Page 20 of Guarding The Phoenix: Vol. 2

“Um, let me grab him a fork.” I fished one out of the drawer and handed it over.

Mateo kissed my cheek. “Thanks for dinner, princess. It was delicious.”

Chase moved in behind him. After setting his plate in the sink, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me briefly. “As always, gorgeous, it can’t go without saying you are a goddess in the kitchen.”

He released me and headed for the stairs, leaving me alone with Axel. It felt like ages since it had just been us, but it had only been yesterday when he held me on the couch. I missed sleeping in the shelter of his arms. I enjoyed all the guys. But Axel and I had a special bond. And he was the best cuddler.

Axel cupped my face. “Tell me how you’re doing. Really.”

Only Axel saw through my deflections and fake smiles. It’s part of what made him so special. Because he saw through all my bullshit. And what he saw didn’t make him run. “A little shaky. This whole situation feels surreal, like it’s not really happening or I’m dreaming about it. Or it could be I’m still tired.”

“It’s understandable. You’ve had a series of shocks in a short time period. Anyone would be struggling. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

He tugged me into his arms. I sighed and laid my head against his firm chest. Being in Axel’s arms always made me feel safe and cherished. He shifted, and I thought he was about to let me go. But I hugged him tighter. “Don’t let go yet. I need another minute before you have to go back to work.”

“My work is done. Now my only job the rest of the night is being with you.” He murmured against my forehead.

Pleasure flooded me. He didn’t have to leave me. I could be greedy and stay within the warm shelter of his arms as long as I wanted.

“Really? Are you sure they won’t need you?” I glanced at his face. And I prayed it was true that I got to have him the rest of the night.

His eyes crinkled when he smiled. “Really. I promise. I was gonna help you clean up dinner before I take you into the bedroom.”

A night in Axel’s arms was just the ticket. I released him because the sooner we got the kitchen in order, the sooner I could be back in his arms where I didn’t plan to leave until dawn. “Well, why didn’t you say so before? I can have this cleaned up pretty fast.”

He chuckled darkly. “Someone’s a little eager.”

Dropping my shields, I met his gaze, needing him to see what I wasn’t ready to admit out loud. “I can’t help it if I love being with you, Axel. When I’m with you, even if all we do is snuggle, I’m at peace and you make me feel safe.” Being in his arms was the best medicine.

His gaze deepened, swirling with unspoken emotions. “Me too. Come on. If you’re good, there might be an orgasm or two in your future.” He wiggled his dark brows, lightening the mood considerably.

My pussy throbbed in exquisite anticipation, and I rubbed my hands together.

“Oh boy!” I teased, like it wasn’t a big deal. When I couldn’t wait. Excitement hummed in my veins. A night in Axel’s arms would make me feel right as rain.

We stored the leftovers, and started the dishwasher in less than fifteen minutes.

It looked like I wasn’t the only one eager for our night together.

Chapter eight

Night Moves

Axel

Themomentweenteredthe bedroom, I reeled Kylie into my arms. During the harrowing past twenty-four hours, I worried about her reaction. Between multiple attacks, fleeing her home, and then discovering that home no longer existed, it wouldn’t surprise me if she crumbled.

But her resilience touched a profound chord inside me.

Kylie had a strength in her that went soul deep. Likely why she survived years of abuse at her husband’s hands.

With her stunning form pressed against me, it lit every facet of my being. Because it felt like my arms were where she belonged. I knew it sounded crazy. We hadn’t known each other long. But I knew myself well. And I’d never felt this way before. I held her gently, because I didn’t want to hurt her while she recovered from her injuries.

“Are you sure you’re up for this tonight? It’s fine if you aren’t. It’s understandable given everything that’s happened. I’d enjoy simply holding you all night long.”

She cupped my cheeks. Her tender caress scorched me like a brand. But all her shields were down, her emotions on display as she searched my face. “I need you, Axel.”

Those words. So simple. And yet they rang through me like church bells on Christmas day. Nothing short of the apocalypse would tear me from her side. And possibly not even then.

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