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WHEN I SAW Axel, my lips tingled, remembering the feel of his on mine the day after Will and Miranda’s wedding last November. The way he’d barged into my home as if he owned it and kissed the hell out of me was hot as fuck. I dreamed about it almost every night for the last four months.
Except he never stormed out of my apartment in my nighttime fantasies. No. He’d stayed and done things to me I’d only read about in dark romance books—stuff requiring handcuffs, blindfolds, and whips. He owned my body and dominated my entire universe in my subconscious realm.
Of course, I didn’t know if Axel was into such dirty play. I’d certainly never experienced anything remotely close to BDSM, but I sure enjoyed reading about it. I blamed books for this weird fascination I had with being controlled.
And the only person I could see inflicting pain on me was Axel. He had an explosive temper, but I also sensed he’d know when to stop because he’d only ever been gentle with me. Like the day he’d found me unconscious. I had a feeling he’d protect me with his life. The very thought made my heart flutter.
But Axel and I could never happen.
Ever.
After four months of not seeing him, I’d begun to accept my realities. But seeing him again had me all hot and bothered, clenching my thighs together and curious as to why he returned.
“I want to know what’s going on.” I stole a slice of key lime off Miranda’s platter. “He hasn’t said two words to me, the big oaf.” He’d been back for a week and avoided me like the plague. Why come back if he was going to be a dick? If he was going to pretend he never kissed me?
Miranda snorted with a full mouth of lemon meringue. “Missed him, did ya?”
I narrowed my eyes, sensing she was fishing for my real feelings. Never gonna happen. “Not at all. You know I’m just a curious creature.”
“Mmhmm.” She nodded, happily enjoying her dessert. She rocked the pregnancy glow and had the most adorable baby bump. I’d never seen a more beautiful pregnant mama ever.
My buzzing phone pulled my attention off of my sweet sister-in-law. I pinched my face tightly and growled as I checked to see who was calling. “I hate private numbers. They never leave a message either.”
“I ignore them.”
“Well, I would if they’d stop calling a million times a day.”
Miranda’s fork stopped in the air in front of her mouth. Concern crossed her face. “Have you told York?”
I tilted my head. Seriously? Ever since all the crap with Jason Sayton, she was easily unnerved. It was understandable. He was a diabolical sicko for kidnapping her. “What good would it do?” I shrugged a shoulder. “It’s probably a solicitor.”
I glanced back at my brother and Axel, but Axel was gone. Will was chatting with Miranda’s dad.
Now where did he go? Oh, it burned me up the way he appeared out of thin air, then disappeared just as quickly. Like the day he gave me the best kiss of my life. The damn man was infuriating.
“I’m so glad they made up.” Miranda’s sweet voice pulled me out of my thoughts. When I turned toward her, she was smiling at Will and her dad. I was glad her dad and Will were okay too. The breach and fake affair drama could have destroyed my brother and Miranda.
Jason had gotten what he deserved. None of us would ever see him again. It was crazy. I still couldn’t believe he was behind the breach at SJI or that he had taken Miranda. And here we all thought we knew him…
“Is this not the most beautiful baby shower you’ve planned, like, ever?” Lily dropped into the chair across from Miranda, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s perfect for my Mia.”
“Excuse me, favorite auntie right here, girlfriend.” I pointed to myself. “Mia is mine.” Of course, my voice was teasing, but hey, I was Mia’s blood relative. To a St. James, nothing was more important than family.
Miranda giggled. “Stop, you two, she’s going to love you both. And yes, to answer your question, Lily. This is the most beautiful baby shower I’ve planned.”
“I’m sure having it out on the veranda of your thirty-two-million-dollar estate helps.” Lily snorted like the brat I knew her to be. Miranda hated talking about money. I didn’t see the big deal. My sweet sister-in-law would eventually get used to being disgustingly rich now that she was a St. James.
“How are my girls?” Will appeared and rubbed Miranda’s belly, placing a kiss on her lips. I loved seeing my brother so happy and in love with his wife.
I envied him. Envied their love.
Miranda fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Perfect.”
Perfect, her favorite word these days. But I knew what she meant. They were all okay. Things had gone south back in October, with Will getting shot and her being kidnapped. I didn’t want to think about what else could have happened.
“You’ve hardly made a dent in your pies,” he teased, sitting on the arm of her chair. God, these two were adorable.
“I’m taking my time savoring each bite. Today was perfect.”
