Chapter 162
Chapter 162:
“Why what, exactly?” Austin lowered his fork and took a napkin, gently dabbing the sauce from the corner of Brinley’s mouth.
“Why are you so kind to me?” Brinley blinked. “You’ve been so kind—cooking, helping me out—but I can’t figure out why. Is there an ulterior motive? Are you another Colin p>
Austin’s eyes narrowed, his voice firm. “I’m nothing like him p>
“How so?” Brinley pressed, suddenly poking his cheek. “Though I must say, you’re way better-looking than he is p>
Her cool fingers grazed Austin’s skin, making his breath hitch for a split second. He reached for her hand, but Brinley nimbly dodged.
Her fingers traced along his jaw. “Such sharp features—like a sculpted masterpiece! And those red ears are absolutely adorable p>
Giggling, she gave his earlobe a playful tug.
Austin let out a resigned sigh. “Brinley, enough messing around p>
“I’m not messing around!” she shot back, slipping her other hand under his shirt, her fingertips brushing his toned waist. Her eyes sparkled. “Wow… abs. So solid p>
Austin’s body stiffened instantly. He caught her wandering wrist, his voice dropping into something huskier. “Brinley, keep this up and I won’t hold back p>
𝗟a𝗍es𝘵 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝘱𝘁e𝘳𝘴 𝗈n
“Huh?” She tilted her head, eyes glassy, a sly smile spreading across her face. “What will you do? Force a kiss on me like a hero from those romantic novels p>
Before he could respond, she slipped free, leaning in so close their noses nearly brushed.
Austin turned his face away, gently stroking her hair. “You’re too tipsy to know what you’re doing p>
Brinley froze. A sudden wave of hurt washed over her, her eyes reddening. “Do you think I’m annoying? I know… I’m just a coward. I keep trying to suppress my feelings for you p>
Sniffling, her voice trembled. “But you’re so handsome and so kind… If I weren’t terrified of another heartbreaker, I would chase you without a second thought. Even if it’s just a fling, it feels… worth it p>
Her words dripped with drunken sincerity.
Tilting her head, she slumped onto Austin’s shoulder, her breathing gradually evening out.
Austin glanced down, a soft smile breaking through. He carefully scooped her up and carried her upstairs. As he moved, the butler discreetly ushered the staff away, leaving only a faint wall light glowing in the hallway.
Brinley stirred in his arms, searching for a comfortable spot. Her fingers curled around his shirt collar, grazing his collarbone and sending a shiver through him.
In the bedroom, Austin set her on the wide bed. As he started to rise, she caught his wrist and held on tightly.
“Don’t leave, please,” she murmured, eyes closed, lashes damp. “When you were in the hospital, I stayed… It’s time for you to return the favor now p>