Johnny releases my hand, and on shaky legs, I climb out of bed. Axel moves aside to let me pass, hovering like he wants to say something but holding it in.
I shut the bathroom door behind me and do my business quickly. The moment I reopen it, Axel is still there, standing like a sentry. His presence fills the space. So does the tension. I’m emotionally wrecked, and I don’t have much left to give.
“I need to say something,” he says quietly.
“Can’t this wait until morning?” I ask, exhausted. “I’m so tired.”
“I promise I’ll be quick. Please?”
It’s thepleasethat does me in. Axel never says please.
I back into the bathroom and let him step inside. He closes the door behind us, offering us a thin layer of privacy from Johnny.
“I’m an ass,” he blurts.
Not what I expected. But also, not wrong.
“A total and complete ass,” he continues. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m going to work to earn it anyway. You’re not damaged, Lina.”
I snort, bitterly amused. “Did you miss what just happened? Because that felt pretty fucking damaged to me.”
He shakes his head. “No. What just happened was trauma catching up with you, not weakness. That doesn’t make you damaged. That makes you... resilient.”
He’s being vulnerable. Stripped of bravado and cocky remarks, this Axel is raw and sincere, and it disarms me completely.
“I was out of line. I let my own issues and feelings cloud my judgement,” he admits. “That doesn’t excuse what I said. But I amsosorry, Lina. Please forgive me.”
His dark eyes are softer now. The self-assured edge is gone. What’s left behind is real.
I nod. I’m not ready to talk more about it, but forgiveness, at least, I can offer.
“Thank fuck,” he mutters, a breath of relief escaping him.
He extends a hand. It’s an offering, not a demand. I know he’s letting me decide. My choice. My pace.
There’s nothing I want more than to replace the bad touch from my dream with good, positive memories, so I give myself over to him.
He gently tugs me toward him, and knowing what he wants, I take the initiative and wrap my arms around hisshirtless waist. I bury my face against the soft hair on his warm chest and breathe him in. He smells like soap and Axel and safety.
He gently folds his arms around me, holding me with careful reverence. I relax, letting the tension drain out of my body for the first time since waking up.
After a minute, I start to sway, sleep trying to reclaim me.
“Come on,” he murmurs. “Let’s get you back to bed, Princess.”
He steers me back into my room. Johnny has moved the armchair from the corner to right beside my bed. He’s half-curled under a spare blanket, legs kicked up on the edge of my mattress. He looks like he’s planning to stay put.
Axel pulls back my covers and waits for me to crawl in before tucking them snugly around me.
“You don’t have to babysit me,” I say, though my voice lacks conviction. “I’m fine.”
Johnny snorts. “Neither of us is sleeping unless we know you’re okay.”
“That scream…” Axel’s voice drops, his eyes haunted. “That’s going to stay with me.”
He brushes a piece of hair away from my forehead, then steps back. “I’ll leave the bathroom door open. I’m right next door if you need me.”
Too tired to argue, I roll onto my side, facing Johnny. His breathing is slow and steady, the room warm and quiet.
