Eric knocks his shoulder into mine as we pass, his grin sharp and knowing. He sticks his tongue out in an obscene gesture. Heat crawls up my neck, embarrassment and affection tangling together.
“Gods, you’re the worst,” I mutter, even as a laugh sneaks out.
Outside, the night air wraps around me like a heavy blanket, humid and heavy. The noise from the club fades behind us as the doors shut, replaced by the rush of traffic and the low murmur of a city refusing to sleep. My limbs feel boneless, exhaustion catching up to the adrenaline still humming under my skin.
As a cab pulls up, I barely wait for Aksel to open the door before climbing in. The seat is warm from the long day’s heat. I curl into Aksel’s slide once he’s settled, my cheek finding the solid slope of his shoulder. His arm comes around me without hesitation, the pressure grounding me. My eyelids droop as I accept his steady and protective presence.
“If I had known how perfect your dick was,” I murmur sleepily, words slurred and lazy, “I probably would’ve hated you a lot less in high school.” My voice is low enough to stay between us, not carrying past the small backseat.
His chuckle rumbles through his chest, vibrating pleasantly against my cheek. “You should see it when I shift. It’s much larger and more sensitive then.” His voice is just as quiet as mine in the dark cab.
“Can’t wait,” I snicker quietly, my vision blurring at the edges as I fight sleep. Streetlights streak past the windows in quick golden smears.
“Wake me when we get there,” I mumble, already half asleep.The words tumble together, barely recognizable as speech.
I don’t hear his reply, but I feel it. His arm tightens just a little, and his chin rubs against my hair. The quiet certainty of him there as sleep finally takes me.
Chapter Twenty-two
Aksel
“What has been your favorite thing to do in Vegas?” Cammie asks, tilting her head, clearly expecting something wild or scandalous.
“Other than getting married?” Aksel jokes, his smile large and happy.
“Yes. Other than getting married, what has been your favorite thing to do in Vegas?” Cammie presses, rubbing her templelike she knew Aksel was going to bring up his husband again.
“If I don’t count Hale, I would have to say the desserts. Did you know you can have desserts delivered at any time, day or night? No judgement. No questions asked. Just vibes and cheesecake.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Hale
Imoan long and low as I lick the remaining flavor off my lips. The chocolate icing is rich, lingering on my tongue. Aksel chuckles at the spectacle I’m making of myself, but his pupils are blown as he says, “Keep making those noises, and I’m not going to be able to control myself, Fylgja.”
I throw my head back and laugh, the sound echoing warmly throughout the quiet room as I set the now-emptyplate on the table. When I lean forward on the bed, I expect his mouth to find mine.
Instead, he surprises me.
His tongue drags a line from my chin up the side of my face. I freeze, breath catching, and eyes widening as heat rushes straight to my groin.
“Perv,” I say, feigning disgust to hide the arousal running rampant through my body.
“You had icing on your face,” he replies, unapologetic. He winks as he retreats back to his side of the bed.
I stare at him, mouth slightly open, as he calmly goes back to his cake.
Earlier tonight had been our firstrealdate. No cameras shoved in our faces, no competition looming over our heads. Or at least, that was the plan. The tiny hole-in-the-wall diner had been perfect right up until fans started trickling in. Then flooding. Photos. Autographs. Questions. Smiles.
It had been flattering and exciting for about ten minutes.
By the time our waiter asked, half-jokingly, if he could get on our future client list, my social battery was dead and buried. Aksel noticed immediately. He always seems to know when I’ve had enough. He ordered a massive slice of chocolate cake to go and paid the bill without comment.
The walk back to the hotel was nice. The cool breeze beat out the Vegas heat as night settled in, and Aksel’s fingers laced with mine.
Now, wrapped in hotel robes, bellies full and bodies relaxed, the room feels like a sanctuary.
I sink back against the tufted headboard with a contented sigh, patting my stomach. Despite the mob, tonight was good. More than good. Aksel has been… incredible. Thoughtful. Attentive.
