Page 34 of Wicked Lord

“You’re going to make the food she ordered,” I demanded, voice low and controlled.

He shook his head, eyes filling with tears from my painful grip. He’d definitely have bruises tomorrow. “I-I can’t. We don’t have the ingredients. It would take us hours to properly cook that menu.”

“Fine.” My grip tightened. “Since you’re absolutely useless, you’re going to return all of Lorelei’s money and make averycharitable donation today. How’s that?”

Hugh nodded, all of his bravado gone. “Sure. Of course.”

“But what are the guests going to eat?” Lorelei screeched.

I released the chef and plucked the menu from her as I dug my phone out of my pocket. “I’m going to make sure they get everything on this pretty piece of paper.”

“How, Axel? You’re not a miracle worker.”

“No, but I am a Lord.” A grin curved my lips. How hard could it be to get some fancy food here on time?

CHAPTER 15

A REAL SHOW

Axel

Cordelia finally approached me once everyone finished eating and vacated the table I shared with Lorelei and a few of her sorority sisters. Pink flowers spotted her hair, matching the figure-hugging dress that showcased her fantastic body.

“Are you and Lorelei Battenberg really together?She’syour mystery girl?”

I savored the last bite of my salted caramel chocolate tart then wiped my hands on a napkin, tossing it on the table. “Yep.”

After I’d made a few calls, a team of chefs from various restaurants arrived with everything Lorelei wanted, and I ordered Hugh and his team of fuckups to deliver his food to the homeless shelter in the neighboring town since Copper Cove didn’t have one.

Lorelei’s event went off without a hitch, and the rich opened their wallets for her. She beamed from ear to ear as she collected their money.

“You’re kidding, right?” Cordelia gave a dry laugh and then sipped her rosé she’d brought from her table with that jerk-off Grant Holland. “You and Lorelei have nothing in common. You’re sweet and kind while she’s—not.”

Was that a hint of jealousy flashing in her emerald eyes?

“I like her.” I gave a casual shrug. “She actually wants to be with me.”

Cordelia flinched, my words hitting hard. “Axel, if you’re doing this to make me jealous, please don’t. It won’t work.”

I scoffed even as invisible bands wrapped my chest. “That’s ridiculous, Cordi. We had fun together, but you’re not the center of my world.”

She pursed her lips, the same ones that looked amazing around my cock. “I don’t believe you two are a couple.”

Why did everyone find it so hard to believe? Lorelei and I were smoking hot and among the elite at Stonewall U. We would be a great match—if it was real.

“Lorelei’s not as bad as everyone thinks.” I sipped my champagne, wishing I could get another tart. I’d already had two and most of Lorelei’s. “She’s smart, funny, and actually really sweet.”

Cordelia snorted on a laugh and played with one of the flower arrangements. “Lorelei Battenberg sweet?” She reached over and pressed her palm against my forehead. “Are you sure you’re not sick and hallucinating?”

“Thank you so much, Ax.” Lorelei suddenly appeared and wrapped her arms around my neck, her soft lips capturing mine in a slow, sensual kiss that had my blood pressure rising and heat rushing through my body.

My hands twitched, almost lifting to grab her ass and yank her into my lap.

Damn, blondie sure knew how to kiss. It made me wonder what else she was good at. Killianhadkept her around for a reason.

When Lorelei finally pulled away, we were both breathless. She spared Cordi a quick glance.

“Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I need to steal my boyfriend for some, uh, alone time. You know how it is.” She gave a flirtatious wink and drew me out of my seat.