Chapter 212

Chapter 212:

Brinley’s heart fluttered as she lifted her gaze to meet Austin’s intense, soulful eyes.

In that fleeting moment, time seemed to still, the silence broken only by the soft rhythm of their mingled breaths. Unable to resist, Brinley rose onto her toes and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.

“So… want to come in for a drink?” she murmured.

Austin’s throat bobbed, emotion flickering in his gaze, but he shook his head lightly. “No. It’s late. I don’t want to bother your dad p>

𝖣о𝘸𝗻𝗅𝗼а𝖽 р𝘋Fѕ 𝘧𝘳е𝖾 on

He hesitated, a trace of regret in his voice. “I was hoping to spend a few days with him, but it’ll have to wait p>

Brinley nodded, understanding his restraint. Austin was always considerate, careful not to appear overeager or disrupt the Shaws’ household with an unexpected visit.

“I get it,” she said softly. “You should head back and rest too p>

“Yeah,” Austin agreed, yet his grip on her hand tightened instead of loosening.

The night breeze lifted strands of her hair, brushing against his neck and carrying her faint, familiar scent, stirring his heart like a gentle caress. He bent down and kissed her deeply, their lips meeting in a fervent, lingering exchange.

Brinley’s eyes fluttered shut, her arms sliding around his neck as she melted into the moment.

Unbeknownst to them, a shadowy figure leaned against a nearby wall, watching with quiet curiosity.

Felix had just finished handling his business and was eager to pull Brinley back into racing talk when he happened upon the scene at the entrance. Rather than interrupt, he slipped into the shadows, observing discreetly.

He wanted to see for himself what kind of man had managed to capture his sister’s heart.

After what felt like an eternity, Austin finally eased back, resting his forehead against Brinley’s, his breathing still uneven. His gaze lingered on her kiss-flushed lips, a faint smile lighting his eyes.

“Head inside,” he murmured.

Brinley’s cheeks flushed as she nodded and turned to leave, only for Austin to gently tug her back.

“Your hair is a mess,” he said softly, lifting a hand to smooth the strands the night breeze had tousled.

In the next instant, his expression sharpened. His gaze swept toward a nearby corner, certain the fleeting shadow he’d sensed wasn’t a trick of the light. The air seemed to thicken, his earlier tenderness giving way to a piercing intensity.

Felix, still absorbed in the moment, froze when Austin’s eyes locked onto his. His pulse spiked.

He started to slip away, but Austin released Brinley and strode forward.

“Who’s there?” Austin’s voice was deep and commanding as he instinctively moved Brinley behind him, his body tense and protective. An unexpected presence at this hour was rarely harmless—especially with that probing stare he’d felt.

Could Colin still be lurking, unwilling to let go?

Austin’s demeanor turned icy, his presence radiating quiet menace.

Realizing there was no point hiding, Felix stepped out casually, hands tucked into his pockets, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Caught me, huh? Sharp senses p>

Under the faint glow of the streetlamp, Felix’s features came into view. Dressed in a sleek tracksuit, he stood tall, exuding a bold, youthful defiance.

Austin sized him up, his scowl deepening.

The man looked barely twenty—decent enough in appearance—but his cocky attitude screamed trouble, like some brash admirer circling Brinley. Memories of Colin only fueled Austin’s rising irritation.

“Who are you, and why are you skulking around here?” Austin demanded, advancing until his imposing aura forced Felix to retreat a step. Only then did Felix fully grasp the intensity of his brother-in-law’s presence, far more formidable than he’d anticipated.

Felix was about to introduce himself when he noticed Austin’s fists tightening. It dawned on him that Austin had already labeled him an unwelcome trespasser. His heart raced; a fight would leave him badly outmatched.

Felix edged backward, watching Austin warily. “I’m warning you, keep your hands off. This is Shaw family territory p>

Austin let out a cold chuckle. “You’re the one who doesn’t belong here. Brinley isn’t some prize for you to chase p>

With that, Austin lifted his arm, poised to seize Felix and throw him out.

“Brinley, help!” Felix shouted, panic breaking through his bravado. “Your husband is about to hit me p>

Startled out of her daze near the doorway, Brinley hurried forward and grabbed Austin’s arm. “Austin, stop. Don’t hit him p>

Austin froze and turned to her, confusion flashing across his face. “This guy was lurking around here, clearly up to no good p>

Felix immediately ducked behind Brinley, shooting Austin a defiant look. “I’m her brother. Felix p>

“You’re Felix?” Austin blinked, his gaze flicking between Felix and Brinley as he took in their shared features.

Only then did he relax his grip, though his stern stare remained fixed on Felix.