Page 60 of Ravaged For You

“What is that R tattoo?” I ask him, finally summoning up the courage to inquire about the one that intrigues me most.

Axel moves towards me. I freeze in place as he gets close enough that I can smell his piercing aftershave. I feel so small next to him. He’s tall. Sexy.

Out of my reach.

“It’s for Ravaged,” Axel replies in a soft whisper. My eyes dart back down to the tattoo, too afraid to look him in the eye. “All members of the band have it. Us boys are bound together by ink.”

“That’s something special,” I remark.

He takes in a deep breath. Neither of us says a thing for the longest time.

“I’m going to sleep,” he eventually tells me.

And yet he doesn’t move.

I honestly don’t know what he’s thinking. What’s going through his head. One word from the gorgeous rockstar and I might find myself, despite my better judgment, recklessly falling into his powerful arms. I can’t imagine what I would do if he asked to make me his, even for one night.

In the state I’m in now, I might not even fight against it. He would have my heart wrapped around his little finger.

All he has to do is say the words.

You’re mine, Maddie.

And then this whole fake relationship would come crashing down as soon as it began.

Am I really that weak?

You’re stronger than that, Maddie. Remember, this is a job. Don’t let your silly feelings get in the way.

No. No. No.

I’m not going to let a moment of fiery lust ruin this job. Even if Axel can turn on the charm like a tap. Everything about the man is seemingly designed to trap girls like me. No wonder Ravaged sells so many damn albums when all the musicians are like… this.

“I hope you sleep well,” I squeak out, barely containing the storm brewing inside my chest.

“Tonight was a good night,” Axel whispers as he takes one step toward me.

Stay strong, Maddie. You are a professional.

“Yes,” I reply. “It really was. Thank you for taking me out to the club.”

“No problem.”

“It was fun.”

I’m taking gibberish, aren’t I?

But Axel doesn’t seem to mind. His gaze remains unchanged. He continues to stare me down with that penetration that stabs directly into me.

“Goodnight, Miss Leaver,” he finally says. His voice is the softest it’s ever been. He’s practically muttering into my ear from this distance.

A shudder rolls through my body, but I know I’m going to sleep alone tonight. I’ll make sure of that.

I’m not falling for his spells.

I’m going to be strong and resist the unresistable.

This thing is going to remain fake. And that’s final.