He fucking stands!
And I shriek. My equilibrium thrown off when I find myself suddenly hanging upside down over his shoulder.
When he starts walking, I reach out and grab at his clothing to keep my face from bumping off his back.
His coveralls are unzipped and rolled down, bunching around his waist, and I let my fingers dig into the material. Trying to ignore the view of his strong torso covered in a tight white t-shirt.
I should probably protest. Yell. Kick. Dosomething.
But… it’s Axel. And I missed him so damn much. No matter what’s about to happen, I missed himso much.
As we round the end of the counter, I lift my head enough to see Griff staring after us, slack-jawed, and Leslie running to catch up, my purse in her hands.
“Here,” she holds it out, but hurries past my top half to hand the bag to Axel.
“She won’t be back today,” his voice vibrates against my hips.
Leslie laughs, “I should hope not.”
And with no other explanation, Axel pushes through the front door, taking me with him.
Chapter81
Axel
The weightof Maddie slung over my shoulder tethers me back to the earth. Without her, I’ve felt lost. Adrift.
I don’t stop until we’re next to my car.
“I’m going to put you down,” the arm I have around her thighs tightens, “and if you try to run, I’m going to stop you.” When I’m greeted with silence, I shift my grip until my hand is wedged between her thighs. The top edge of my hand pressed up against the heated denim covering her core.
She jolts and a wave of lust spears through my body.
“Tell me you understand.”
Her body moves a little and I imagine her nodding her head. “I understand.”
Slowly, so every part of her touches every part of me, I lower her to the ground.
When she’s standing in front of me, I search her gaze.
She looks tired. And sad. But she doesn’t look afraid.
I lean in until our lips are an inch apart, hearing her quick inhale. But I don’t kiss her. Not yet.
I reach past her to pull the passenger door open. “Get in.”
Chapter82
Maddie
Doing as I’m told,I climb into Axel’s car, obediently buckling my seatbelt as he shuts the door.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
I can’t believe he’s here.
I watch him as he circles around the front of the vehicle. His muscles bulging. His tattoos highlighted in the late morning sun. His chest rising and falling with his breaths.