Chapter 89

"Why what, exactly?" Austin lowered his fork and grabbed a napkin, gently dabbing the sauce from the corner of Brinley's mouth.

"Why are you so kind to me?" Brinley said with a blink."You've been so kind to me-cooking,helping me out -but | can't figure out why. Is there an ulterior motive?Are you another Colin?"

Austin's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "I'm nothing like him.”

"How so?" Brinley pressed, suddenly prodding his cheek. "Though, I must say, you're way better looking than he is."

Her cool fingers grazed Austin's skin, making his breath hitch for a split second.

He reached for her hand, but Brinley nimbly dodged.

Her fingers trailedalong his jaw. "Such sharp features -like a sculpted masterpiece! And those red ears are absolutely adorable."

Giggling, she gave his earlobe a playful tug. Austin let out a resigned sigh. "Brinley, enough messing around."

"I'm not messing around!" she shot back, slipping her other hand under his shirt, her fingers brushing his toned waist. Her eyes sparkled. "Wow, abs! So solid!"

Austin's body stiffened instantly.

He caught her wandering wrist, his voice turning husky "Brinley, keep this up, and I won't hold back."

"Huh?" She tilted her head, eyes glassy but asly smile spreading. "What wvill you do? Force a kiss on me like a hero from those romantic novels?"

Before he could respond, she slipped free, leaning in so close their noses nearly brushed.

Austin turned his face away, gently stroking her hair."You're too tipsy to know what you're doing."

Brinley froze, a sudden wave of hurt washing over her as her eyes reddened. "Do you think I'm annoying? I know... I'm just a coward. I try to suppress my feelings for you."

Sniffling, her voice trembled. "But you're so handsome and so kind... If I were not terrified of another heartbreaker, I would chase you without a second thought! Even if it's just a fling, it feels... worth it." Her words dripped with drunken sincerity

Tilting her head, she slumped onto Austin's shoulder,her breathing evening out.

Austin glanced down, a soft smile breaking through.

He carefully scooped her up, carrying her upstairs. As he moved, the butler discreetly ushered the staff out,leaving only a faint wall light glowing in the hallway.

Brinley stirred in his arms, seeking a cozy spot.

Her fingers clung to his shirt collar, grazing his collarbone, sending a shiver through him.

In the bedroom, Austin set her on the wide bed. As he started to rise, she gripped his wrist tightly.

"Don't leave, please," she murmured, eyes shut,lashes damp. "When you were in the hospital, I stayed... It's time for you to return the favor now."

Her plea was soft, and it was hard for Austin to turn her down.

He settled by the bed, watching her sleep, his hand gently brushing her flushed cheek.

"Silly girl," he whispered. "This was never a game to me. My feelings for you are real-that's the only reason I treat you this way." Moonlight slipped through the sheer curtains, bathing her face in a soft glow.

Austin sat, listening to her steady breaths until late in the night. Then, he draped a blanket over the sofa.

In the quiet night, Brinley rolled groggily toward the bed's edge, nearly falling-until a strong arm caught her.

She instinctively nestled into the warmth, curling into Austin's arms and drifting off again.

Austin gazed at her, defenseless in his hold, and sighed softly, letting her cling to his waist.

His hand gently patted her back, as if calming a startled creature.

At dawn, a tickle on her neck roused Brinley.

Blinking sleepily, she found Austin's sleeping face inches away-long lashes, sharp nose,lips set in a firm line.

Her hand clutched his pajama collar,her body practically sprawled over him.

As she jolted upright, last night's memories flooded back.

She had playfully pulled Austin's earlobe, grazed his toned abs, and rambled ridiculous, teasing words.

She covered her face. Had she really done all that to Austin? She couldn't believe it!

Rubbing his eyes, Austin stirred and sat up, spotting her crimson cheeks. His eyes twinkled with mischief."Up already? You said you would chase me last night.Are you still planning to?"

Brinley's face burned, wishing the floor would swallow her.

Grabbing a pillow, she hurled it at him, voice sharp with embarrassment. "Austin, shut up! I said no such thing!"

He caught the pillow easily, chuckling as he smoothed her tousled hair. "Fine, my mistake. I must have dreamed it."

But the gleam in his eyes screamed he had heard every word.

Mortified and fuming, Brinley yanked the blanket over her head,hiding from view.

Austin eyed the blanket lump, his smile widening.

Sunlight spilled through the curtain gaps, dancing in his eyes. He thought, maybe, winning her heart wouldn't take long after all.