and making sleep impossible.
Tense from head to toe, she didn’t dare move, afraid that even the slightest shift would bring her into contact with him.
Time blurred into an anxious haze—until Austin moved without warning.
Brinley’s pulse kicked up. She went perfectly still, barely allowing herself to breathe. A moment later, she felt him draw closer, his warmth closing in, his breath fanning over her skin.
“What are you doing?” Her voice came out tight.
“Nothing,” Austin murmured, drowsy ease weighing down his tone. “The bed shook a little. I thought you might roll off p>
“This bed is solid. I’m not about to tumble out,” she shot back, nearly scoffing at his flimsy excuse.
“But what if you did?” Austin’s voice lost its laziness, turning solemn. “Your arm’s injured. If you fall, you could seriously hurt it again. If I stay close, I can keep you safe p>