Page 14 of Wallflower No More

Axel takes my hand and threads his fingers with mine. It's an intimate gesture for someone who does not want a girlfriend, but whatever. “I used to think that fucking you out of my system would be enough, but it won't be. Let's see where this goes. It's more than just a fling for me, though. And you're a natural-born submissive Scarlett. I'd love to introduce you to the lifestyle.”

My pulse races and my insides turn to mush. “Introduce me to the lifestyle? Nobody will believe we’re a couple. You don’t date, Axel. We are probably gonna have to keep this a secret.”

Taking his thumb and rubbing my bottom lip, he sighs. “Oh, Wallflower, people will believe it, we're not doing this in secret. I want every guy who has ever made you feel less than to realize what they've missed. We Creeds don't do anything half-assed.”

She laughs. “So, we'll do the whole fake dating trope thing?”

“Trope? Like a book thing?” Axel's gaze never falls away from my lips as he asks.

“Yes, I love romance books, so sometimes my mind puts things into trope categories.” I shrug. It makes sense to me.

He nods, then looks over at my book covers on the wall. However, never in a million years will he discover I'm the author of those smutty novels. “So, what happens in the fake dating trope? Well, besides the obvious.”

I shrug. “It could go a million different ways. Most commonly, the main characters share a common goal, whether it be to make someone jealous, or they need to be in a committed relationship to fool their parents. But in the end, the fake turns to real.” Axel's face doesn't fall like I thought it would. “It would be nice to see Brody hurt this time. Oh, seeing my cousin Janet's face when we show up somewhere together would be a definite plus.”

He snorts. “How in the hell are you two related? She's satan.”

“My dad and I are the black sheep. To my family, she’s the golden child, and I'm the frumpy bookworm.” He rubs my palm with his thumb.

“They sound stupid.” He says bluntly, which makes me laugh. He turns serious again. “Can you promise me that we’ll remain friends if we don't work out?” His jaw is clenched after he asks. He's unhappy about wanting this answer from me, but he let his pride down long enough to ask.

That means something to me. We may never fall in love, but just like Blaze is still in my life, I don't see why Axel can't be. “I'd like that actually.”

He takes his forefinger and traces the outline of my face over and over. Softly, he whispers. “Good, because I don't have many of those. Real ones, I mean.”

I'm beginning to see that Axel is more than parties and being sex on a stick. He's smart and has a good heart. That means I'll have to guard mine even more closely.

Chapter 10

Move-in Day

Everything Fearless 24/7

There's nothing like seeing the single members of the Fearless Five fighting over a curvy cutie! Choose wisely, Scarlett, dear. Either way, they'll wind up breaking your heart.

Axel

Waking up to my alarm, which I've snoozed seven times already is brutal because sleeping in the bed with Scarlett was...fuck me...amazing. Never cuddled all night with anyone before, and no alcohol was involved. The wonderful smell of vanilla and honey hit my nose, making me inhale deeply. My dick twitches and I realize I have to get the fuck out of this bed before I find myself on top of this girl. There's no time for that now because when that finally happens, it'll be an all-day and night type of thing.

Everything about Scarlett has me questioning myself. What the hell is wrong with me? Axel Creed doesn't do sleepovers, he doesn't do girlfriends, and he sure as hell doesn't snuggle. He stalks and fucks and fights. I'm not even disgusted or upset by this new turn of events. I've always said only pussy's (especially Jake) get into committed relationships, but maybe I get it now. Scarlett makes me want it all. The picket fence, the van, the dog. Hell, everything. She's too weary of what my intentions are right now, so I know I'll have to prove myself first.

My grin widens because I can't wait to call Captain The Jack Ryan a pussy at practice this morning. He can't call me one because Scarlett and I haven't gone public yet, but everyone will know and soon enough.

We were both so tired last night and didn't go over what each of us expected from one another. Scarlett is the one who wanted to do this, so we will. Negotiations will start tonight, and I want everything laid out so I don't fuck this up. She's important to me. The anger that consumes me fades away when I'm with her.

***

Axel is acting ten shades of shady. Has he changed his mind? He did fall in the mud to save me. I guess there's that.

-Scarlett

Waking up to a text from Sasha is a pleasant surprise. My hand roams over to the spot Axel slept in. The sheets are cold from his absence, and I’m reminded of how he held me all night long. His iron grip never once loosened from around me. My heart swells at the thought, and I jump up because that can't happen. He's probably held a hundred girls just like that. Blaze and I only slept together a handful of times, and we never slept over. That was a rule and a good one because neither of us caught feelings.

My phone pings, bringing a smile to my face. Maybe it's Axel.

Sasha: Hey! This is Sas. We were wondering what time you think you'll be here. Also, please come out with us tonight.

I don't answer her about going out yet because I'm supposed to hang out with Axel tonight.