Chapter 52
52:
Her heart pounded wildly, each beat heavy and insistent, making her throat feel unbearably tight and dry.
Then, as if struck by a sudden jolt, Linsey’s eyes widened in alarm. A rush of instinct took over, and she pulled back from Collin’s broad frame, her breath hitching as she stared at him in disbelief.
His disability limited his movements, yet the way he held himself—the quiet control in his presence—made it clear that if he wanted to, he could still dominate the space between them.
The realization sent another shiver through her, a mixture of awe and unease. Lowering her head quickly, she refused to meet his gaze, afraid of what she might find there.
Collin’s eyes never left her, studying every flicker of emotion on her face with an intensity that made her heart race. His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile, and his gaze darkened with a mischievous gleam.
“Why do you look at me like that?” he asked, his voice smooth. “Do I look like a monster to you?”
His words, exaggerated as they were, made Linsey flinch instinctively. She shook her head quickly, eager to distance him from such a harsh image. “No,” she said firmly.
She hesitated for a moment, her lips parting as if to say more. “It’s just that… you suddenly pulled me close like that. We were so close, and… I’m not used to it.”
Collin’s gaze softened, and his voice lowered, quiet and sincere. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Linsey’s instinct was to shake her head, to brush off the moment. But before she could, Collin let out a light chuckle and, with casual ease, added, “But we’re married now, officially. You’ll have to get used to this kind of closeness, don’t you think?”
His words were gentle but carried a weight, as if suggesting something more—something inevitable.
Instead, Collin’s voice softened again as he continued, “Take a look—do you think this outfit suits me?”
Linsey hesitated for a moment, but then her gaze lifted, meeting his eyes as he sat before her, dressed in the new clothes. The moment she saw him, admiration flashed across her face. She had spent what felt like hours picking out this outfit, wondering if it would work. But seeing him in it now… the difference was striking. The clothes were a departure from his usual style, but they fit him perfectly, like they had been made just for him.
The casual style made Collin seem more approachable, more… human, if that made sense.
Collin shifted slightly, watching her closely.
“Why are you quiet? Does it not look good?” He adjusted the collar of his shirt, as if unsure of himself.
Linsey couldn’t help but smile, her voice full of sincerity as she said, “No, it looks amazing on you!”
A proud smile tugged at the corner of Linsey’s lips. “Looks like my taste is spot on.”
Collin couldn’t suppress a chuckle, surprised by how quickly her mood had shifted—from shy and flustered to confidently praising herself. “Indeed, you have great taste.” His voice softened, his eyes tracing her every movement. After a moment of thought, he raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “How did you know my size?”
The outfit Linsey had picked out fit him perfectly, no need for any adjustments.
Linsey’s smile widened, her tone turning playful as her confidence grew. “I studied fashion design. I’m very familiar with clothing sizes.”
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