Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 73

The seemingly sleeping girl pouted her lips, made a soft sound, and clutched Asher's shirt sleeve, refusing to let go.

"Are you awake?" Asher leaned down slightly, his hands braced on either side of Gabriella, his eyes lowered as he looked at her.

"Dri..." Gabriella's eyes remained closed as her lips moved, softly uttering a syllable. "Dri..."

"Drake?" Asher's eyes narrowed sharply, his deep gaze darkening dangerously, a cold glint appearing in their depths.

Drake?

Drake Ashcroft?

Was she actually calling Drake's name while drunk?

It was quite enough that she'd drunkenly told everyone he had bedroom performance issues, but now she was calling her ex's name?

Right—he'd almost forgotten why he'd gone to the bar in the first place!

He'd intended to confront her about those ridiculous rumors.

She hadn't even bloody tried, so how could she possibly know whether he was "unable" or not?

Asher's brow furrowed deeply, a chill settling in his chest.

Ungrateful little minx.

He straightened up, his gaze falling on Gabriella with a dominating air. "You're still thinking about him?"

Even though the girl couldn't hear him, Asher couldn't help asking.

The air was thick with jealousy.

Someone had clearly spilled the vinegar jar of envy.

"Gabriella Rodriguez," Asher's voice was deep and threatening, his British accent becoming more pronounced. "Think very carefully before you speak..."

In the next moment, the girl's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she restlessly turned over on the bed, burying her face in the pillow and murmuring in a wheedling tone: "Drink... I want some water to drink..."

Asher: "..."

Drink?

So it wasn't "Drake" but "Drink"?

Asher couldn't help but laugh, the tension in him instantly releasing.

He moved closer again, his tone indulgent. "Gabby, let me get you cleaned up first, then I'll bring you some water, shall we?"

His Gabriella liked to be pristine. If she woke up tomorrow still wearing yesterday's clothes and reeking of alcohol, she would definitely be mortified.

The room was so quiet he could hear the girl's deep, steady breathing.

Gabriella was sound asleep, unable to answer him.

After waiting silently for a few seconds, Asher exhaled and turned to the bathroom to prepare a bath, then returned to carry Gabriella.

"Let's get you sorted for a proper night's sleep."

He gently removed Gabriella's clothes and placed her in the bathtub.

Gabriella, sensing the movement, opened her eyes with a hazy gaze. "Asher..."

"Gabby, be good now."

Asher's movements were gentle and careful. He first wet Gabriella's hair, squeezed shampoo into his hand, lathered it, and then gently massaged it into her hair.

Gabriella leaned against the bathtub, still not fully conscious, but the warm water helped her entire body relax.

She exhaled contentedly, enjoying Asher's attentions.

After the bath, Asher dried the water droplets from Gabriella's body, wrapped her in a towel, and carried her back to the bedroom to dry her hair.

By the time her hair was dry, Gabriella had become more alert.

"Stay with me," she insisted, clutching his collar.

Asher lowered his eyes, speaking in a soothing voice: "Alright, I'll stay with you."

"Tell me a story," Gabriella murmured softly.

Asher was completely accommodating. "Very well."

He opened his phone to search for a few bedtime stories, then began reading them to her in his deep, gentle voice.

Gradually, Gabriella stopped fidgeting.

The hand clutching his collar finally relaxed.

Asher had finally lulled Gabriella to sleep.

He had originally planned to leave, but because Gabriella was drunk and had no one to look after her, he felt uneasy and decided to stay the night.

There were no toiletries or change of clothes for him here.

Asher called for a Blackwood household staff member to bring a change of clothes and toiletries, then used Gabriella's bathroom to shower.

The girl on the bed was sleeping soundly.

Asher smiled indulgently, his deep, gentle gaze fixed on her fair, beautiful face.