Page 10 of Ravaged By Lust

“Just like Axel,” Maddie replies with a chuckle. “It certainly runs in the family, but that’s why I love him.”

I didn’t know who I was expecting when I came out here, but Maddie definitely isn’t what I would have in mind. With her cute blushing and shy demeanor, I can already deduce that she’s the polar opposite to my cocky, brash, free-spirit brother. Maybe it’s why they work so well together.

“Can I take your bags?” Maddie asks, nodding at the luggage I’ve wheeled behind. I have my trusty old guitar on my back as well.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. You’re the pregnant one here. I can bring in my own stuff.”

Maddie laughs again. “I’ve been pregnant for basically two minutes, so please don’t treat me like I’m about to give birth. I’ll show you inside. Your brother is somewhere in here. Probably practicing his guitar instead of greeting his sister he hasn’t seen for a long time.”

I follow Maddie inside her place. It’s beautiful in here; she and Axel have really made a home for themselves. A place fit for a family one day. This house is, by far, the best purchase I can say Axel’s made with his rockstar money. It’s much more sensible – and safer – than the crazy vintage motorbike he got when he signed his first record deal.

“So, you’ve got to tell me how you two actually met,” I say to my brother’s girlfriend as she guides me inside.

“What? Axel hasn’t told you?”

“Nope. I mean, I’ve seen the news and know that whole mainstream media narrative of you two and your very public romance…”

Maddie rolls her eyes.

“God, I’m beginning to really despise journalists,” she comments as she ushers me down the hallway into their large living room. There’s an entire array of Axel’s guitars hanging decoratively on the walls. That man and his expensive toys. Like that dangerous motorbike of his, he has always been into splashing money on trying to look cool. I bet he’s built up a really nice car collection as well, the bastard. “It’s so weird reading about yourself online and not recognizing yourself at all.”

“How did you two actually meet then?” I ask. “The real-life version and not the tabloid one? I want to know.”

“It’s been kind of a secret.”

I raise my eyebrow. “Oh, yeah? Do tell me more.”

“Well, it was technically a fake relationship.”

“Fake? No freaking way.”

She shrugs.

“He was the party playboy, and I was the girl who was hired to reshape his image,” Maddie explains. “It was just meant to be a fake thing for a few weeks to boost the sales for Ravaged’s new album but, well, things got a bit more… heated than we bargained for.”

“Oh, I see. Spicy.”

“But we’re still keeping that a secret from the world,” she continues. “Look, I’m only telling you because you’re family, but not many people know about how things started between Axel and me, and we’ll like to keep it that way. To be honest, I really disliked the guy at first. I thought he was arrogant and cocky.”

“You ain’t telling me anything new,” I reply with a smirk. “I had to grow up with the ass.”

“He was certainly not my type of man at all,” Maddie says, grinning at my comment. “But then, as I got to know him, things started to change. I saw the real him.”

Even though he’s my brother and I would love every opportunity to punch his snide little face, my heart does melt at how lovingly Maddie talks about him. I’ve always known, deep down, that Axel was a true little romantic softie. Years of being a playboy rockstar just clouded that from view. And it seems like Maddie’s been the girl to mine it out of him.

“You’re divine,” I say to her. “I like you already, and I can see what my brother sees in you. To be honest, though, I think you’re too good for his sorry ass.”

Maddie blushes. “You’re sweet, Chloe.”

“It’s the truth. That man doesn’t deserve you.”

“You know that you two look so alike,” Maddie remarks, staring at me. “Especially your green eyes. Your mom, Astrid, has the same as well.”

I shake my head.

“The famous Stoll green eyes. We can’t seem to get rid of them. Maybe that little baby growing inside you might get that trait too. Congratulations, by the way. I don’t think I’ve said that yet.”

Maddie smiles and rubs her tummy. “I can’t believe I’m actually pregnant. It came as a complete shock. I wasn’t feeling well for a few days and thought I would take a test, just to be sure, and then…”