Chapter 8
As Laney rounded the hallway to her room, she told herself she’d give it a little more time.
Don’t crowd the man.
Don’t assume anything, he doesn’t even know that you know about Pierce…
Even though she knew she should leave it alone, she couldn’t, and damn did Laney irritate herself. No wonder the man got pissed at her so often, she was annoying.
Laney took a deep breath and leaned into his office, noting he was behind his desk with his glasses perched on his crooked nose yet again.
“Are you busy?”
His head shot up and she could see that he was surprised to see her, but he just smiled.
“You come back for another spanking?”
Laney couldn’t help but return the smile as she stepped into his office and closed the door
“Not exactly…I was wondering if you had a minute to talk?”
“Looking worried, Axel stood and rounded the desk, his hands clasped at his sides.
“What’s wrong? Did Pierce bother you again?”
The anger in his voice had her shaking her head quickly.
“No, no, he didn’t bother me again, but I did want to ask about that…did you demote him because of what happened last night? Because, I would hate to have somehow gotten him in trouble, but honestly, I’ll never let him have me-”
“Calm down now, ain’t nobody sayin’ you have to give yourself to any man. But, yes, what happened last night did have some weight on the decision I made. He needs to learn his lesson and the only way to make sure that that happens is to put my foot down now before it’s too late. He’s insolent and stubborn and he’s used to getting his way. I won’t let that happen with you,” Axel said heatedly.
Laney watched him become more agitated for a second before he shook his head and took his glasses off, laying them behind him on his desk. He ran his hands along the lines of his face and through his hair as he looked up at her. His dark eyes were soft and warm and dewy like honey, but Laney didn’t want to fall for it.
She didn’t need it.
Truth be fucking told, she didn’t need anyone and she didn’t think she would ever need anyone again.
But, would it be so bad to want someone?
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like I’m gonna tear that pretty body of yours limb from limb like a hungry fucking lion.”
Laney shrugged as she leaned against the door, her back pressed against the wood.
“Won’t you? You are a monster, right?”
Axel sneered for a second, his mouth lifted slightly at the use of the term he seemed to love.
“That’s right, and you? You’re a helpless little lamb, huh?”
“Not exactly. I ain’t helpless.”
“I know you’re not, and that’s what I like about you. Though I do think you’re too damn stubborn for your own good, but that can’t be helped. It’s who you are. You want to do everything on your own so that no one can let you down if they don’t follow through. I get it, I do the same thing. But, Laney?”
She glimpsed up at him, surprised to see him standing closer to her.
“What?”
“You’re not alone. Not here.”
His voice had gone soft and she liked it and she could feel the weight of it all the way down to her toes.
“Is that so?”
He nodded, his dark hair falling into her eyes as he leaned in closer. His breath smelled like sweet whiskey and cinnamon and nicotine and Laney felt her belly jump and fill with butterflies. She didn’t want to be affected by him in any way, but she was, and no amount of distance or space was going to change that.
“Yeah, baby. That’s right. You got a man right here any time you want him.”
Laney had no fucking idea what to say to that.
What do I say?
Thank you?
She knew he didn't understand why her eyes flooded with fear when he raised his tanned hands towards her-was he going to hurt her, or hold her? She knew he couldn't comprehend why she discreetly studied his every movement, for if he moved too quickly, her entire chest would tighten with agonizing trepidation. For the inevitable crash, the free fall. See, it was never the fall itself she feared; it was the landing. It was watching the ground meet her from the tallest of heights like an old friend, a dear friend, and more often than not...her only friend. She was all too familiar with the way her body and her soul would come apart like a shattered stained-glass window once she reached the sandy pits of her very own rock bottom, but he didn't know. None of them did.
“I don’t know what to say,” She admitted.
It sounded lame to her own ears, she knew that, but what good could possibly come of getting entangled with Axel?
Axel smiled again as he tipped her chin up with his index finger.
“I know you don’t, and that’s so damn sweet to me. You always have a comeback for everything, and don’t get me wrong; I like it. I’d rather argue with your viper tongue all fuckin’ day than spend my time with these tagalongs. I don’t expect anything from you.”
“You say that now-”
“Laney. I’m not James. I don’t ever want to be like him in your eyes. I don’t need to know the whole story to know that he fucked you up. I can see it in the way you move, the way you watch everyone around you. I can see it all over you, baby.”
Laney swallowed her snippy response and shrugged.
“So, what do you want from me?”
Axel cupped her cheeks and kissed the side of her mouth gently, his calloused thumbs tickling her skin.
“Whatever you’re willing to give me. I only ask one thing.”
Laney wrapped her hands around his wrists, holding on tightly, wondering when the floor would fall out from under her.
There has to be a catch here.
It’s never this easy.
“What is that you want from me?”
Axel eased his mouth away from hers long enough to run his tongue along the seam of her parted lips, his teeth nibbling at her sensitive skin, his hands cupping the back of her head. She felt his nails scratch against the back of her scalp tenderly, moving the heavy strands away from her face.
“Don’t convict of me a crime I haven’t committed, yet. Let me make my own mistakes. Don’t hold me to his.”
Laney took his request silently, per usual, and wondered if she could make that promise.
Could she actually do that, honestly?
Sure, she could tell him she would, but the odds of that happening were slim to none. How could she be afraid of one man when they’re all the same?
“You’re thinking about it too hard, Laney. Just say yes. Just tell me you promise to try.”
Laney tried to move away, but Axel wouldn’t let her. He held on strong, his grip taut against hers.
“What if I’m not good at keeping my promises?”
“What if I am?”
Laney had no idea what to tell him, no idea if she could let it go, if she could open her heart enough to let him in.
“You haven’t made me any promises,” She stalled.
Axel kissed her softly once more.
“Yes, I have. I made the most important one I can make.”
“What promise is that?”
“I promised you that I wouldn’t hurt you. Can’t that be enough to earn me a fair chance?”
Laney didn’t make eye contact for a moment before she slowly nodded.
“A chance to what, Axel? A chance to fuck me? To touch my body? You don’t need to make any promises for that kind of non-commitment.”
Axel grunted and shook his head no.
“I can fuck anyone I want. I don’t need a commitment for that, you’re right. But, I like you. You make me feel good. It’s been a long time since I felt anything other than numb, and I want to keep you around.”
“So, that’s what you’re asking for? A chance to keep me?”
Axel eyed her steadily as he nodded.
“Yeah. That’s what I want.”
He sounded so sure, so definite in his decision that Laney had no reason to say no. It didn’t mean they were a couple and it didn’t mean that she was his old lady, it just meant…
What?
What did it mean?
“We argue all the time.”
“I know. I can practically see the sparks flyin’ between us.”
“That doesn’t sound like a good foundation for a healthy relationship.”
Axel shrugged, “Nothing in this life is perfect, baby.”
“If I say yes, then what?”
“Then you’re mine and I’m yours until you say otherwise. We’ll take it slow, hang out, get to know one another. Say yes.”
With trepidation rising to the surface of her flushed skin, Laney dipped her head.
What’s the worst that could happen?
“Yes.”