“Whore,” Nadine retorts.
“See you tonight for dinner?” Cammie’s entire demeanor changes from bitchy to sweet in an instant. I feel like I have whiplash from the change in the atmosphere.
“Sure, love,” Nadine answers quietly, leaning in for a sweet peck on the lips. Cammie finger-waves at her and walks out of the room. Nadine goes back to her tablet as if nothing happened, her lips lifted in a grin.
“Sushi?” Aksel asks, completely unaffected by the soap opera that just played out in front of us.
“Sure, but no alcohol,” I say before adding, “And you’re paying.”
“Anything for you, husband.”
HasitreallyonlybeenthreedayssinceIgotto Vegas?
Chapter Fourteen
Aksel
“How does it feel knowing that Hale could be sent home at any moment?”
“I don’t think he’s going home, Cammie. Have you seen how talented my man is? If anything, I’m worried about getting eliminated early myself. I would miss him too much to leave.” A sappy smile slides across his face. “He’s gonna win this. I’m sure of it. Once he sets his mind to something, he follows throughwith everything he has, and right now his mind is set on winning.”
“So, you don’t think you’ll win? Cammie asks, shocked.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to try my hardest,” Aksel assures, “and I would never insult him by doing anything other than my best, but he’s a stubborn thing. Talented as hell and determined to make a name for himself. It’ll be difficult for anyone to beat him, but I can’t wait to try.”
Chapter Fifteen
Hale
Aksel and I have spent every day together since the interview, which I guess means we’ve spent every day together since we’ve been in Vegas. We’ve hung out in our rooms, eaten meals with Eric when he’s not out clubbing, and made out like teenagers.
I suppose that counts as dating. Can you date your husband?
Take right now as an example. We’re in my room with the curtains half drawn, letting in late-afternoon light that turns everything soft and amber. I’m sprawled across the bed on my stomach, sketchbook propped against a pillow, while Aksel sits in the stiff leather chair by the window.
The air smells faintly like graphite, lavender cleaner, and him. His cinnamon scent is strong, lingering with something warm and unmistakably alpha.
We’re not talking; each of us is working on our own sketches.
It’s… nice?
The silence isn’t awkward. It’s heavy, but in a good way. It’s weighted with comfort and something unspoken humming beneath it. I don’t have to perform or deflect, or shape myself into something palatable. I can exist as I am. My omega relaxes into it, uncurling slowly like it’s finally safe.
Hours pass like that. My wrist aches, my body warms where the bed holds my body. Every so often, I feel his eyes on me. He lingers for a moment before turning back to his sketch. Not hungry, just there. Memorizing the shape of me without touching me.
But peace is fragile.
The shrill scream of my phone announces a video call from my ever-present best friend, ruining the beautiful silence I’ve been basking in all day.
“You’d better answer, Fylgja. You know he’s going to call until you pick up.” Aksel has embraced Eric and his clinginess. It’s sort of adorable, honestly.
“Get dressed, slut,” Eric announces after I answer the call. “I’m taking you and your offensively hot husband out.”
“I don’t feel like being around people right now. We’vehaddinnertogethereverynightsofar.Akselwas going to orderus room service and a movie.” I fake a loud yawn, my jaw cracking loudly when it turns into the real thing.
“We’re not going to dinner, babes. We are going out. O. U. T. Out.”
Something tight coils in my stomach. “I don’t want to have another embarrassing moment like last time. I think I’ll stay in,” I say, my tone clipped. I’m wearing my best serious face, hoping to dissuade him from his going-out agenda.
