Chapter 13
Chapter 13:
Brinley’s heart jolted, and she stepped back on instinct.
Up close, Austin seemed fierce and intimidating—like a predator closing in on its prey.
“I think you should understand this is just a partnership,” she said, forcing calm into her voice. “There are no feelings attached. I don’t want unnecessary trouble p>
Amused, Austin studied her rigid expression. He didn’t press further. He lifted a hand as if to brush the strand of hair near her forehead, but stopped midway and asked with a teasing lilt, “Trouble? Is that what you think I am p>
There was a subtle, unmistakable trace of desire in his voice. He didn’t touch her, didn’t hold her—yet heat still crept up Brinley’s cheeks.
“That’s settled,” Brinley said firmly, turning her face aside.
Austin gave a helpless shrug, lifting his hands as if in surrender. “All right. As you wish, my dear wife p>
The way he said “my dear wife” sounded entirely natural—almost effortless.
Brinley pretended she hadn’t heard a thing. She quickly moved past him and headed upstairs.
𝖸оu𝘳 𝗻𝖾𝘹t 𝘧𝗮𝘷𝘰r𝗶𝗍𝖾 𝗿е𝘢d 𝗂𝗌 𝗼𝘯
The villa had three floors. Austin mentioned that the guest rooms on the east side of the second floor offered the best light and comfort.
But Brinley didn’t even pause to consider the options. She continued upward to the far end of the third floor, where a modest wooden door marked the attic space. She pushed it open to reveal a room with a lofty ceiling, slanted roof beams, and aged wooden floors. A tall window framed the northwest horizon, the view wide and quiet.
“This one,” she said calmly. “I like the vintage feel p>
In truth, she simply wanted the room farthest from his master bedroom.
Austin leaned casually against the doorway, smirking.
“You do have unusual taste,” he remarked, his eyes sweeping over the slanted roof. “But in the winter, the drafts will be harsh p>
“It doesn’t matter,” Brinley replied coldly without looking back. “I can manage the cold p>
She began to settle in, but her stomach betrayed her with a sudden growl.
Austin arched a brow, amused. “Hungry?” he asked lightly.
Brinley nodded without hesitation. “Yes. I didn’t eat properly at the party p>
“Then come on,” Austin said, straightening. “Let’s get you something to eat p>
Brinley assumed a professional chef would be waiting in a home this luxurious.
Yet when she followed him into the kitchen, she froze. Austin shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over a chair. Then he reached for an apron hanging on the wall and tied it neatly around his waist.
Like this, he looked nothing like the intimidating man he was in a suit.
He rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong forearms, and began pulling fresh ingredients from the refrigerator.
Brinley lingered in the doorway, stunned into silence, as he set a cut of beef on the chopping board. The knife in his hand gleamed under the light, slicing the meat into thin, even strips.
Without looking up, he called out, “What are you doing just standing there? Come help p>
Brinley arched an eyebrow but stepped forward, accepting the onion he handed her. She washed it briskly and began chopping it.