Chapter 154
Chapter 154:
“Don’t move,” he said softly, his voice low but firm. “Just let me hold it for a while p>
His fingertips brushed lightly over the back of her hand, careful and reverent, as though she were something sacred.
Brinley’s heartbeat stumbled out of rhythm, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe.
Their closeness magnified everything—the sound of their breathing, the thrum of their heartbeats.
Brinley parted her lips, wanting to say something, but her throat tightened and no words came.
In the end, she let Austin hold her hand, letting the warmth of his palm seep into her skin.
Time blurred. Her eyelids grew heavy, her thoughts turning hazy, until sleep finally pulled her under.
Just as she drifted away, she thought she heard Austin whisper something in her ear.
His voice was faint and dreamlike, the words indistinguishable, but it wrapped around her like safety.
That night, Brinley slept better than she had in a long time—no nightmares, no sudden jolts awake. Only the steady rhythm of Austin’s breathing beside her, soothing as a lullaby.
When she woke the next morning, sunlight was already pouring in. Golden beams slipped through the gaps in the curtains, scattering warm patterns across the floor.
𝗝𝗈𝗂n 𝗍𝗁o𝗎𝘴aո𝘥𝘀 𝗈𝖿 𝖿anѕ 𝗈n
As Brinley stirred, she realized she was nestled in Austin’s arms.
Her head rested against his chest, where his heartbeat thumped strong and steady. One arm was wrapped securely around her waist, holding her close as if he were guarding something precious.
Brinley’s face went crimson the moment she registered it. She had actually—unbelievably—slept in his embrace all night.
How had she ended up tangled with him like this?
She’d been angry with him last night, so how had she surrendered to this closeness in her sleep?
Her thoughts spun into a chaotic blur, and she instinctively tried to shove him off before he woke.
But the movement roused him.
Austin’s eyes opened slowly, amusement flickering across his still-drowsy face as he found her pressed so close. His voice was rough with sleep when he said, “Good morning p>
His breath fanned over her forehead—warm and intimate—and her cheeks flared even hotter.
“Austin! Let go of me!” Brinley squirmed, trying to wriggle free.
But Austin only tightened his hold, keeping her firmly against him.
“Stay still,” he murmured, his eyes glinting with playful warmth. “Just let me hold you a little longer p>
Brinley sputtered, equal parts shy and furious. “No way! Let go p>
Austin shot back without hesitation. “We’re married. Sleeping in each other’s arms is perfectly normal p>
Brinley fell silent again, unable to counter his logic. She shoved at him with her uninjured hand, but he didn’t budge. If anything, he pulled her closer.
“Austin!” Brinley glared at him, her face burning with exasperation. “If you don’t let go, I’ll pinch you hard p>
“You won’t.” Austin smirked, leaning in until their noses nearly brushed.