As I follow her back into the café, I'm already planning our escape. One night away from everything. One night where Sadie can just be Sadie, not the café owner, not the defendant in a custody battle. Just the woman I'm falling for, harder and faster than I ever thought possible.
I'm going to give her that gift, even if it's the last thing I do.
Chapter 17
Sadie
My hands won't stop trembling as I refill the coffee grinder. The beans scatter across the counter, and I curse under my breath, sweeping them into my palm. Three customers are watching me from their tables.
Did they see the kiss? Are they talking about it?
My cheeks burn as I dump the beans into the trash.
"You okay?" Finn asks, sidling up beside me. "You look flushed."
"Fine," I snap, then soften my voice. "Just busy."
I move to the espresso machine, grateful for the familiar routine. Grind, tamp, pull. The rhythm usually steadies me, but today my mind keeps slipping back to the press of Axel's lips against mine. Right here. In front of everyone.
God, what was he thinking?
What terrifies me is how fiercely I wanted to lose control. For a split second I wanted his mouth on mine, wanted to give in and let him claim me, not caring who saw—just needing to feel his hands pinning me in place, making me his, consequences be damned.
I hand a latte to a waiting customer, forcing a smile that feels brittle on my face. As I turn back to wipe down the counter,I catch myself touching my lips, the phantom pressure of his mouth still lingering there.
"Order up!" Saul calls from the kitchen, and I'm grateful for the distraction.
Every time I cross the room, I swear their eyes linger on me, like they can see the mark Axel left on my skin. I still feel the heat of his palm on my hips, his mouth on my throat, the press of his body pinning mine to the cushions, the ache he left behind because he never truly let me go. I walk around branded by him, my body still sensitive, my skin remembering.
Want pulls sharp and low in my belly.
I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, trying to banish the images.
Not here. Not now.
My brain keeps dragging me back to that night, every second sharp and loaded—how thick the air felt, his body caging mine, the iron tension in his arms as he fought to hold back, the way his control made me ache. The way I was left desperate, desperate for him to take what we both wanted until I lost myself completely.
He never complained. Not once. Just helped me with Poppy, made sure we were okay, and left without making me feel guilty.
"Sadie?" Finn's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Table six needs their check."
"Right. Thanks." I grab the bill and head to the table, hyperaware of my body, of the space I occupy. Every movement feels charged somehow, electric with memory.
The morning rush finally ebbs around eleven. I retreat to the back office, needing a moment alone to gather myself. The small room feels like a sanctuary, no curious eyes, no customers to please, no reminders of Axel's impulsive kiss.
Except he's everywhere now. In the way my skin feels too tight, in the lingering scent of his cologne that I swear still clingsto my clothes, in the hollow ache between my legs that hasn't quite disappeared since that night.
I drop into my desk chair, pressing the heels of my hands against my eyes. This is exactly what I was afraid of, exactly why I've kept everyone at arm's length for so long. One crack in the armor and suddenly I'm compromised, distracted, vulnerable.
What scares me is how much I liked it… the flash of possessiveness in his eyes, the way his jealousy burned hot and raw, how he lost that careful control for me. There was a part of me that wanted him to show everyone I was his. I wanted to be claimed. For once, I wanted to be someone’s obsession.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, half expecting, half hoping it’s from him.
Melissa Chen: Call confirmed for tomorrow at 9 AM PT. Have all documentation ready.
Reality crashes back. In three days, I'm flying to Oregon to prepare for the hearing. In less than a month, a judge will decide if I get to keep my daughter. And I'm sitting here daydreaming about Axel Slade like some lovesick teenager.
I try to force my mind to focus. But my body’s still humming, skin too tight, every nerve wired for him. I can’t shake the pull. I keep reliving the way he looked at me, the way it made me forget every reason I’m supposed to stay safe.
