The brutality.
I shiver. Not because I’m scared, but because he was defending me. Coming to my rescue. Just like I always trusted him to.
But I’m not in trouble now.
Unless you count the inner turmoil. And that has nothing to do with Sterling and everything to do with him and us.
‘What the hell, Ax?’
I stand and round on him, immediately regretting it when I realise he’s too close. Heat rolls off him, the air between us humming, charged enough to throw sparks.
‘What was that about?’ I try again, keeping my voice low. The deck is huge, big enough for us to talk without being overheard, especially with the chatter and the laughter and the kids tablet playing on full blast. But still…
He drags his gaze to mine, jaw twitching, eyes blazing.
‘I don’t know, you tell me. You and Sterling looked pretty cosy.’
‘What are you talking about? We were discussing him and Anna, and Theo’s obvious— Wait…’ Butterflies explode in my belly as the truth clicks into place. ‘Are you…jealous?’
His fists flex, a ripple running through every inked ridge that I fight not to follow.
‘I don’t do jealous.’
‘Sure looks like you’re giving it a good go.’
He exhales sharply, gaze flicking to where Sterling disappeared before snapping back to me. ‘I told you, until this is done,’ he leans in, voice rough and low, ‘you’re mine.’
The words hit hard. A warning laced with fire that I feel to my toes.
‘And I toldyou, there is no “this” until the contract’s signed.’
His eyes darken. ‘And I don’t give a fuck about a contract. I care about y—’ He cuts himself off, swearing under his breath. ‘Forget it.’
A jolt shoots through me. He doesn’t need to finish. I know exactly what he was about to say. And sure, I’ve always known Axel cares – but this?
This feels different.
This feels like so much more.
For a moment, neither of us moves. Caught between anger and something dangerously close to longing. His gaze falls to my mouth and I realise I’ve wet my lips. They tingle under his stare, my entire body following suit.
‘Hey, Ax!’ Theo’s voice cuts in as he appears on deck. ‘The jet skis are out; fancy a blast?’
‘Yeah.’ Axel’s reply is clipped, but his eyes don’t leave me.
‘You too, Tay?’ Theo adds. ‘I promised Sadie I’d take her out. We can couple up!’
Couple up?
What is it with everyone suggesting we’re a bloody couple?
Everyone suggesting it. Axel acting like it. And my body betraying me by loving it.
‘You’re all right, thanks.’
Because there isno wayI’m straddling a jet ski with Axel between my thighs – or vice versa – and keeping a lid on the butterflies multiplying like mad. I need space. Perspective. A second to breathe?—
‘She’s coming,’ Axel says.
