Page 54 of Guarding The Phoenix: Vol. 1

He rubbed a soothing hand down my back. “We won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know. It’s just frustrating.” And terrifying, but I kept that part to myself. They already had a heavy burden trying to keep me alive. They didn’t need to know how scared I was because then they might focus on making me feel better instead of doing their job.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got you. I promise I won’t let that asshole get his hands on you.”

I leaned into Axel. Out of all the guys, it was Axel I felt the most deeply connected to. I cared for both Gideon and Chase, too. How could I not? I lusted after all three of them. I wanted more kisses and carnal indulgences. And okay, so a part of me lusted after Mateo, too. Mainly, because I was curious what it would be like to be with all of them at the same time.

“I’m not sure I can rid myself of worrying that easily. But I will try.” Easier said than done.

He lifted my chin and looked me in the eye. “You always have me.”

Sucking in a swift breath at his declaration. It seemed to be a day for them. First Gideon and now Axel. What he wasn’t saying wasn’t lost on me. He cared about me. Even though fear dogged my footsteps, his admission warmed the far reaches of my heart. This was a man I was already falling for hardcore. He might be gruff and a total bad ass to the outside world, but with me, he was a total teddy bear. And I loved that about him.

I went up on my tiptoes and brushed my lips over his because this man affected me deeply. The kiss was simple and sweet, no more than a sign of my affection. But I kept it from going further, retreating and putting some distance between us. Otherwise, I wasn’t sure I could keep my hands off him.

“Just so you know, Gideon has me on patrol duty tonight, given the circumstances. So I won’t be sleeping beside you tonight.”

I knew that would be the case. Gideon had warned me as much. But it still stung that I wouldn’t have his solid presence at my back. In a vastly short amount of time, I’d grown accustomed to sleeping within the shelter of his powerful arms. “It’s okay. I’ll miss you. But I could use a decent night of sleep.”

“Have we been wearing you out?” He teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Just a little. But maybe you could come wake me up in the morning.”

Axel’s eyes went dark with lust. “That I can do. My shift ends at four. I’ll join you when I’m done.”

My heart swooned. I was falling for this man. He took such gentle care of me when he wasn’t banging my brains out and making me scream in ecstasy. But I wanted to know more about him. “I just realized I don’t know a lot about you, but I want to.”

Axel smiled warmly. “What do you want to know?”

“We can start with little things. What’s your favorite food?”

“Anything you cook.”

“I’m serious. If you tell me, I’ll make it for you.”

“Angel, whatever you want to cook for me, I will eat. But if you really want to know what my favorite meal above everything else is,” he leaned in and murmured low, “it’s your sweet pussy. I could eat your cunt every day for the rest of my life and die a fortunate man.”

“Axel,” I sighed and hugged him.

His arms circled me. We stood in the kitchen, holding each other and saying nothing. But I reveled in the intimate moment. It was more than simply sex with him. Leagues more.

With my head against his shoulder, I yawned. “Excuse me. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’ve been wearing you out.” He pressed a kiss against my forehead.

“Yeah, I think I’m going to head to my room, take a bath, and then call it a night.”

Axel released me. “Good. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Then he strode off, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I started the dishwasher and headed to my room. With fatigue settling in, I opted for a quick shower instead of a bath. Then went through my nighttime ritual and dressed for bed.

I snuggled beneath the covers. Axel’s scent lingered on the pillow he used the night before, and that’s the one I slept on.

Exhaustion dragged me down into the abyss, and I was out like a light.

***

Kylie

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