Chapter 256
Chapter 256:
Austin stayed quiet, moving toward her with unhurried, deliberate steps until he stopped right in front of Brinley. He plucked a report from her hands, unfolding it to reveal pages covered in her careful notes.
“You told me everything was handled,” he said, his voice quiet, yet sharp enough to cut through the air.
Heat rose to Brinley’s cheeks as her lie unraveled. “Just a few small problems,” she murmured, barely above a whisper. “Once I get those straightened out, everything will fall into place p>
Setting the report aside, Austin reached up and gently smoothed her messy hair.
“Brinley.” His gaze softened, a quiet tenderness glinting in his eyes. “I know you don’t want me to worry, but we’re married. You shouldn’t have to bear everything alone p>
“I’m fine,” Brinley said, lifting her chin to meet his stare and forcing a small smile. “I can handle it. You just focus on getting better p>
Austin’s fingers closed around her hand, firm enough that she couldn’t slip free. “How can I get better if you’re out here staying up?” he asked, his voice low but steady.
“Austin…” Brinley’s voice faltered, but he cut in before she could continue.
His grip tightened with quiet determination. “Enough talking. Let’s get you back to the room—you need real rest p>
She let him guide her out without protest.
𝖬orе ոo𝘃е𝘭𝗌 оn ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝗆
Back in Austin’s hospital room, he gently eased her onto the bed, pulling the blanket snugly over her before dropping onto the sofa with a weary sigh.
Seeing him curled up awkwardly, guilt tugged at her chest. “Take the bed,” she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’ll manage on the sofa p>
Austin had been waiting for her to say that.
He all but threw off the thin blanket and got to his feet, moving with startling ease for someone who had just suffered gastric bleeding.
“No need for separate sleeping arrangements,” he said lightly. “We can share the bed p>
Before Brinley could protest, he flipped back the blanket and settled in next to her with casual confidence. Only then did it hit her—she’d been outmaneuvered yet again.
She shot him a sharp glare and scooted toward the far edge of the bed, deliberately putting space between them. “Austin, this is a hospital room. Try to act appropriately p>
“I am,” he said with mock innocence, turning his head to look at her. Amusement flickered in his eyes as he added softly, “I just want to be close in case you get scared p>
“I’m not scared,” she shot back, chin tilting stubbornly—though her gaze slid toward him despite herself.
Though he looked pale and his lips were bloodless, his eyes held a brightness that seemed to light the room.
In the end, she didn’t tell him to leave. She only murmured, “Stay still p>
Austin’s lips curved into a grin as he settled back. “Your wish is my command,” he teased, deliberately keeping still.