Brianna was speechless.
That was Serena for you!
Her gaze toward Serena grew even more fervent, more adoring.
This was her idol!
Her goddess!
After the group had their fun for a while, Brian arranged for everyone to grab a late- night snack at the Apex Horizon Speedway's restaurant.
Brianna had never experienced such a lively atmosphere before. Her eyes sparkled with a look of pure novelty.
Serena, naturally, wouldn't spoil Brianna's mood at a time like this and agreed.
The atmosphere at the table was relaxed and joyful.
Brianna clung to Serena and Chloe, chattering away as she asked about everything Serena had experienced four years ago as Skye, the process of creating the S Club, and more.
Her little face was flushed with excitement.
As the night deepened.
Serena glanced at the time. "Let's call it a night. Brianna was just discharged from the hospital and needs to rest. My family is also waiting for me."
She thought of her grandfather and the others. No matter how much she reassured them.
If she came home late.
They would ultimately lose sleep, worrying about her.
This feeling of being cherished by her family didn't pressure Serena.
On the contrary...
Warmth flooded her heart.
Growing up, aside from the care she felt from Old Mrs. Wynn, she had never truly experienced so-called family affection.
She had many friends who were like brothers to her.
But because she was strong enough, they often overlooked many things.
Only her grandfather, her parents, her brother...
They didn't assume that her strength and abilities meant she had the courage and power to face everything alone.
Only they would pat her head and say, "You are powerful, you are amazing, and you have the ability to
carry everything on your own but...
your strength doesn't conflict with our concern for you."
This was the first time...
Someone thought that.
She also needed to be cared for and cherished.
"Mmm..." Although Brianna wasn't quite ready for the night to end, she obediently pursed her lips and stood up.
Serena ruffled her soft hair. "It's okay. Once you've recovered, there will be plenty of opportunities."
Brianna nodded obediently.
"I'll take you home," the coolly captivating man said, one hand in his pocket, his dark, almond-shaped eyes fixed on her.
"No need," Serena replied.
"It's too late. It's not safe for a girl to be out alone," Nicholas said in a tone that brooked no argument.
"Not safe? Is there anyone in this world who could make Serena unsafe?" Chloe teased from the side. "Mr. Blackwood, don't tell me you're trying to woo our Serena?"
Nicholas raised an eyebrow, not refuting it. He just curled his lip and said in a soft, lazy voice, "No matter how capable Serena is in your eyes, she's stiff just a girl.
Those words, so similar to what the Lancaster family would say, made Serena's
long, raven-like lashes flutter.
She lifted her gaze to meet the man's smiling, mesmerizing eyes.
That feather that had been tickling her heart was at it again, stroking her softly.
She pressed her lips together, unaccustomed to this strange
fluttering feeling "I appreciate the
offer, Mr. Blackwood, but Brianna needs you to take her home more."
Seeing Serena's insistence.
Brianna puffed out her cheeks, giving her hopeless brother a frustrated glare.
She could only pull out the keys to the Ghost and press them into Serena's hand. "Here, Serena, you can ride the Ghost back. I'll come get it from you another day!"
Serena hummed in agreement. "Be careful on your way."
With that, she swung her leg over the Ghost.
The engine roared to life.
Serena said her goodbyes, and the silver-and-black motorcycle shot forward like an
arrow loosed from a bow, quickly melting into the night.