Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 4

Austin's strikingly handsome face came into full view as the car window rolled down.

Suzanne stepped closer, surprise flickering in her eyes. "You didn't leave?"

He got out of the car without a word, opened the trunk, and carefully placed her suitcase inside.

For a moment, she froze. She couldn't remember the last time someone had done something for her without being asked. Her eyes stung as she lowered her gaze and murmured softly, "Thank you."

Austin's sharp eyes fell on her swollen cheek, and his expression darkened instantly. "Who hit you?"

Suzanne's lashes fluttered as she hesitated. She didn't want to talk about it. "It's nothing. I'm fine."

But Austin's demeanor grew colder, the sharp pressure he gave off cutting through the air as he turned and started walking toward the Yates residence.

Startled, Suzanne grabbed his arm. "Austin, no…"

"I'll kill anyone who hurts you!" His voice was icy, his words chilling enough to send a shiver down her spine.

Suzanne clung to his arm, her face full of exhaustion and quiet desperation. "I'm so tired. Let's… Let's just go, okay?"

One side of her face was swollen while the other side was pale.

Austin's gaze softened briefly. After a moment, he relented, saying nothing as he turned back toward the car.

The ride was silent.

An hour later, they arrived at Starview Villa.

As they stepped inside, Suzanne was met with the sight of several people standing in the grand living room. The moment they entered, the staff stepped forward and greeted them respectfully, "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hall!"

Suzanne froze, her eyes widening as she instinctively glanced at Austin. He had already made all the arrangements.

Austin looked at her briefly. "You can inform them if you need anything. They won't speak a word outside these walls."

Her lashes fluttered as a wave of emotion washed over her. Quietly, she said, "Thank you."

Austin dismissed the staff with a single nod before taking Suzanne's hand and leading her upstairs.

Once they reached the bedroom, Austin went to a cabinet, pulled out a first aid kit, and walked over to her.

Suzanne blinked, caught off guard. "You…"

"Let's deal with the swelling first."

For a moment, she was stunned. She never would have imagined someone as aloof and untouchable as Austin would personally tend to her injuries.

Austin began to ask, "What happened back there?"

As he spoke, his cool fingers pressed the soothing balm against her cheek. The cold touch brought her back to reality.

Panicked, Suzanne tried to take the medication from his hands. "I can do it myself!"

"Don't move."

His tone left no room for argument, and Suzanne instinctively froze, letting him continue.

The two of them were so close she could feel his breath. Her heart raced uncontrollably. She felt so nervous because of their close distance.

Austin noticed her flushed cheeks, and his gaze sharpened slightly. "Henry did this?"

Suzanne pressed her lips together and forced a faint smile, saying nothing. The look in her eyes was enough for Austin to know he was right.

"Why did he hit you?" His voice was cold.

After a brief hesitation, Suzanne replied softly, "The reason doesn't matter. They've already kicked me out."

"Kicked you out?"