Chapter 163
Chapter 163:
Her plea was quiet, and it was hard for Austin to refuse her. He sat by the bed, watching her sleep, his hand gently brushing her flushed cheek.
“Silly girl,” he whispered. “This was never a game to me. My feelings for you are real—that’s the only reason I treat you this way p>
Moonlight slipped through the sheer curtains, bathing her face in a soft glow.
Austin listened to her steady breaths until late into the night. Then he draped a blanket over the sofa.
In the stillness, Brinley rolled groggily toward the edge of the bed, nearly falling—until a strong arm caught her. She instinctively nuzzled into the warmth, curling into Austin’s arms and drifting off again.
Austin gazed at her—so defenseless in his hold—and sighed softly, letting her cling to his waist. His hand patted her back gently, as if soothing a startled creature.
At dawn, a tickle against her neck roused Brinley.
Blinking sleepily, she found Austin’s sleeping face inches away—long lashes, a sharp nose, lips set in a firm line. Her hand was clutching his pajama collar, her body practically sprawled over him.
𝗥𝗲а𝖽 𝘰𝘯 𝗮𝘯𝗒 𝘥𝘦vi𝖼𝘦 о𝗻
As she jolted upright, last night’s memories came rushing back.
She had playfully tugged Austin’s earlobe, brushed her hand over his toned abs, and rambled on with ridiculous, teasing nonsense.
Brinley covered her face. Had she really done all that to Austin? She couldn’t believe it.
Rubbing his eyes, Austin stirred and sat up. When he spotted her crimson cheeks, his eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Up already? You said you would chase me last night. Are you still planning to p>
Brinley’s face burned, and she wished the floor would swallow her whole. Snatching up a pillow, she hurled it at him, her voice sharp with embarrassment.
“Austin, shut up! I said no such thing p>
He caught the pillow easily, chuckling as he smoothed her tousled hair. “Fine, my mistake. I must have dreamed it p>
But the gleam in his eyes made it painfully clear he’d heard every word.
Mortified and fuming, Brinley yanked the blanket over her head, hiding from view.
Austin studied the blanket-covered lump, his smile widening.
Sunlight spilled through the gaps in the curtains, dancing in his eyes.
He thought that maybe winning her heart wouldn’t take long after all.