Chapter 179
Chapter 179:
Nicolas’s eyes lit up. He rushed forward with an ingratiating smile, his earlier teasing replaced by genuine awe. “Brinley, you have to teach me how to race like that! I’ll gladly be your student p>
Brinley blinked in surprise, a laugh tugging at her lips. She was about to respond when Austin appeared and yanked Nicolas back firmly.
“Shut up p>
“I’m serious!” Nicolas insisted. “Her driving was unbelievable p>
Brinley’s eyes softened with amusement at their exchange. Turning to Nicolas, she said warmly, “You’re too kind, Mr. Gomez. I was just lucky today p>
“Lucky? You think luck is enough to beat him?” Nicolas jabbed a finger toward Austin. “Do you have any idea? He’s never been beaten—not once p>
One cold stare from Austin silenced him instantly.
Brinley glanced at Austin, remembering the look they had shared at the award ceremony. A gentle smile parted her lips.
𝗖𝗁𝗂𝗇e𝘀е 𝗻о𝘃𝖾𝗅𝗌 𝘁𝗋а𝗻𝘴𝗅𝖺t𝗲𝘥 𝘰𝘯.с𝗼𝗆
Suddenly, a broad, warm hand settled firmly on her shoulder.
Austin drew her close, his eyes icy as they locked on Nicolas. “That’s enough. Can’t you see she’s exhausted p>
The menace in his eyes made Nicolas falter, his earlier…
…excitement fizzled under Austin’s stare, and he backed down quickly, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Fine, fine. I’ll stop. You two rest; I’ll go check on the cars p>
With that, he practically bolted.
Brinley could still feel the heat of Austin’s palm on her shoulder, and the possessiveness in the gesture was impossible to miss.
She turned her head slightly, meeting his eyes. The aloofness he had shown minutes ago had melted into a faint smile.
“You kind of just scared your friend there,” she muttered, though she couldn’t hide her own smile.
Austin only arched a brow, his grip tightening rather than loosening. “Sometimes the direct approach is the only way with insensitive people like him. Or would you rather he keep hovering around p>
His breath was warm against her ear, his voice deliberately close.
Brinley’s ears flushed red, and she edged away just a fraction. “Stop it p>
Seeing the color in her cheeks, Austin grinned. He didn’t push further, but he didn’t let go either. Side by side, they returned to the lounge.
In the VIP stand, the air was taut and tense.
Colin’s eyes stayed locked on the screen, watching the replay of Brinley crossing the finish line. Her smile shone brighter than anything else in the arena. The precision of her turns, the steadiness under pressure, the confidence she carried after victory—
Each image pierced him, striking his heart with overwhelming force.