Chapter 214
Chapter 214:
The moment Brinley’s head touched the pillow, a wave of fatigue washed over her, pulling her into a deep slumber before she even thought to check her phone.
Meanwhile, at Hillcrest Villa, Austin stood by the expansive windows, his fingers idly grazing the edge of his phone. The screen glowed with a message sent at five in the morning: “Good morning. I miss you.” There was no reply.
A faint crease formed between his brows as he sent another message. Ten minutes passed without a response, and the air around him seemed to grow heavier with unease.
Brinley had always been quick to reply, no matter how busy she was. This unusual silence pricked at his nerves. Grabbing his suit jacket, he turned to the butler. “Get the car ready. I’m heading to the Shaw Mansion p>
The butler glanced at the clock, which read six o’clock, and hesitated. “Sir, it’s a bit p>
“Get the car ready,” Austin cut in, his voice firm and leaving no room for argument.
Propriety meant nothing to him at that moment. He just needed to know that Brinley was safe.
𝖠𝗱𝖽𝗂сt𝗂𝘷𝗲 𝘯𝗈𝘷𝖾𝗹𝘴 𝘰𝗇 𝘨𝘢ln𝘰vе𝗅ѕ.cо𝘮
The sleek black Maybach pulled up to the Shaw Mansion, and Austin stepped out with his usual brisk stride.
In the garden, Vivien Ruiz, a member of the household staff, was tending to the flowers. She straightened when she noticed him and smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Moore. Are you here to see your wife p>
“Where is she?” Austin asked, a subtle urgency in his tone as his gaze swept past the garden toward the grand house.
“She was up all night talking with her brother and only just fell asleep,” Vivien replied gently. “Would you like to wait in the living room p>
A flicker of relief eased the tension in Austin’s shoulders, though a faint trace of frustration followed. So she hadn’t ignored his messages on purpose; she had simply lost track of time while talking to someone else.
“No, I’ll see her now p>
Aware of Austin’s standing in the city and Brandon’s approval of him, Vivien nodded with a warm smile and led him upstairs. “Her room is at the end of the hall p>
She eased the door open, and soft morning light spilled through the sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns across the floor.
Brinley lay curled on her side, her dark hair fanned across the pillow, cheeks rosy in sleep. Her long lashes trembled faintly with each breath, like fragile butterfly wings.
Austin approached quietly, his heart catching at the sight. Whether it was the fire in her eyes when she was awake or the gentle serenity of her sleeping face, she always stirred something deep within him.
He settled beside her and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead.
Brinley stirred, her brow furrowing as she mumbled incoherently and rolled toward him.
Austin held his breath, her face now so close to his. His gaze drifted to her slightly parted, soft pink lips, and his thoughts slipped back to their kiss the night before.
Unable to resist, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.
At that moment, Brinley shifted, her hand reaching out to clasp his wrist.
Thinking she had woken, Austin started to speak, but she murmured drowsily, “Austin… stop p>
Her voice, soft and husky from sleep, sent a warm flutter through him.
He turned his hand to hold hers, his thumb grazing her smooth skin as he whispered, “I just want to keep you company p>
Mistaking his words for a dream, Brinley’s lips curved into a faint smile.
Her other hand flopped clumsily onto his chest, feeling the warmth and firmness through his thin shirt.
“Your chest… so solid…” she mumbled, her fingers prodding curiously. “Tougher than the steering wheel p>
Austin’s breath hitched. Her warm touch sent a jolt across his skin, a rush of heat flaring in his core.
Her earnest expression, eyes still closed, was both endearing and maddening, and he allowed her playful exploration to continue. But Brinley wasn’t done. Her fingers traced lazy circles over his chest as she murmured, “How did I miss this before… feels so nice… just a bit more p>
Austin’s throat tightened, his gaze sharpening with intensity.
He caught her wandering hand, his voice low and rough. “Brinley, keep that up, and you’ll have only yourself to blame for what happens next p>
His voice jolted her awake, and she blinked sleepily at his closeness. After a brief pause, she nestled back into his arms, curling up like a contented cat.
“Austin… why are you in my bed p>
Austin chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer.
Brinley snuggled in deeper, finding a comfortable spot. “You’re so warm. It feels so good to be held like this p>
Her hair brushed against his chin, carrying a faint, sweet scent. Gazing at her soft, tousled head, Austin’s heart swelled with warmth.
Soon, her breathing slowed, a clear sign that she had drifted back to sleep.
Austin studied her peaceful face and pressed a gentle kiss to her head, his eyes filled with quiet affection.