Page 53 of Axe Marks the Spot

Heat pools in my belly, and despite myself, I pretend as if he only smiles like that for me and not for every person he’s ever said that to. I suppose I’m the only one who’s seen it, however, and I can’t help but feel a bit smug about that.

I dip my chin so our eyes lose connection, and Dane clears his throat.

“Look at me, Lindsey.”

My head snaps up, and my brown eyes meet his beautiful hazel ones.

“Now that we can see each other, keep your eyes on me unless I tell you otherwise,” he says sternly.

“Yes, Sir.” I say the Sir part quietly, nervous with Kas being in the house.

Dane’s eyes flick behind me as if he’s looking for someone. “If you’re worried about Kas hearing us, you can call me Dane unless we’re alone or messaging.”

Relief washes over me. Not only because I won’t have to be worried about Kas hearing me call someone Sir but also that I get to use his real name. It suits him, and I like the way it feels to say it. I’ve gotten used to Sir already, but it will be easy to get used to Dane now that we’ve officially met and I know every part of his face.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The gentle sound of crickets comes through my earbuds, and it soothes my nerves. Dane stares at me, and while I was hoping he’d start the conversation, I know he’s waiting for me to begin.

“I’m sorry for not getting back to you and for breaking my commitments again.” I pause for a second and look down, but when he clears his throat, my eyes snap to his. He doesn’t look angry, but his gaze holds mine as if he’s letting me know he’s here to support me, urging me to continue. I swallow to wet my dry mouth. “I’m sorry for not responding to your messages, and I’m sorry for sassing off.”

“That is a lot of sorries,” he purrs, the natural hum of his voice making my toes curl in my socks.

I continue to hold his gaze, my cheeks heating. “Should I not be sorry?”

“Yes, if you truly are. But I’d prefer if the apologies came with a way to hold yourself accountable so you don’t continue this behavior.”

I bristle. “I think my behavior was warranted though, wasn’t it?”

Dane doesn’t flinch, and his gaze remains even. “I don’t know, Lindsey. You tell me. Was avoiding me the way you truly wanted to respond? Or did you respond that way because of how you were feeling?”

“Are you going to respond to everything I say with a question?”

“Are you going to continue to deflect or be honest with me?”

I huff, frustration building in my core. “You weren’t honest with me, Dane.”

“If you want to go tit for tat, we can do that.” He pauses, the planes of his face softening slightly. “But maybe take a breath and ask yourself why you’re so eager to argue with me. Why do you need to steer the ship when you know you prefer letting me take the lead? That’s why you came to me, yes or no?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation. I don’t want to steer this ship; I’m tired of steering it. Obviously, it has not been working for me.

He doesn’t respond right away. He shifts in his chair and holds his phone so his face is closer to the screen. “Checking in, do I still have your consent?” he asks.

While I’m feeling a lot right now, I don’t want to stop. “Yes.”

“Green or yellow right now?”

I pause to check in with myself and then answer. “Green.”

He hums. “Good, then let’s go back. I know you’re new at this Lindsey, but I expect you to take ownership of your choices. Just as I will take ownership of mine.”

“I thought by apologizing I was,” I answer honestly.

“Apologies are nice, but they lack the awareness and understanding that you went against your word, your agreement with me.”

“I don’t know how to respond otherwise.”