Chapter 387:
“You finished all this so quickly?” he asked, taking a seat beside her. He pushed the empty glass aside and set down a plate of chips and a glass of juice he had brought out.
Rylie rested her chin in her hand, a soft flush on her cheeks as she replied casually, “Their new series is really good.”
Brad’s voice was low as he explained, “It might taste sweet, but this drink packs a strong kick.”
The night breeze swept across the terrace, tossing Rylie’s hair and carrying a faint chill with it. She lowered her hand to the table, her fingers curling slightly as her gaze drifted toward the glowing lights of Crolens. Her eyes held a hazy softness as she murmured, “It’s fine.”
“Are you cold?” Brad asked suddenly, his warm hand wrapping gently around her chilled fingertips. “Early autumn nights can get freezing.”
Without waiting for her reply, he slipped off his military jacket and draped it over her shoulders. His earlier touch seemed like nothing more than a quiet check before he wrapped her in warmth.
Wrapped in his familiar scent, Rylie, tipsy and relaxed, made no effort to adjust the jacket. Resting her chin on one hand, she gave him a playful look. “With how delicate you are, you’d better watch out or you’ll catch a cold.”
Brad arched a brow, his lips curling faintly. “Delicate, huh? You don’t think I’m strong enough?”
Without warning, Brad closed the distance between them, reaching up to loosen two stubborn buttons at his collar. The action revealed a flash of collarbone and defined muscle, old battle scars etched across his skin. A slow, deliberate tap of his fingers on his chest drew Rylie’s eyes to the exposed flesh, the movement unmistakably meant to catch her attention. Temptation radiated from him.
A lazy nod was all Rylie offered. “Looks good,” she said, before yawning and shifting her gaze to something far less interesting.
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The spark in Brad’s eyes faded. Realizing his tactic had landed flat, a bruised pride crept into his expression. Spinning on his heel, he swept a glacial look around the sunlit room. Soldiers scattered by the windows, suddenly busy with anything but watching Brad’s failed attempt at flirtation. No one would ever confess to seeing their commanding officer stumble in the art of seduction.
From the shadows, Melany munched her steak in silence, her backpack at her feet. She couldn’t help but notice the magnetic effect Rylie had — every conversation turned people into admirers. Brad had clearly joined the ranks, whether he knew it or not.
Once the fries had vanished, Rylie rose, her step uncertain as the room seemed to tilt beneath her. “Enough for tonight. We should head out. Tomorrow, Marsha can start looking for a donor.”
A steady hand circled her waist, Brad murmuring, “Take it easy.”
Only then did Rylie realize the world was tilting. The wooden floor blurred and swirled under her. Normally, she could outdrink anyone, but Savory Haven’s latest concoction had thrown her off her game.
A sheepish grin curved her lips as she admitted, “Guess I overdid it.” Head tipped back, she yawned, her lips soft and shining in the low light. The sight made Brad’s gaze darken, his throat moving with the force of his breath as he reached out, covering her eyes with his broad, veined hand. A rough edge crept into his voice. “Don’t give me that look.”
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