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Sparks fly through me as two long fingers cup my chin, tilting my head back and forcing my gaze back to his. I forget how to breathe, my entire being focused on his touch. I might not have much experience with men, given that I’ve been under my father’s control all twenty-four years of my life, but I’ve never felt anything like this before.
Before I can think better of it, I straighten my shoulders and snap, “Are you going to hurt me, too?”
His expression shifts to one of utter fury before softening significantly, taking my breath away. He’s looking down at me like … like … he holds some sort of affection for me.
My heart skips multiple beats.
“I will never hurt you,” he says, his voice rich and decadent like the best chocolate cake. “And I’ll kill anyone who does.”
My gasp is audible. “Wh–what?”
“What’s your name, angel?” he asks gently, his thumb stroking along my jawline.
“A-Ava,” I murmur, utterly entranced by his touch. I can’t help but lean into it, soaking up the first sweet touch I’ve felt in … years. I believe him when he says he won’t hurt me, and maybe that makes me crazy. But there’s something about him that pulls me in and makes me feel a sense of warmth I’ve never felt before.
“Pretty name for a pretty, precious thing,” he whispers, making me shiver.
A squeal breaks free from my lips as he leans down and picks me up, bridal style, his movements fast and sure. “What are you doing?” I ask, words coming out breathy.
“You don’t belong on the floor like a dog,” Axel growls, and I can’t help but laugh.
“You’ve just met me. You don’t know me at all,” I manage to say through my disbelief.
Axel shoves through the door of the office, and in the next second, we’re in another room. I catch sight of a huge bed with black sheets before he takes us to the attached bathroom. Black tiles greet my eyes, and a glance over my shoulder reveals a ginormous shower that is far more luxurious than any I’ve ever used.
“I know you didn’t deserve what he did to you.” Axel is clearly pissed on my behalf. It’s weirdly sweet. I’ve never had anyone get mad for me before. “I know you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever set eyes on. I know that one look at you has captivated me, and you’re mine now. Not because of your father’s pathetic attempts to pay off his debt, but because I could never let you go.”
I can only gape at him, utterly in shock that he feels this pull the way I do. I thought I was going insane, but there’s a hungry, possessive gleam in his eyes that makes my blood turn hot. I must look like a total disaster, and yet he’s staring at me like he could eat me alive.
Gently, Axel sets me down on the marble counter beside the sink and steps away to turn on the shower. The sound of running water fills the air as the steam does.
“Arms up, angel,” Axel says, and it doesn’t even occur to me to argue.
I raise my arms above my head, and he wastes no time in pulling my dress off. He throws it into the small bin beside the toilet, and all I can think is good riddance. Too late, I realize I have nothing but a thin pair of cotton underwear on, and now I’m nearly entirely exposed to him.
I go to hide myself, to wrap my arms around my chest to cover myself up, but Axel’s low growl stops me.
“Don’t hide yourself from me, Ava,” he demands, and my arms drop uselessly to my side. He’s got me under some sort of trance, and I never want to escape.
“I…” I try to say, but the words die on my tongue.
“You’re fucking gorgeous, angel,” Axel says, tongue darting out to lick his lips. “Raise your hips for me. Let me get you clean.”
I don’t argue, helping him work my underwear down my legs and leaving me entirely naked. He stares at me for a long second, our breathing heavy and steam curling around us, warming my skin.
He steps away, and it’s my turn to drool as he quickly sheds his clothes. He’s built like a God, all carved muscles that make me want to run my tongue over him. There’s a few scars that just add to his air of danger, the worst a jagged line over his pec right above his heart.
“What are you doing?” I ask breathily.
He scoops me back up easily and walks us both into the shower. Between our bodies, I can feel the hot hard press of his cock against my stomach. It makes my breath catch in my throat, and of course, he notices.
“Sorry,” he says roughly, readjusting so that there’s more distance between us.
I move before I really think about what I’m doing, winding my hands around his neck and pushing myself closer to him once again. He freezes, and for a second, neither of us speaks or moves as a rapid mixture of emotions crosses his face.
“Don’t say sorry,” I breathe, breaking the heavy quiet. “I-I liked it.”
Axel’s eyes darken, and I desperately try to remember how to breathe properly.
