Page 91 of Double Standards
I look down at the cocoa tray, suddenly fixated on the frayed edge of the cardboard. My hands fidget with it, needing something to ground me.
“Is that what you want?”
“No!” I blurt, instantly. “I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant.”
“Then what did you mean?” His voice is gentle, but it digs deeper than it should. Then his finger tilts my chin, and my eyes meet his. I forget how to breathe. His gaze strips me down to nothing.
“I’m joking,” he whispers with a soft smile. “All I can say is this: Daniels isn’t as clean as he appears.”
I let his words settle with me, not bothering to digest them. I tuck myself into his side, soaking in his warmth. “You think?”
“I know,” he assures, and his voice holds that edge of certainty I’ve come to recognize.
I’m about to ask him more, but he kisses me instead—harder this time. It catches me off guard, and a startled sound slips past my lips before his tongue finds mine. My fingers curl into the front of his coat. I don't push him away. I pull him closer.
By the time we break apart, we’re both breathless. My face isflushed, and I know I must look ridiculous with my nose pink and my cheeks burning—but Axel looks at me like I’m art.
“Let’s talk about something else,” he murmurs, brushing his lips against mine again. “I’m done talking about that asshole.”
I nod wordlessly. For once, I agree. I don’t want to share this space in my mind with anyone but him.
He opens the take-out bag, the crinkling sound drawing my attention. The scent hits me before I see what’s inside.
“Waffles?” I ask, laughing softly.
“Waffles and cocoa,” he says, as if it’s no big deal.
But itis. It’s thoughtful. Unexpected. Sweet in a way that completely undoes me.
We eat in silence, the occasional breeze sending a chill through me. I lean into him, and he instinctively adjusts, pulling me closer.
“For someone who isn’t romantic,” I murmur, resting my head on his shoulder, “this is pretty far up there.”
He goes still. Not tense, just… surprised. Like he wasn’t expecting that reaction.
“You think this is romantic?” he asks.
“You don’t?” I smile up at him.
“I don’t know.” He scratches his brow, looking adorably uncertain. “I’ve never done romantic before.”
“Well,” I say softly, “you’re doing well so far.”
And I mean it. He has no idea how much this means. How seen I feel. How safe.
We sit for a while longer, and when the air grows colder, he walks me back to my apartment. I don’t want the afternoon to end—and judging by the way his hand holds mine, neither does he.
When we reach my door, I stop and turn, heart racing. I don’t think. I justfeel. I grab his coat lapels and pull him close, lips brushing his.
“Kiss me.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
She crashes into me, her supple lips moving with mine; soft and needy. The kiss deepens, her arms locking around my neck, tongue sweeping into my mouth like a storm. We devour each other with a feverish hunger, a tangle of mouths and breath. Cassie is a quest I never want to finish. I want to explore every inch of her body until I know it by heart. Taste her again and again, knowing I’ll never have my fill.
I’ve never been so consumed by someone. Never ached to see someone smile the way I ache for hers. As long as I’m breathing, I want that smile gracing Cassie’s lips, forever and a day.
The door swings open and we stumble inside, lips still locked, hands frantic. Her fingers tangle in my hair; mine fumble with the buttons of her coat. Her moans guide me, begging me to expose her, andfuck, I’m desperate to. I tear off her coat and toss mine aside without a second thought.
