Eight years have taken their toll on our relationship, but we fought for each other and stayed together. That counts for something.
“I missed you,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough.
I don’t stop working, but the words raise a red flag. Axel’s always been physically affectionate, but emotionally? He’s not one to name his feelings unless they’re clawing their way out.
“I missed you too,” I say, casual but careful. “What’ve you been up to today?”
If I press too hard, he’ll shut down. Better to let him unravel on his own terms.
“I hit another dead end.”
My hand stills on the brush.
Lina. It’s always Lina.
A familiar ache pulses in my chest. I think about the girl who disappeared without warning. About the text she sent me containing three big words and then nothing. By the time I read it, her phone had already been disconnected. She told me she loved me, then vanished into thin air. Even now, knowing what I know, it still wrecks me.
“How so?” I ask.
“Our inquiry through the Underground hasn’t had any traction.”
The Underground is a communication front for criminals. A few weeks ago, we inquired about a woman possibly going by Carolina or Lina along with her description. We know the name Carolina Harrington doesn’t exist anymore, so we’ve had to get creative.
“It’s still early,” I say. “If she’s using a different name or has changed her look, it’ll take time. People are cautious.”
Axel doesn’t reply. His silence stretches long and tense. I know what’s eating him. Each day without news carves a little more hope out of him. And the worst part? He won’t talk about it unless I drag it out of him.
I set the brush aside, reach for a cloth and wipe the stain off my hands. When I turn, he’s still standing close, brown eyes stormy and tired.
“I just need her, Nik.”
The words slice like a blade. Even knowing where I stand with him, even after everything we’ve built, those four words hurt. But I get it, I do. He’s not saying I’m not enough. He’s saying there’s a part of him still bleeding, still incomplete, and she’s the only one who can make it better.
“I know you do,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “We’ll find her. It’s not a matter of if, just when.”
His eyes search mine for something. Faith, maybe? Reassurance? He must find whatever it is, because Idomean it. We’re going to find her. There’s no other option.
I cup Axel’s face in my hands, thumbs tracing over his smooth, sun-kissed skin. His copper eyes, wide and dark with need, search mine. Then he surges forward, crashing our mouths together in a demanding kiss.
He initiates, but I take over instantly. My fingers thread into the longer side of his hair, angling his mouth where I want it. Our bodies collide with a muted thud, heat crackling between us. The hard ridges of his frame press against mine, feeding the coil of arousal tightening low in my belly. I groan into his mouth as my jeans grow unbearably tight.
With a firm tug, I yank his head back. His flushed cheeks and blown pupils are a sight I’ll never get tired of. The brat grinds his hips into me, shameless, letting me feel the thick bulge straining behind his zipper.
I grip him there and squeeze. He grunts, the sound sharp and wrecked.
“Nik,” he breathes, voice raw and hungry. God, he’s beautiful when he’s needy.
“On your knees,” I command.
Like the good boy he is, Axel drops instantly. His obedience is smooth and practiced, his need palpable. I keep my grip in his hair as I pop the button on my jeans, then slowly pull the zipper down.
“Take me out,” I tell him.
He obeys, working my jeans and boxers down inch by inch in a slow, torturous tease. My cock springs free, flushed and thick, precum already weeping from the silver barbell piercing near the head.
I don’t hesitate. I thrust into his waiting mouth with one hard push, and he gags, then swallows around me. His throat clenches, and I let my head fall back, groaning at the perfect, filthy heat of him.
We’ve danced this dance a hundred times, and I know exactly what he’s asking for. He wants to feel punished. Needs it. Needs to bleed out the guilt for every dead end, every failure in our search.
