Page 115 of Always, Axel

When our lips pulled apart with a pop, I smiled nervously swiping under my eyes. “I guess this is the moment of truth, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess it is.”

He thumbed my hair behind my ear and walked out of the bathroom briefly, returning with the white stick.

Taking it from his hand, I inhaled and exhaled. “Okay.”

“Okay,” he said and ran his thumb over my bottom lip before his hand fell away. I thought he would step out, but he stood waiting.

“Do you mind?” I asked, nudging my chin at the door.

“Yes, I do mind. I’m not leaving you alone.” He stood with his face set in determination. This was so embarrassing, doing this in front of him, but he insisted on it.

When I finished my business, I placed the stick on the counter, and we waited. He sat on the edge of the tub and pulled me between his legs, lacing his large hands over my lower abdomen. “It’s going to be all right.”

“How do you know?”

“Because fate brought us together when you crashed into my car.” He smiled into my neck. “And I sealed it when I crashed into yours.”

This crazy, infuriating man.I shook my head. “You have a way with words.”

“I do, don’t I?”

Finally, enough time had passed, and I glanced over at the stick, and my legs nearly gave out. It was a plus sign. Shit just got real. “Maybe we should take another one.”

Axel kissed me softly and appeared far too calm and content. “If it will put your mind at ease, we can.”

That was an understatement. I thought I was going to have a full-on panic attack. He pulled another box out of the bag, opened it, and handed me a stick from another brand.

We waited again, but I knew what the result would be before I saw the two pink stripes appear as clear as day. I was pregnant with Axel’s child.

“This is your fault,” I said, staring at him reproachfully.

His expression was something of pure satisfaction, definitely not remorse. Saying nothing, he cupped my chin and brought his lips down on mine hard, with total possession. “What can I say?” he rasped against my mouth. “I’m lovesick, and the only cure for me is you nursing this fucking disease that I can’t shake. So, you gotta help me. And for that, I lay the blame on you.”

My heart soared at his words as our kiss deepened.

“This is crazy,” I moaned.

“It is.” He lifted me up, carrying me into the bedroom. “But ask me if I care.”

“Please, don’t lie to me about your feelings out of a sense of duty.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” he growled, pulling back. “Normally, words come so easily. I can wax poetic about anything. I’ve been known to be a bullshitter. I suspect you probably figured that out about me, too. Never did I have to work this hard for something, nor have I felt the need to impress someone. But I did for you. I did some underhanded shit I’d never thought I would do because I wanted to impress you so badly, Natalie. And I thought of all the words I’d say to you when I got here. However, all I can think to say is… I love you. I love you so fucking much that I can’t imagine my life anymore without you in it. By my side.”

“Axel?” Tears of joy pooled at the corners of my eyes. “Don’t play with my heart. Please, don’t play with my heart.”

He cupped my cheeks, pulling me toward him as his gaze was unwavering. “I will guard your heart with my life. Bet on that.”

All my reservations faded away, and I said the words that had been locked deep down in my heart. “I love you, Axel Thomas.”

He leaned in and kissed me softly, as if I were his most cherished possession. “One more thing, in case you don’t believe me,” he whispered. “The only person who you’re destined to marry is me, so get that through your head.”

“Only you,” I murmured against his lips.

“Mine.” His mouth delved deeper into mine in desperation. “You were always mine, Hardcore.”

He started to tug at the cloth tucked in and pinned at my waist as his lips devoured mine.

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