Chapter 161
Chapter 161:
“I won p>
The timer confirmed it. He’d beaten her by three seconds.
Brinley found herself staring at his face, so close to hers, the light glinting in his eyes.
“Austin.” She hesitated, then continued, “Did you p>
She wanted to ask if he’d seen through her act—if he’d been holding back on purpose. But instead, the question that had been lodged in her chest slipped out. “Why are you treating me this well?” It was the same question, surfacing again.
Austin watched her pout and couldn’t help but chuckle. He reached forward and pinched her cheek lightly, his touch impossibly tender. His voice lowered, gentle yet firm.
“I’ll give you the answer when you really fall for me p>
𝗠𝗼ѕ𝘁 𝘳e𝖺𝖽 t𝘩is 𝗐eek on.сo𝗆
The evening breeze fluttered the edges of their clothes.
Brinley stared at him, completely speechless.
The honesty in his eyes didn’t seem like an act, yet she still couldn’t bring herself to fall for him.
On the drive back, silence stretched between them.
Brinley rested her head against the window, watching the streets blur outside as an unfamiliar warmth filled her chest. Maybe… letting herself fall for him wouldn’t be such a terrible thing.
The thought had barely formed before she crushed it.
No. She couldn’t afford distractions, not with the race ahead.
And yet, when her eyes drifted sideways to Austin—focused on the road—her heartbeat stumbled.
It was already nine o’clock when they reached Hillcrest Villa, darkness settling over it like a heavy cloak. A late-night snack awaited them, prepared by the butler.
Austin took a bottle of red wine from the cabinet and poured her a glass.
“Take it easy,” he said lightly. “You can’t hold your liquor well. Don’t end up flat on the table like last time p>
“That was one time!” Brinley shot back, snatching up the glass and taking a bold sip.
The cool wine slid down her throat, rich with a faint fruitiness—smoother than any red she’d had before. Without thinking, she tipped back another half glass.
Austin didn’t stop her. Instead, he served her food at an easy pace, his gaze lingering as her cheeks slowly bloomed with color. The sight quietly amused him.
She had a few more drinks. The whole room began to swim before her eyes, and the glass wobbled dangerously in her hand.
She propped her chin on the table, staring at him like a lazy, satisfied cat.