Page 122 of Ravaged For You

All this time?

“The relationship was never fake,” he says quietly, like it’s a secret he’s telling me. “It never was, even from the very start.”

“No,” I whisper back. “It wasn’t for me. It was never fake.”

“Let’s stop fucking about then,” Axel replies. “And let’s give this a try. I love you, Maddie. I’m sorry if it’s taken me too long to even say that, but it’s true. I love you. I loved you from when you spilled that tea over me. I loved you when you screamed out my band’s lyrics in the crowd. I loved that you waited up for me in my hotel room. I love your intelligence, your kindness, and the fact you really do seem to fucking care for me. I should’ve told you all these things a long time ago, but that was me being an idiot. I’m sorry. I love you, and I will keep repeating that until you can trust me again.”

I take in a long breath.

“Get down on your knees,” I say.

“What?”

“You heard me,” I retort. “Get down on your knees and say that.”

Axel growls. A sound from the back of his throat. Getting down on his knees is everything this proud, cocky man is against.

And I want to see it happen.

I want him to do it for me.

“I don’t beg,” he snarls. “I don’t grovel. I don’t get on my knees for anyone.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Well, you can do it for me.”

Another growl from the rockstar.

And Axel lowers himself in front of me.

He’s on his knees.

“I love you, Maddie,” he whispers. “It’s insane, but I fucking love you.”

Wow.

“Okay, you can stand up now.”

He does so and takes a step towards me.

“I love you,” he repeats. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

I shake my head. The tears return. It’s good to see the man grovel for me. His green eyes are so close to mine that I can see deep inside them, and I know he’s telling the truth.

“I’m the idiot,” I reply. “I’m the idiot for falling for a rockstar. The sexiest rockstar on the planet.”

“Oh, I like that.”

His smile. His fucking charming smile.

“I love you, Axel.”

And there are the words that have been caught in my throat for weeks. Those words that have been begging to be released into the world.

Saying them makes everything true. All my feelings for him. Everything I’ve falsely tried to hold back.

This is what love is. I never got any of this from Mom. Loving Axel makes me feel like I’m flying with no effort.