Chapter 820:
His movements were effortless, almost too graceful, as if he had been born with the cue in his hand.
As he sank the final ball, Isabella broke the hush with a quiet laugh. “I’m starting to think military training might not be as strict as they say. They seem to have enough time to unwind.”
Brad’s precision outmatched nearly everyone there. Even the experienced players beside him looked clumsy in comparison. No one dared to interrupt him once he had taken over the match.
But after several games, he seemed to tire of it. He handed the cue back to Rylie, flexed his wrist, and rebuttoned his cuff. “It’s been a while since I played,” he said casually. “I’m a bit rusty.”
Rylie raised a brow. “How long is ‘a while,’ exactly?”
He thought for a moment. “Since I was fourteen.”
Her mouth fell open slightly.
Fourteen? Was he saying that even at that age, he had already played this well?
Johnny stood at the edge of the table, his confidence crumbling. What should have been his night had turned into a showcase for Brad — cool, composed, and completely in control.
Marcus let out an easy laugh. “Brad, don’t you think you’re being a little rough on the younger ones?”
Brad’s reply silenced them all. “But I haven’t played billiards for years. Is it really unfair?”
Marcus shook his head with a faint smile. “Not unfair, no. But with you around, they might stop wanting to play with me.”
He was only there for fun, and Rylie had gone along with it. The two seemed unconcerned with who held the prize or who whispered from the sidelines.
Brad understood the teasing in Marcus’ tone, but he said nothing. Instead, he loosened the silk tie from his collar and walked toward Rylie. His movements were smooth, deliberate. With quiet precision, he gathered her loose curls and tied them neatly with his own tie.
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․cо𝗺, your storytelling home
Rylie did not resist. She simply listened as he adjusted her hair. “Long hair can get in the way,” he said gently. “And don’t lift your waist too high when you take a shot. It will throw off your aim.”
She nodded. “Got it.”
Once her hair was secured, Brad turned back to the sofa where his jacket rested and took his seat. Even without speaking, his presence filled the room. The young players exchanged uneasy glances, aware that something about him had changed.
The tie in Rylie’s hair swayed softly as she moved, catching the light — and catching Candice’s attention. To her, it was evident that Brad had done it on purpose, a quiet display meant to unsettle her over Rylie.
But Candice was not the only one who noticed. Johnny did too. To him, that tie wasn’t just an accessory — it was a challenge. He had dressed Rylie in colors that mirrored his own, turning their clothes into a matching set. And now, with Brad’s tie in her hair, the message was obvious to everyone — Brad was marking his place.
Johnny’s feelings for Rylie were no secret, and Brad’s claim was equally clear. The two men did not argue, but the tension between them settled thickly in the air.
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