I have a few quiet weeks with the dance school closed and I’m taking the time to catch up on my studies and the mounds of paperwork that seem to have piled themselves high on my desk. “Baby.” Kael’s low tone drags me from the email I’m typing out, and when I glance up, I can’t help but blush at the beauty of the man who owns me.

I’m a fortunate girl, I know that, and I thank my lucky stars every day that we found each other again. That I finally have a life I want. “You ready for dinner?” I glance at the clock and realize it’s already five.

“We could get take-out?” he suggests, and I nod. “Thai?” Nodding again, I hit send and rise from the chair. When I round my desk, he stalks toward me and tugs me into his arms. Leaning in, he brushes my lips with this. “One day, I’m going to marry you,” he whispers and my heart leaps into my throat.

“That’s some light pre-dinner conversation, Kael,” I say and he presses his lips to mine. They’re warm and taste like candy, and I know he’s been eating the chocolate I bought for his birthday.

“I just wanted you to know. I love you. I’ve always loved you. And every day I fall harder and deeper in love with you. I can’t see my life without you.”

Glancing into those dark eyes, I can’t help but melt at his beautiful words. “I love you too, but what’s got you so emotional?” I reach up, stroking his face gently. The scruff of his beard tickles my hand and I revel in the sensation, knowing how amazing it feels when his face is between my thighs.

“I just needed you to know. Sometimes we get busy with life, and things can fall between the cracks. There are times I’m romantic, you know,” he quips playfully, and I nod through a smile.

“Oh, I know that, Sir.” He chuckles, planting a soft kiss on my forehead, leaving me to work. Sitting back down, I start my work on the dance school plans for the new year. We want to expand and I need to apply for planning permission. The phone ringing on my desk startles me from the report I’m typing up. Swiping my thumb over the screen, I answer absentmindedly. “Hello?”

“Phoenix.” Her voice is low, almost a whisper, but there’s something else. She’s been crying.

“What happened, Kota?” Silence greets me, and I wonder if the line cut, but when I glance at my phone, I notice I’m still connected. “Babe? Talk to me.”

“I’m… Something happened with Axe. There’s been calls to his phone, nights where he doesn’t come home. I’m not sure what he’s doing. I have asked him about it, but he brushes it off. As if I’m being stupid for even asking,” she hisses into the phone, and I wonder if Axel is home right now.

“Do you want me to call you back later?”

“No. Would you be able to take a trip out? I know you’re busy with school and work, but... Do you think Kael will let you come to New York?” We’d just spoken about going for the holidays, but if Kota needs me, I’ll drop everything for her.

“I’ll ask. I don’t think it will be a problem, babe. He knows I’d do anything for you. Hold on, let me ask him.” Dropping my phone on the bed, I race to the office where Kael is busy working. I burst through the door, seizing his attention immediately. “Babe, I need a huge favor,” I say, my panic palpable.

“Anything for you, Firebird.” He casts a quick glance at his laptop, hits the Enter key, and drags his gaze back to me. When he takes in my expression, his face falls. “What’s wrong?”

“Dakota needs me. She’s on the phone right now and she’s upset. Axel’s been…. Well, we don’t really know what happened, but I’m worried about her. He’s been working long hours, he’s been distant... It doesn’t sound like him, and I know something’s up. I just feel like I need to be there for her,” I implore him, hoping he’ll allow me to go to her. The understanding in his expression is enough to calm my racing heart.

He rises from his office chair and grips my shoulders, pulling me against him. “Then you’ll go to her, Phoenix,” he responds calmly and releases me. Turning to the desk, he opens a web browser and, seconds later, he’s pulling out a credit card and booking a flight.

“Are you sure? I mean, you can come with if you want to.” My concern is unwarranted, but I know what he’s like. He never lets me out of his sight except for when I’m at the studio teaching. Other than that, this man commands my attention.

His dark eyes pin me, while his mouth forms a small smile. “Baby, I wouldn’t let you go if I didn’t trust you. I love you and I know you love Dakota. So go to her. She needs you.” He tugs me forward and settles me on his lap, planting a soft kiss on my lips and I can’t help smiling. This man is incredible. There are still times I wonder how I got so lucky.

“Thank you. Did I ever tell you you’re amazing?” I quip playfully, and his lids drop as he stares at me with a hooded gaze.

“You can show me later.” With a swift swat on my ass, he lets me go tell Dakota the good news. I bound back into the bedroom and inform my best friend and sister I’ll be seeing her soon.

Once I hang up, I grab a small suitcase from the closet and drop it on the bed. I don’t know how long I’ll be there. Kael finds me staring at the empty bag. “You okay, baby?” He circles his strong arms around my waist and pulls me against him.

“Yeah.” I nod. As soon as I heard the soft voice of my Kota, I knew something was up. Needless to say, since she told me the story, my body has been vibrating with anger and ultimately fear. She’ll be crushed if he leaves. Her confidence has always been a problem for her, and now that he’s acting like an asshole, I’m not sure she’ll be able to take the knock if he is cheating.

Axel may be an alpha male, but he’ll be answering to a strong-willed woman who takes no prisoners if he hurts her. He better come up with a fucking solid explanation, or I’ll be tying him to the bedpost and whipping him.

“Phoenix.” The deep rumble of my man comes from behind me. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just worried about her. If your friend hurts her, he’ll be in a world of hurt.” Turning in his arms, I twine my arms around his neck. The smirk that lifts one side of his face makes me smile.

“I’m sure, baby. Somehow, I don’t think he’s cheating. Whatever it is, it must be for a good reason. I know my best friend, and as much as he loves women, he’s not a playboy. He’d never do that to her.” His words offer some comfort, but deep down, the worry still niggles at me.

Then what could he be doing?