Page 68 of Ravaged For You

And then he kissed me.

Yeah, I know it was a fake kiss. But, damn, it felt real.

And he didn’t have to kiss me. He was under no obligation to.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. My emotions are getting the better of me, and it’s only been a few days of this fake relationship…

But. Still. He doesn’t have to sleep on a freaking couch. I’m sure we’re comfortable around each other to not make this strange.

“Wait, Axel.”

The man stops closing the door between us. His suit is still immaculate. He looks so handsome.

He lifts his chin. I admire that strong jawline of his.

“What is it?” he asks me quietly.

I’m so jittery whilst he is so calm and measured. “Look, I find it kind of weird that we have to sleep separately when we’re in this relationship.”

Axel raises an eyebrow. “A fake relationship.”

“Yeah, but even so, I hate how you have to have a crappy night on the couch. Surely, we’re friends enough for you to be able to sleep in the bed, even if it’s beside me? If we’re going to kiss in public, then surely…”

Axel shakes his head. “I can’t do that. As you said, no funny business.”

“I don’t mind,” I reply. “I trust you not to do any funny business. We’ll put a pillow between us if you really can’t help yourself.”

He laughs at that. “Maddie…”

He tries to protest yet again, but I jump in. “Just sleep in the bed, Axel. It’s one thing I’m going to ask of you, alright? Just have a good night’s sleep. Be well-rested for your performances.”

Axel pauses. I can see that he’s mulling it over. Can he really not trust himself not to get up to any funny business?

I realize I’m biting my lip as I watch him contemplate. I very quickly stop doing that. I certainly don’t want to come across as some desperate, horny girl.

I’m not horny. I’m just letting him use the freaking bed as well, that’s all.

“You’re very keen for this to happen,” Axel remarks, finally speaking.

“I just don’t want you tired before your tour, that’s all.”

“That’s all?”

“Yep.”

Fuck, the tension is unbearable between us.

I just know he wants to kiss me again. But I’m stronger than that. I might be asking him to come to my bed, but still definitely no funny business. I know where one sneaky kiss might lead to.

The contract still stands.

“Okay,” Axel replies. “I’ll do it. On one condition.”

I snort. “This isn’t a negotiation. I just want you to get off that couch.”

“One condition, Maddie.”

“Right. I’ll bite. What one condition?”