Page 15 of Axel

We sit across from Blade, who immediately gets down to business. Resting his elbows on the table, the fearsome President of the Savage Saints focuses on Gemma. I gently lay my hand on her thigh and give her a reassuring squeeze.

“I promised you the protection of the club, and I’m a man of my word. Can’t thank you enough for how you helped my Sonya. I just wish you’d come to us sooner.”

Gemma’s shoulders curl in, and she dips her head, breaking eye contact with Blade. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were going after my parents. I would have helped–”

Blade raises his hand, effectively cutting her off. “I only meant that I wish you felt comfortable enough to ask for help before things got so bad.”

Gemma lifts her head, tilting it to the side as she stares at Blade. I can tell she doesn’t know how to respond, and it kills me to know my woman has never been afforded kindness like this.

“This isn’t even that bad,” she murmurs, one hand gently touching her swollen eye. It’s healing surprisingly well after we iced it again this morning and put on another layer of vaseline.

I tighten my hold around her thigh, then lean over and press a kiss to the side of her head. I loathe her family for doing this to her, for hurting this precious woman and taking advantage of her sweet nature.

“Still,” Blade continues, “I don’t like seeing battered women, no matter the context. I’m sorry you had to grow up like that.”

“I promised I’d always protect her,” I say, unable to stay quiet any longer.

Blade nods. “As will the club.”

Gemma relaxes slightly, leaning against my side. I move my hand from her thigh to her back, holding her close while Blade launches into questions about her family and the operation.

My brave girl calmly answers everything, letting us know the ring leader is her father and the main organizers of distribution are her three older brothers. She tears up a bit when she admits to cooking for them on occasion, but Blade doesn’t blink an eye. I hate that she was put in that position, but like I told her, every Savage Saint has shit in their past.

Gemma gives her version of events from last night, which we didn’t get to. Between cleaning her up, the nightmare, and the orgasm, we didn’t have a ton of time to go over the details. Plus, I didn’t want her to relive it all so soon.

Blade grunts and nods as she tells us about the cops showing up earlier.Dammit, I must have missed that when I was hiding out in the woods. I left for ten minutes to meet with Blade and the guys before coming up with a plan to raid the place.

The Prez finishes up his questions and thanks Gemma for her honesty. He tells her again that she’s safe and the Savage Saints have her back. I appreciate the gesture. Blade stands and tips his chin toward the back room, and I know he’s about to call church.

“Be right there,” I tell him.

I turn to Gemma once Blade is gone, cupping her chin and guiding her to look at me. “I’m so proud of you,” I tell her, gently rubbing my thumb along her jawline. “And I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through. Not just last night, but your whole life.”

“Don’t apologize. You’re saving me from all of that.”

I take her lips in a gentle kiss, savoring her sweet flavor and the slide of her tongue against mine.

“We can finish that later,” I whisper onto her lips. “I have to go to church.”

Gemma pouts, which is the most damn adorable thing I’ve ever seen. I can’t help but kiss her again, with a little more passion this time.

When I pull away, she follows me, just like last night. I love that she can’t get enough. Lord knows I’ll always crave Gemma and her curves.

“Sonya is up at the bar,” I tell her, standing from the booth and offering my hand to help her up. “She has some clothes she said you could borrow until we can go shopping.”

“What? No, that’s totally not necessary.”

“We like helping people who deserve it,” I tell Gemma, making sure her eyes are fixed on mine. “And you, princess, deserve the whole world.” My girl can’t hide her smile. She’s absolutely enchanting with the mid-morning sun streaming through the front window, making her emerald eyes twinkle with gold. “Sonya can introduce you to Rider’s old lady, Sutton, and Hawk’s old lady, Tessa.”

Gemma raises an eyebrow at me, making me grin. “Old lady? Hawks are involved?”

“I’ll explain everything when we get home,” I answer with a chuckle.

“Home,” she murmurs, her eyes going soft.

“Yeah, princess. You have a home now.”

She nods and leans against me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I hug her back, hoping to infuse her with all the love and peace I’m going to provide for her in the future.

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