Chapter 182
Chapter 182:
In the shadowed parking lot, Austin held the car door open for Brinley. His tone was calm, but the chill in his eyes betrayed him.
“Colin looked like he was ready to tear you apart with his glare p>
“He’s irrelevant to me now. Whatever he feels, it doesn’t touch me anymore.” Brinley slid into the passenger seat and buckled her belt with brisk, precise motions.
Austin started the engine, his eyes flicking sideways to study her. Her face was serene as she stared out the window, but he reached over anyway, threading his fingers through her hair with quiet tenderness.
“Don’t waste your peace on people who don’t matter p>
The warmth of his palm sank into her scalp, easing the heaviness in her chest.
She turned toward him, catching the playful glimmer in his gaze. “Why are you staring at me?” she asked, brows lifting.
Sav𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝗎𝘳 𝘧a𝘷оr𝗂𝘵e 𝗇о𝗏𝖾𝗅𝘴 𝗈ո.сo𝗆
“Nothing.” His hand returned to the wheel, though a faint curve lingered at his mouth. “Just realizing I’ve got excellent taste p>
Brinley’s chest fluttered. She angled her face toward the window, trying to hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
The sleek luxury car slipped away from the racetrack, its hum blending with the hush in the cabin. Her eyes followed the guardrails flashing past, her thoughts drifting as silence settled in.
Austin’s voice cut through it, casual but edged with curiosity. “What’s on your mind p>
She pulled her gaze back, the faintest trace of irony at her mouth. “I was thinking about what just happened. Milly’s victim act was embarrassingly unconvincing p>
Austin let out a low laugh, steering them onto a narrow, shaded road. Golden light filtered through the branches, painting the glass with broken patches of brightness.
“Colin isn’t stupid—he’s just tied to her because she’s carrying his son p>
Austin shot her a quick look, approval flickering in his eyes. “But you didn’t fall into that trap. Smart of you p>
Brinley gave a short laugh and tilted her head with disdain. Her smile sharpened as she lifted an eyebrow at him.
“You knew I was Rosara from p>
…the beginning, didn’t you p>
Austin’s hand faltered on the wheel before he answered honestly. “That last corner—you handled it exactly the way Rosara did back then p>
Brinley narrowed her eyes. “And yet you still played along, acting like you were clueless while testing me p>
“I wanted to give you the chance to admit it yourself,” Austin said, a low, amused chuckle in his voice. Then his gaze sharpened. “And you? When did you realize I was Nightblade p>
“When you let me pass those two cars on purpose.” Brinley locked eyes with him, her lips curving into a confident smile. “Nightblade’s style is distinct. Back then, I studied his footage over and over p>