Last nightI lay awake long after Axle’s breathing level out. I think I’ve only had a few hours’ sleep. His arms are still as tightly around me as they were when he fell asleep. His vulnerability bled through when Victor’s bike fell, and seeing him tormented because I’m working at a place he doesn’t perceive as safe stirs up inner turmoil.
I told him I wouldn’t have sex with him, but I think I was trying to convince myself of that. There’s been no pressure from him, and he seems happy to just spend time with me. That only makes me want him more. I can’t help but compare him to my ex. Henry was a three-pump kind of guy, and I’m convinced that Axle isn’t like that. The thought shoots straight to the juncture between my thighs, making me wiggle my butt.
“I wouldn’t be doing that if I were you,” a deep, sleepy voice murmurs behind me, making me smile.
“And if I do?” I tease. My mouth slams shut.Who am I?
His arms tighten around me. “If you want something, babe...”—his husky voice drifts off for a moment—“all you’ve got to do is tell me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
When he rubs himself against me, his hard thickness presses into my behind. My breathing deepens and I shiver with lust. I’m desperate to have sex with him, but the warnings I’ve gotten from everyone give me pause. I shuffle over to get out of bed, until big arms lunge and swoop around me, pulling me back into his chest, making me laugh.
“Nah, you’re staying here with me, baby girl,” he says seductively. His voice is tinged with playfulness.
My phone rings, so I jokingly smack his arm. “I’ve got to get my phone.”
His arms tighten. “No, you don’t.”
“Please, Axle,” I say, trying to keep the amusement out of my voice.
“Beg again for me,” he purrs.
“Axle!” I warn, then he chuckles and lets go. I reach over quickly and grab my phone. It’s Mel calling.
“Hello,” I answer.
“Oh, hey,” she says. “Someone mentioned you have today off.”
“Yes,” I reply slowly as Axle shuffles closer to me. “I do.”
“Any chance we can swap shifts?”
I let out a sigh. I really wanted the day off.
Axle snatches my phone from my hand. As I’m about to object, he says into the phone, “No, she’s not changing shifts.”
He pauses while staring at me, then disconnects the call and passes me my phone.
I drill my displeased eyes into him. “You shouldn’t have said that.”
He gazes at me with one brow raised. “You let people treat you like shit. If you’re not willing to stand up for yourself, I will.”
My heart seizes, and I smile at him. He’s right. I probably would have given in and said yes to swapping shifts. It’s nice to know someone’s looking out for me.
The aroma of bacon wafts through the room, making Axle sit up straight. With a long moan, he rubs his hands together. “Are you ready for breakfast?” he asks.
I smile at his eagerness for food. “Certainly.”
We both get out of bed, and as I walk to the door, he strides forward and stands directly facing me, blocking the door. He directs a sharp glance at me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
He tuts. “Hell no. You’re not leaving this room until you’re wearing something...”—he gives my shorts a long stare—“something that covers more of this up.” He squeezes my thighs.
I try to hide a smile at his overprotectiveness. I take one step to the side of him, making out like I’m trying to get past him and to the door. With one quick movement, he picks me up, steps over to the bed, and throws me down. I bounce as I land on the mattress and squeal with laughter.
“Don’t test me, baby girl,” he warns, then picks up his shirt from last night and throws it at me.
