Page 37 of Hunted

Footsteps behind me break my concentration, and I turn to find him approaching, his piercing gaze fixed on me. A shiver runs down my spine as he draws near, his proximity igniting a fire within me.

"Taking readings?" he asks, his voice a low rumble that sends tremors through my body.

I nod. "The conditions are ideal."

Aksel steps closer, his fingers grazing my arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. "Perhaps we should take advantage of the weather," he suggests.

I know what he's implying, and a familiar ache blossoms between my thighs.

"I really need to get more data to send to my boss before he fires my ass." I turn back to my equipment.

Aksel's fingers trail along my arm, sending shivers down my spine. I try to focus on my work, but his presence is overwhelming, consuming my every thought.

"You may as well get fired," he says. "You're never going back to America."

His words hit me like a freight train, and I spun around to face him, my heart pounding. "What?" I ask, even though I know he thinks I’m staying here.

Aksel steps closer, his body pressing against mine. I can feel the heat radiating off him, the raw power emanating from his every pore. "You belong to me now, little bird," he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. This is your home, here with me."

I swallow hard, my mind reeling. Part of me wants to resist, assert my independence, and cling to the life I once knew. But another part of me, the part that has been awakened by this rough man, yearns to surrender to him completely.

"I can't just abandon everything," I protest, even as my body melts into his embrace.

Aksel's hand cups my cheek, tilting my face to meet his gaze. His eyes are intense, burning with a possessive desire that takes my breath away. "You already have," he says softly. "The moment you stepped into my world, you left your old life behind."

I know he's right. The pull between us is too strong, too primal to resist. I've been caught in his web, ensnared by the raw masculinity that pours off him in waves.

"What about my research?" I ask, a final, feeble attempt at resistance.

Aksel's lips curve into a smirk. "You'll have all the data you need right here," he promises, his hand sliding down my back, pulling me flush against him. "Set up your own blog or whatever shit people do nowadays. Be independent in your research."

Aksel's suggestion lingers in my mind, the possibility of conducting my research independently, free from the constraints of a traditional academic setting. The idea is thrilling and terrifying, a leap into the unknown that could propel my career to new heights or send it crashing down in flames.

I chew on my bottom lip, weighing the pros and cons. On one hand, the freedom to pursue my passions without the constant pressure of deadlines and bureaucratic red tape is incredibly appealing. I could delve into the areas of study that truly fascinate me without having to justify my every move to my boss.

But on the other hand, the thought of striking out on my own is daunting. Without the backing of a respected institution, would my work still be taken seriously? Can I get the necessary equipment to conduct my experiments?

As if sensing my hesitation, Aksel pulls me closer, his strong arms enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth and safety. "You're brilliant, Zara," he murmurs, his lips brushing against my temple. "You don't need anyone else to validate your work. You have everything you need right here, with me."

His words are like a balm to my soul, soothing my doubts. In Aksel's eyes, I see a reflection of the woman I could be; confident, independent, and unafraid to chase my dreams.

"You really think I could do it?" I ask.

Aksel's fingers tilt my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "I know you can," he says with unwavering conviction. "You're a force of nature, Zara. Nothing can stand in your way."

His faith in me is a heady rush that courses through my veins like wildfire. Aksel is more than just a lover or a protector—he's my anchor. The one person who truly sees me for who I am and believes in my potential.

The idea of forging my path with Aksel suddenly doesn't seem so daunting anymore. It feels like the beginning of a new chapter of a thrilling adventure that I'm ready to embark on.

20

AKSEL

Watching Zara across the table, the fireplace's warm glow illuminates her delicate features. She takes a bite of the steak, a hint of a smile playing on her lips as the flavors dance on her tongue. A sense of contentment washes over me, and I am captivated by the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with her.

"This is delicious, Aksel," she says, her green eyes sparkling with appreciation.

I nod, savoring the moment. "I'm glad you enjoy it, littlefugl."

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