His Awesome Ex Is Now Uncle's Lady (Alicia and Austin) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 The Morning After

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Night had fallen when Alicia glanced at the photo that popped up in the group chat. It showed Aria helping a dazed, half-conscious David out of the club. She instantly knew that Aria’s plan had worked-and so had

hers.

A moment later, Austin, freshly showered, enveloped her from behind. His low, magnetic voice brushed her ear. “What are you looking at?”

Alicia turned in his arms and enlarged the photo on her phone. “It seems our families’ engagement is about to become official.”

Austin didn’t reply. Instead, he pressed her back against the glass wall, his lips trailing a path from the curve of her ear down to the corner of her mouth.

“Feeling sorry for him?” he murmured.

“How could I?” She hooked her arms around his neck, smiling slyly “If anything, I’m curious. What do you think his reaction will be when he finds out I’m his aunt now?”

Austin loved the way her bright eyes sparkled when she smiled-sharp, stunning, utterly alive.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” he said, his hand sliding beneath the hem of her silk nightgown, fingers tracing the smooth curve of her waist. “Is it over yet?”

“Another day,” Alicia whispered against his skin.

“You’re doing this on purpose,” he muttered before biting her lower lip lightly in mock punishment. He should’ve never held back that first night-seeing her, touching her, and having to stop was its own kind of

torment.

He lifted her into his arms and laid her on the bed. “Tomorrow, you’re coming back to the Burton Residence with me.”

Going to the Burtons’ meant the marriage would be made public. Alicia could already picture it: by morning, Aria would be announcing the scandal between herself and David.

For the families’ reputations, their engagement would have to go forward whether they wanted it or not. Once that happened, Alicia and Austin would have nothing left to hide.

She smiled sweetly. “Before that, you’re coming home with me to meet my grandfather.”

“Mm.”

As the night deepened, Austin tightened his hold around her. “Alicia.”

She had drunk quite a bit, and drowsiness soon swept over her. “Mm?” she murmured hazily,

“Never betray me.”

Whether she had fallen asleep or simply ignored him, she didn’t answer. Hearing her steady breathing, Austin let out a quiet chuckle. “Heartless little thing.” Yet his arm around her waist only drew her closer.

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11:37 Mon, Jan 5

Chapter 45 The Morning After

The next morning, Alicia woke early to find his face right in front of hers.

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During their days abroad, they had shared everything—meals, rooms, routines-but after years of sleeping alone, she still hadn’t adjusted to the reality of a sudden marriage.

To be fair, Austin was far more striking than David-his features sharper, his aura darker. Eyes open, he looked dangerous; eyes closed, he looked like a reformed delinquent-disciplined, clean, and effortlessly handsome.

She realized she’d slept the whole night tucked into his arm. Even in sleep, his other hand rested firmly around her waist, keeping her completely locked in place.

Doesn’t his arm ever go numb? she thought wryly.

As if sensing her gaze, Austin’s eyes snapped open. “Staring at me like that-don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me?” he teased.

Alicia blinked innocently and brushed her fingers across his smooth cheek. “I might’ve fallen for your face.”

“Superficial woman,” he murmured, voice husky with amusement. Then he smiled. “But I like your kind of superficial.”

He leaned down to kiss her, and Alicia barely had time to protest, “I haven’t brushed my-mmph-” before his lips captured hers.

His hand gripped her waist while the other laced through her fingers, holding her firm, as if he wanted to claim her completely-to make sure she could never escape his grasp.

When he finally let her go, Alicia fled to the shower. Afterward, she was about to slip back into yesterday’s clothes when he opened the wardrobe for her.

It was filled to the brim with brand-new designer pieces-many of them elegant, fitted dresses.

She stared, stunned. “When did you prepare all these?”

“The day you said you wanted to marry me.”

He buttoned his crisp white shirt with practiced ease, then handed her a tie. “My dear, can you tie this?”

Alicia flushed. She could handle contracts, wine, and a full orchestra if needed-but neckties weren’t part of her skill set.

“Show me how. I learn fast,” she said, embarrassed.

Amusement flickered in Austin’s eyes. “All right, I’ll teach you.”

He guided her slender fingers, his breath brushing the back of her neck, carrying that faint, clean scent of mint. Her skin warmed where his voice lingered.

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