Chapter 195
Chapter 195:
At last, Austin loosened his grip. His hands came up to frame her face, thumbs brushing over her warm cheeks in a tender sweep. The brilliance in his eyes was so intense it almost hurt to look at.
“I honestly thought you’d wait until the three days were over before giving me your answer… maybe even longer.” The unguarded light in his gaze dissolved the last traces of her hesitation.
On impulse, she tipped her chin and brushed her lips against his in a swift, featherlight kiss.
The fleeting touch left him stunned, frozen in place.
Her face burned, but she straightened her spine, masking her nerves with playful defiance. “So, do you believe me now p>
Austin finally stirred from his trance, the shock in his expression softening into a radiant smile. He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers.
Brinley let her eyes flutter shut, returning his kiss with awkward tenderness.
𝖲𝗁𝘢𝘳e y𝘰𝘶r 𝗍𝗁o𝘶𝗀h𝗍s 𝗈n 𝗴𝘢𝗹ո𝗈𝗏𝘦𝗹ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗺
The IV drip continued its steady rhythm as moonlight spilled through the window, bathing their entwined figures in a silver glow. A gentle sweetness seemed to fill the room.
When Austin finally drew back, reluctant, he rested his forehead against hers. His breath came uneven, his voice rough with emotion. “I believe you—every word p>
Brinley’s face glowed pink as she nestled closer, her ear pressed to the steady rhythm of his chest. A quiet, secretive smile tugged at her lips. Realizing how freeing it felt to stop second-guessing herself and admit that she loved him, she marveled at how wonderful it was to surrender to her own heart.
Her lashes fluttered as a thought surfaced. Tilting her head up, she asked softly, “Hey, remember how you once promised that if I won the competition, you’d finally explain why you’ve always cared so much about me? Can I hear that answer now p>
Austin let out a low chuckle, brushing her nose with his fingertip in playful affection. “Not just yet p>
A small pout curved her lips as she protested, “And why not p>
“Because the story’s too long to tell all at once.” His gaze lingered on her with a tenderness so deep it felt overwhelming. With a warm smile, he added, “I’ll share it piece by piece, as time carries us forward. Is that alright p>
Brinley caught the sincerity in his eyes and gave a soft nod. “Alright then p>
There was no rush; the future stretched long and certain between them.
She nestled against his chest, savoring the steady thrum of his heartbeat and the gentle warmth of his palm until a drowsy heaviness began to blur her thoughts. The lingering effects of the alcohol tugged at her eyelids, drawing her back into a sleepy haze.
Austin noticed her growing sluggishness and carefully eased her down against the pillows, tucking the blanket snugly around her shoulders. His voice dropped to a tender murmur. “Go on, sleep. I’ll keep watch right here p>
Her fingers tightened stubbornly around his, as if afraid he might vanish the moment she let go.
Settling at her bedside, Austin allowed her to cling to him. His free hand smoothed the blanket with quiet tenderness, as though soothing a child back to rest.
Bathed in pale moonlight, he gazed at her serene, sleeping face, every line softened by rest, his eyes overflowing with devotion. He had yearned for this moment for years—from the shy admiration of his youth, through years of silent watchfulness, to finally standing here with his long-buried wish fulfilled—the girl he loved now safely in his arms.
Had, at last, given her heart to him as well. The thought alone was dazzling.
Bending down, Austin pressed a feather-light kiss to her forehead. “Sleep well, Brinley p>