Page 58 of Rock Star

“It will depend on how Mom’s recovery progresses,” I said. “I told Jake I’d think about it. If Mom gets sick again, I’ll need to be there for her.”

Axel wrapped his arms around me and held me close. “There’s something I want to run by you.” He kissed the top of my head. “I spoke with my parents yesterday and asked if they minded you and yours moving into Ella’s place.” He leaned back and trapped me with his eyes. “They agreed. Said the place needed to be lived in and maintained properly.”

I gasped. “It’s too much. We’d be forever in your debt…”

“I noticed the stairs at your condo, the lack of security. I want to take care of your parents as if they were mine. Nothing is too much for my future wife.”

I stared at him, confused. What was he saying? “I don’t understand.”

“I’m still on my knees, sweetheart. I’m asking you to marry me.” He drew me to him, and the heat from his body spread through my bones. “I love you, Phoenix Johnson. I love everything about you. I want to be your harbor in the storm. If you’ll have me, that is…”

He put his palms on my cheeks, holding me in his gaze, and my heart raced wildly. “I wanna be the harbor in your storm, too, Axel.” A bubble of happiness formed in my chest. “My life has felt so hollow without you.”

I couldn’t live without him. In the end it was that simple.

His mouth closed in. The kiss started slow and soft, then deepened. “I love you,” I said against his demanding lips. “And I’d love to be your wife.”

He whooped and leapt to his feet. Gathered me up in his arms. “I don’t have a ring, yet, baby. I wanted you to choose your own. We can go to Tiffany’s tomorrow.” He smirked. “Need my ring on your finger to show everyone you’re mine… particularly if you’re going to be touring all over the country without me.”

“I haven’t got the job yet, remember,” I rushed the words out. “And Mom still isn’t well enough for me to leave her.”

He kissed the tip of my nose. “When you join Vanilla Sky. Take note I didn’t say ‘if’ but ‘when’ because you are so amazingly talented, I’ll hire a live-in nurse. And I’ll visit you every stop of the tour.”

“It’s too much,” I repeated what I’d said before, suddenly overwhelmed.

“Nothing is too much for the future Mrs. Wainwright.”

“Mrs. Wainwright. I like the sound of that,” I giggled.

“You can still be Phoenix Johnson on stage, of course,” he said, gathering me in for another kiss.

“Thank you for supporting me, Axel,” I murmured into his mouth. “For agreeing to help me achieve my goals. It means the world to me.”

His chocolate brown eyes glowed. “You are my world, Firebird. I’d do anything for you.”

“As I would for you.” I threaded my fingers through his mussed-up hair.

He lifted me bridal-style and carried me up to the stairs toward his bedroom. With a grunt, he laid me on the bed, climbed over me and kissed me, stealing all the air from my lungs. “I love you so much, Phoenix.”

“I love you too.” I gazed into his eyes. “When I got back from Europe, my periods stopped. I went to see an OB/GYN, worried I might be pregnant.” I placed my finger on Axel’s lips to stop him from speaking. “Don’t worry. I’m not having a baby. It was a hormonal upset and my doctor put me on the pill.”

“Does that mean I can make love to you bareback?” His eyes twinkled. “I haven’t been with anyone since I met you. And Jake makes sure we get tested regularly…”

“I trust you,” I said, parting my lips so he’d slip his hot tongue into my mouth. Without detaching himself from me, he pulled off our clothes and spread my legs wide.

He licked a path around my nipple, then bit down on it… making me yelp with pleasure.

I pressed my hips against him, seeking contact.

He kissed his way down my stomach and buried his head between my legs. I cried out his name as his tongue penetrated me, grabbing hold of his hair and tugging on it.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said, pushing one finger into me, and then another, moving them in and out of me slowly and paying special attention to my clit.

“Axel,” I whimpered.

I panted and writhed and my orgasm came quickly, surprising me with its intensity.

He rocked back on his heels. His mouth was swollen from sucking on me. His eyes lingered on my body. “You are my goddess,” he whispered. “My angel. My muse.”

“And you are my rock god.” I reached for him and, slipping my hand around the back of his neck, pulled him into me for a needy kiss.

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