“The announcement went out. I’m officially retired,” I blurt it out because she’s the one I wanted to have next to me during the announcement.
“I know. I saw it on television.” Her tone isn’t infused with the warmth I’m used to, but I understand.
“Thank you for allowing me to freak out. It won’t happen again—”
“Are you sure about that?” The doubt hurts but mine hurt her worse. I’m sure of it.
“Yes. I needed to think. I’ll send Paulo for you. I’m ready to talk if you are. That is if you still want to figure this out together.” I hear her sighing like she’s about to speak. “I know. We should have done that last night.”
“Okay. Give me a bit. I’ll shower and get ready. I prefer to yell at you in person.”
I smirk because she’s so damn cute. “And it’s your right.”
“Stop being so damn agreeable! It’s my turn to act a damn fool. Allow me to keep my ammo.”
I nod although she cannot see me. “As you wish.”
She smacks her lips before she hangs up on me.
I really do love her.
Paulo drops me off with the plans to have dinner before grabbing Heaven. I would get her myself, but this way gives her time to decide what she wants to say and how. I’ll apologize after she rages.
I feel lighter. I see a gift basket that I was too destroyed to notice last night. I read the note from Sione, then open it. I take out the champagne and put it in the cooler.
Oh, chocolate truffles.
Opening the container I eat the two provided as I walk to my room. I’m finished by the time I enter and toss the paper in the bin. Kicking off my shoes, I rid myself of my tie, shirt, and belt on the way to the shower.
But my limbs feel heavy. I return to my room in what feels like slow motion. Maybe my restless night is catching up to me. I fall on my bed, suddenly too sleepy to function. I feel like a cellphone with a drained battery. I’m shutting down, whether I like it or not. I roll onto my back to reach for my phone but am surprised to see Allie sitting on my couch. I want to yell at her or at least get up. Instead, my eyelids close and drop me into darkness.
* * *
My eyes are heavy.Opening them takes effort. It’s dark and my head is pounding. My other senses are coming back. I feel naked skin on my skin, a hand sliding across my chest, a soft leg sliding up my thigh.
“Heaven,” I croak.
“Shhh,” she says but my body rebooting brings other senses.
Orange blossoms—I hate that scent. It reminds me of Allie. My stomach rolls, and my face scrunches with displeasure. Some memories start to resurface. Allie in my room watching me fall asleep. I jerk my hands, but they’re stuck, tied to my headboard. Soft kisses travel along my neck as a hand slides below my underwear to connect with my dick. I think I’m going to throw up.
“No,” I manage to get out. “Don’t. Want. You.”
Each word takes more effort than normal.
My attempt to turn away is thwarted by her body weight pressing me into the mattress.
“Allie…”
She sighs when I whisper her name. “Say it again, Axel.”
“Ew. No.” My head is killing me. A sharp slap connects with my cheek.
“You’re mine,” she growls like a predator. “I’ll have you one way or the other.” She rocks against me, taking my dicks response to touch as encouragement.
“Gross.” Finally, my eyes open in time to see her frown at me as she removes her bra. I turn my head to look away. “NO,” I get out with a little more force. My mouth is dry. I need water to take some of the grit away, but I push out more objections. “Never you.”
I struggle against the restraints when I feel her pulling down my boxer briefs, and my stomach churns some more when I feel air hit my dick.
