Chapter 167
Chapter 167:
At dawn, the day before the international exhibition race, Austin tugged Brinley out of bed.
“Come on. I’m taking you to the hospital.” His voice was still husky with sleep, smooth in a way that almost sounded indulgent.
Blinking against the early light, Brinley pushed her tangled hair out of her face. “Didn’t the doctor already say I’m fine? I can grip the wheel without any problem p>
She held up her arm, the bandage wrapped around it thin and unobtrusive, flexing to prove her point.
Instead of arguing, Austin draped a coat over her shoulders with practiced ease. “I want you to have a check-up to make sure everything is fine,” he said, his tone low but commanding. “Please, do as I say p>
𝖭𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗋𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝗇
The weight he put on those words made it clear there was no room for refusal.
Knowing she couldn’t win this particular battle, Brinley sighed and dragged herself up to freshen up.
She slumped against the seat as the car hummed along the quiet morning roads, her voice tinged with annoyance. “Do we really have to go through all this for such a small injury p>
Austin’s fingers stilled briefly on the steering wheel before he cast her a steady glance. “Your health comes before everything else p>
The evenness of his tone wrapped around her like warmth seeping into chilled skin, silencing the protest on her lips.
When they arrived, the private hospital greeted them with an almost sterile stillness, so hushed it felt like even a breath might echo. A doctor stood ready in the examination room, prepared before they even walked in.
The evaluation was thorough, covering not only the state of her arm but every vital sign and bodily function.
After a careful inspection, the doctor smiled with calm reassurance. “Mrs. Moore is healing remarkably well. The wound has closed nicely, with no tendon or nerve damage. She’ll be able to carry out daily activities without issue—and tomorrow’s race won’t be affected p>
Relief slipped from Brinley in a soft exhale. She was just about to speak when Austin interjected, his voice edged with quiet insistence.
“Are you absolutely certain there won’t be lingering effects? Any pain when she strains the p>
“…arm?” The doctor offered a patient nod. “After the stitches come out, she may feel a slight tightness. That’s natural and temporary. A bit of ointment will ease it—nothing lasting, nothing to worry about p>
After the doctor’s repeated reassurances, some of the tension in Austin’s jaw finally eased.
The drive back passed in near silence, the quiet stretching heavy between them.
Out of nowhere, Austin broke it. “Tomorrow, a few retired champions will be on the track,” he said evenly. “And don’t underestimate the younger racers—some of them are really impressive p>
His eyes flicked toward her, then back to the road. “Don’t push yourself too hard. Just keep it safe. Even if you don’t place, no one will blame you p>
Brinley curved her lips into a smile. “Relax. I know my limits. I’m treating it as a bit of fun. As long as I finish, I’ll be satisfied. If I manage not to come in last, that’s already a win p>
Austin gave a soft laugh, letting the matter drop without another word.