“Filet mignon,” he told her.
“Ohhh.Well, damn.If this is how it usually tastes, I can see why it's so expensive.”
“Tonight was worth it.Youare worth it,” he said and saw her blush.
“Thank you, Axel.”
They were quiet for a moment as they ate before he spoke again.
“I have a question.How did you get out of the house dressed like that?I know Sinner.He would have flipped his shit.”
Her laughter lit up her face.“Easy.I had a long skirt over it, which is now sitting in my passenger seat.”
“Oh, you, babygirl, are wicked.I like it.”
Sophia grinned at him.“You know it.I also told dad that some of the girls from work were taking me out and since I would probably have a few drinks, I was just going to stay at a hotel for the night.”
“Well then, I guess it's a good thing I reserved a room,” he replied.“I figured, even if we just cuddled for a few hours, it would be worth it.”
“Smart thinking,” she said.
Conversation flowed between them as they ate.Once they'd finished everything, including their dessert, Axel stood and offered his hand to her.
“Dance with me, babygirl,” he said and waited.
Sophia took a last sip of her drink before she slipped her hand into his and stood.
Once she was on her feet, Axel pulled her close as they swayed to the music.Having her in his arms felt so right.
When Sophia lifted her head from where she'd been resting it against his shoulder, he dipped down and kissed her gently.
“Happy birthday, babygirl,” he murmured.
“Thank you.This has all been so wonderful, Axel.”
“I'm glad.I wanted it to be perfect.You deserve to be celebrated, Sophia.And you deserve to be treated like the treasure you are.”
She leaned into him more and his arms tightened around her.He knew in his bones he would fight for this woman, kill for her, die for her.
“Axel?”
Her soft voice had him looking down at her.“Yeah?”
“Can we… go to the room now?This is all great, but I want us to really be alone together.”
“We can do whatever you want, babygirl,” he replied and turned off the music.He set the remote on the table, grabbed their coats, and headed for the exit.
“What about…”
“The caterer will take care of it,” he assured her.
They went to the front desk where he got them checked in and received their room key.After taking the elevator to the fourth floor, they found their room, and the instant the door was closed, he had her pinned against it.His mouth came down on hers in a heated kiss.
Axel felt her fingers curl into his shirt so she was clinging to him.He didn't care that it would wrinkle.
When he finally ended the kiss, he pressed his forehead to hers and his breath came out in pants.
“I need you to tell me what you want, babygirl.And I need you to beveryclear about it.”
