Page 52 of Wallflower No More

Axel brings my hand to his and kisses each one of my knuckles. "Well, darlin', I don't think you realize just how obsessed I am with you or how much I love your lips."

I chuckle because this is the most romantic thing that's ever happened to me. "I'm assuming you're getting my lips tattooed on you. But where?"

His eyes darken, and he places my hand over his chest and leaves it there. My heart rate accelerates. This is Axel's love language, how he's trying to tell me he loves me. Tears stinging my eyes, I gently whisper, "Me too."

Dex makes a coughing sound. I forgot he was even there. "Sorry, Dex."

Dex smiles. "No problem. Three months ago, I would have thrown up. Now I'm beginning to get it."

Lucky lady, whoever she is. I ask, "So, do I just put my lips in this goo?"

Dex laughs. "Yes, ma'am."

Looking at Axel, "Any preference?" He gives me a smoldering look and makes a kissy face. He's freaking adorable. The mold has no smell, which is a great thing. Dex takes it back and goes to make his sketch. "You're obsessed with me."

He shrugs. "Since Freshman orientation."

"I'm still baffled at why you waited so long. Think of all the fun we could have been having now." I love teasing him. He doesn't laugh enough, but he does when I'm doing the teasing.

He laughs but turns serious. "Honestly, there needed to be a separation between my family and me, and I wasn't ready for that. But I am now."

"I'm sorry, Axel." And I am.

"Don't ever be sorry. It's not your fault." He leans over and kisses my cheek.

"I know, but that's not why I'm sorry. I'm sorry because you had to live in a world that looked bright and shiny on the outside but was black on the inside. How you came out so good is baffling to me." I kiss his hand.

He looks perplexed. "I'm good to you, Scarlett, but I'm not good."

"Bullshit. You may not be perfect or a hero, but you're still good." I wish Axel could see himself the way that I do.

Charlie walks in to tell the Murders Ink guys goodbye. "Hey, guys. I'm about to head out." Each one looks up from what they are doing, and even Ridge has a smile on his face. They walk up to her, kiss her on the cheek, and give her a sweet hug. She blushes prettily.

I look over at Axel, and he's as intrigued as I am. I whisper in his ear. "If we were in a romance book, that would be called a Why Choose trope."

"They have those kinds of books?" He asks.

"Yup, want to try that? I may know some other guys." I tease.

He gives me his opinion through clenched teeth. "You're going to pay for that later. And just so you know, nobody will ever touch you again. Do you know why?"

I shake my head. "I was just playing Axel."

"Oh, I know, and that's why I'm not spanking your ass right now, but I fucking will, Scarlett. Do you know why?" He seethes.

I shake my head again. He whispers in my ear. "Because you're mine, and if anybody touches or messes with you, I'll kill them."

"Axel, you're a psycho." But I secretly love it.

"Yeah, I am. Think I'm such a great guy now?" I'm going to shave off that eyebrow so he can't lift it for a whole month.

I pinch his arm hair. "You can be crazy and still be a good guy jackass."

***

I will protect Scarlett at all costs. Do those bastards know that she knows? If they touch her, they die. I meant what I said. Simple as that.

-Axel Creed