The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 194

Pierce hadn't even booked a hotel. His entire plan hinged on using the alcohol as an excuse to spend the night. Staying close to Riley was his only chance to win her back, but he hadn't anticipated Sebastian calling him out so directly.

Since his cover was blown, he turned to Riley with a tentative look. "Riley, can I crash here tonight to spend more time with Alora?"

Sebastian's expression remained neutral, but his grip on the glass tightened imperceptibly as his gaze shifted to Riley.

Riley's first instinct was to refuse. But Alora clearly adored him; Riley had heard nothing but her daughter's giggles since she got home.

Pierce was an abysmal husband, but he was undeniably a devoted father to their daughter.

Mrs. Gable had a point. If it was for Alora's benefit, it was worth negotiating.

"We don't have a spare guest room. If you stay, you're on the sofa."

The corner of Pierce's mouth ticked upward. "Deal."

Sebastian tipped his head back and drained his glass in a single, fluid motion.

Pierce blinked in surprise. As far as he knew, Sebastian despised drinking. Even when sharing a bottle with Grandpa Arthur, he would only take polite sips. Why was he downing it like water tonight?

Sebastian tapped the empty glass against the table with a soft clink.

Snapping out of his daze, Pierce hurriedly poured him another round. "It's rare to see you in such a good mood. Shall we finish the bottle tonight?"

"Sure," Sebastian replied.

"Drinking on an empty stomach is asking for trouble," Riley warned them. "Eat something first. Pace yourselves."

Pierce interpreted her nagging as a sign of affection and beamed. "Whatever you say."

She had been sitting on pins and needles, her palms slick with nervous sweat.

She still felt a flutter of nerves around him now, but the paralyzing dread was gone.

"Maybe it's because he saved our lives. He absolutely adores Alora, and he's helped me out more times than I can count. The more I get to know him, the less scary he seems."

"I agree he's not the cold-blooded monster the rumors make him out to be," Mrs. Gable admitted. "But his presence is just so overpowering. Especially his eyes. They're so intense and unreadable, I can't even maintain eye contact with him."

Riley glanced toward the door and whispered, "Me neither."

Neither of them ventured back out, opting to stay in the nursery with Alora.

That was until Pierce's voice echoed down the hall. "Riley, I need a hand out here!"