The screen goes dark. I place my phone down, turn back to survey my room. It’s spacious, a suite actually, with a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom with an adjoining balcony from which I have an unrestricted view of the sea. The bedroom itself—which is where I am now—is comfortably furnished with a wooden floor, a large bed with plenty of cushions, a dresser and two doors, one of which leads into a closet and the other into a bathroom.
I walk into the closet and survey my clothes, which Michael had arranged to be brought to me. Overall, the Sovranos are supporting Axel in this move. Even though, from the earlier conversation, it had been clear to me that there are tensions simmering between Axel and the other brothers. Well, maybe not Seb; he and Axel seem to get along just fine. It had been Luca and Michael who hadn’t seemed particularly happy with Axel. And of course, Christian. Axel’s triplet had been nowhere to be seen, though I assume, he met Axel at some point. So clearly, he is still coming to terms with Axel’s appearance.
All in all, I feel completely unsettled, like someone pulled the rug out from under me. It had, somehow, been easier when Axel had been unconscious. I could stare at him and almost convince myself that he was Xander. But once he had woken, the awareness in his eyes, the way he had commanded me to ride his face and made me orgasm, all of it was very un-Xander like. It leaves me with no doubt that I am dealing with an apex predator. Someone who will chew me up and spit me out; someone who could reduce me to a puddle of raw need by just looking at me; someone who makes me hate him and lust after him in the same moment. Gah!
There’s a knock on the door to the bedroom.
I turn, "Who’re you?"
10
Theresa
"Hello, I’m Sheena." The woman hovers just inside the doorway.
She wears pale pink scrubs, which should really be unglamorous, but with her petite figure and straight black hair that flows to her chin and her shining eyes, she looks smart. "The door to the suite was open," she explains, "so I walked in. I hope I am not intruding?"
"Who are you, again?"
"The physical therapist; I am in charge of Mr. Sutton's rehabilitation."
"Mr. Sutton?"
"Axel?" she clarifies. "That's his surname."
Of course, it is. He didn’t grow up with the Sovranos, so why had I assumed that he'd share their surname? I hadn't even thought to ask him what his surname is. And this perky little thing had found out about it before me. A hot sensation stabs at my chest. She's also going to help Axel with his exercises and get him back on his feet. And dammit, I am even more jealous when she calls him by his given name. Wonder what kind of rehabilitation she has in mind for him? No doubt, she’ll use the excuse to have her hands on him. And likely, he’ll return the favor. Wonder if he commanded her to ride his face within minutes of their first meeting, as well. Okay, so it was the second meeting when he proceeded to eat out my pussy, but perhaps, he won’t show the same restraint with this woman.
"Are you okay?" she murmurs, still standing by the doorway. "You went a little pale."
"I’m fine," I clear my throat, "I just haven’t had anything to eat all day. I was too busy moving in here, so," I raise a shoulder.
"I understand. Would you like to get something to eat?"
"Um," I hesitate, "I am not really sure."
"Don’t be silly. There’s a lot of food that has been catered in for the team that’s helping Axel get back on his feet. There’s more than enough for everyone."
"There’s a team helping him?"
"Don Sovrano has roped in the best in the profession for his brother," Sheena informs me.
Why didn’t I know that? To be fair, since the entire topic of my moving into Axel's place had come up, I’d gotten so pissed off that I’d stomped out of his hospital room and I haven’t checked in on him since. In reality, I am upset with myself for having given in to him so easily. Why does he have this influence on me? Why is it that I already find it so difficult to deny him?
I’ve decided it’s best to stay out of his way, for the time being, at least. Best to stay in my room and get on with my life. It’s time I return to my floral business anyway. It’s a good thing I have a reliable employee, but it’s time I resume my responsibilities. I’ve already been away from my shop for too long.
"That’s good," I murmur. "He’ll be back on his feet in no time, I’m sure."
"He’s a fighter, no doubt about it," she agrees. "He’s been pushing himself during the physiotherapy sessions. I had to caution him to go slowly, not that he listened to me."
"Of course, not," I snort. "That man has a mind of his own. Does he have to go to the hospital for the physio sessions?"
"No, Don Sovrano had a room converted into a studio with all the necessary equipment," she replies. "In addition to that, there is a team of nurses who will be taking care of him around the clock. Michael really has pulled out all the stops."
"Has he?"
She nods, "Axel is getting the best care possible, and his condition is improving by the minute."
"Thanks, for the update," I scowl at her, "although I am not sure why you are telling me?"