Chapter 90

Over the next few days, Brinley's thoughts circled endlessly, replaying every detail of Austin in her mind.

She remembered the elegance of his hands, firm yet graceful, as he passed her a drink; the way his smile tugged at her heart when she playfully pulled at his ear; and the soothing cadence of his heartbeat when he held her close in the stillness of night.

"Oh no," Brinley groaned, burying her face deep into her pillow.

This wasn't some fleeting fancy or silly crush; it was real.

She had fallen for Austin.

Her whole body shuddered at the realization.

The wounds Colin left behind hadn't even begun to heal properly, and yet here she was, letting her heart stumble again.Argh!

Just some tender gestures, a handful of drinks, the brush of solid muscle under her fingertips, and suddenly her heart was fluttering out of control. "Brinley, are you such an idiot?" She gave her forehead a smack in self-reprimand. "You only ever think with your heart. Honestly, there's no saving you."

Determined not to fall any deeper, Brinley hatched an elaborate plan to steer clear of Austin.

In the mornings, she slipped out of the house before he ever came downstairs.

From the upstairs window, Austin once caught sight of her vanishing quickly down the street. It left him puzzled, yet he didn't chase after her.

Her nightly returns to the villa became something like a spy movie-stealthy and calculated.

She would arrive home a little earlier than him, snatch a quick bite from the kitchen, then shut herself up in her room.

On other nights, she lingered outside until late,slipping through the front door under the moonlight,careful not to switch on a single light in the living room.

If their paths crossed, she would offer a brisk exchange before fleeing as if he were a predator.

One evening, as Brinley sank into her bathtub, steam curling around her, a knock sounded at her door. "Brinley?" Austin called, his voice low and slightly hoarse. "There's warm milk waiting for you. It'll help you sleep."

Brinley almost stopped breathing.

How on earth had he noticed her insomnia?

"No, thanks!" she called back, forcing her voice to sound upbeat. "I'm fine, and I'm going to bed now!"

There was a brief pause, followed by Austin's chuckle."I'll leave it by your door. Drink it while it's warm."

When his footsteps faded, Brinley leaned over the edge of the tub, listening to the hammering in her chest, and raked her fingers through her damp hair in frustration.

Why couldn't he simply leave her alone?

Brinley reluctantly finished her bath and stepped out to discover a glass resting at her door.

Leaning against the frame, she sipped the milk in small, careful mouthfuls. The gentle warmth coursed through her,easing the tight coil in her nerves.

Once finished, she thought to return the glass. But as she reached Austin's room, the door stood slightly ajar, a golden glow spilling out Inexplicably, she stopped in her tracks. Then she caught the faint clatter of keys drifting from inside.

Was Austin still working at this late hour?

She was about to retreat when the door swung open.

Austin stood there in casual loungewear, hair still damp from a shower.

He arched an eyebrow when he spotted her. what exactly are you sneaking around for?"

Startled, Brinley nearly dropped the glass. "N-nothing ... just bringing this back," she stammered, thrusting it into his hands before attempting to bolt.

But he pulled her back by the wrist.

The warmth of his touch made Brinley's heart quiver.

"You've been avoiding me for days," Austin said,staring at her."Why?"

Brinley's heartbeat stumbled wildly, and though she tried to yank her hand free, Austin's grip was firm.Cornered into keeping up the act, she snapped, "I've been avoiding you? Come on, you're imaging things.I've just been swamped with work."

"Is that so? And you can't even sit down for a meal?"Austin pressed. "Is it that you regret what you said that night, wanting to brush it off as drunken talk?"

"I.." Brinley's face burned crimson as he saw right through her. "That was just nonsense after drinking; it doesn't mean anything!"

"Oh?" Austin leaned closer teasingly. "But | took your words seriously."

Her mind went blank, his words striking like a thunderclap. She stared up at him, meeting the amusement in his eyes, her panic written plain across her face.

"You..." Brinley began, but her tongue failed her.

Austin let go of her wrist, his hand rising instead to stroke her hair, the gesture so natural, so intimate.

"Go get some rest," he muttered before retreating into his room and shutting the door softly behind him

Brinley stood rooted in place, fingers brushing the spot on her wrist where his warm palm had been.

Back in her room, she lay flat on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Was it really so difficult to admit she liked him?

But Colin's face suddenly surfaced in her thoughts, the sting of his lies and betrayal pricking at her like sharp needles

Brinley squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head hard.

No. She couldn't let history repeat itself. The more perfect Austin seemed, the more she had to keep her distance.

Falling headlong into love again was the last thing she needed.

She scolded herself over and over. Sleep wouldn't come. Instead, Austin's words kept echoing in her mind. "But I took your words seriously."