Axle Novel – I saw the club girl Grace took Axle by the hand and led him past a doorway, displayed a neon “V.I.P. Lounge” sign. He was with a stripper! I followed them secretly. I stayed there hiding behind the curtain long enough to capture her slowly lowering herself down, using one dainty hand to guide him in, entering bareback as she loudly moaned in obviously feigned delight before riding him hard. “Oh, Grace, you know what to do to make me happy.” ‘’oh…h. I’m better than Elena.‘’ She giggled. Hoping that he would look at me, that he would see the pain in my eyes and push the other girl away. But he didn’t. Having gotten what I needed, I walked out of the SAMCRO motorcycle club, I felt a sense of relief.
Elena Last nightI lay awake long after Axle’s breathing level out. I think I’ve only had a few hours’ sleep. His arms are still as tightly around me as they were when he fell asleep. His vulnerability bled through when Victor’s bike fell, and seeing him tormented because I’m working at a place he doesn’t perceive as safe stirs up inner turmoil. I told him I wouldn’t have intercourse with him, but I think I was trying to convince myself of that. There’s been no pressure from him, and he seems happy to just spend time with me. That only makes me want him more. I can’t help but compare him to my ex. Henry was a three-pump kind of guy, and I’m convinced that Axle isn’t like that.
The thought shoots straight to the juncture between my thighs, making me wiggle my butt. “I wouldn’t be doing that if I were you,” a deep, sleepy voice murmurs behind me, making me smile. “And if I do?” I tease. My mouth slams shut. Who am I? His arms tighten around me. “If you want something, babe . . .”—his husky voice drifts off for a moment—“all you’ve got to do is tell me.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” When he rubs himself against me, his hard thickness presses into my behind. My breathing deepens and I shiver with lust. I’m desperate to have intercourse with him, but the warnings I’ve gotten from everyone give me pause. I shuffle over to get out of bed, until big arms lunge and swoop around me, pulling me back into his chest, making me laugh.
“Nah, you’re staying here with me, baby girl,” he says seductively. His voice is tinged with playfulness. My phone rings, so I jokingly smack his arm. “I’ve got to get my phone.” His arms tighten. “No, you don’t.” “Please, Axle,” I say, trying to keep the amusement out of my voice. “Beg again for me,” he purrs. “Axle!” I warn, then he chuckles and lets go. I reach over quickly and grab my phone. It’s Mel calling. “Hello,” I answer. “Oh, hey,” she says. “Someone mentioned you have today off.” “Yes,” I reply slowly as Axle shuffles closer to me. “I do.” “Any chance we can swap shifts?” I let out a sigh. I really wanted the day off. Axle snatches my phone from my hand. As I’m about to object, he says into the phone, “No, she’s not changing shifts.” He pauses while staring at me, then disconnects the call and passes me my phone. I drill my displeased eyes into him.
“You shouldn’t have said that.” He gazes at me with one brow raised. “You let people treat you badly. If you’re not willing to stand up for yourself, I will.” My heart seizes, and I smile at him. He’s right. I probably would have given in and said yes to swapping shifts. It’s nice to know someone’s looking out for me. The aroma of bacon wafts through the room, making Axle sit up straight. With a long moan, he rubs his hands together. “Are you ready for breakfast?” he asks. I smile at his eagerness for food. “Certainly.” We both get out of bed, and as I walk to the door, he strides forward and stands directly facing me, blocking the door. He directs a sharp glance at me. “What’s wrong?” I ask. He tuts. “No. You’re not leaving this room until you’re wearing something . . .”—he gives my shorts a long stare—“something that covers more of this up.”
He squeezes my thighs. I try to hide a smile at his overprotectiveness. I take one step to the side of him, making out like I’m trying to get past him and to the door. With one quick movement, he picks me up, steps over to the bed, and throws me down. I bounce as I land on the mattress and squeal with laughter. “Don’t test me, baby girl,” he warns, then picks up his shirt from last night and throws it at me. “There . . . wear that. It should cover more of your skin.” I get off the bed, stand, and pull his shirt over my head. It smells so good. The hem of the shirt falls below my knees. It covers more skin, but I look like a mess in it. He steps toward me, grabs a fistful of his shirt, and abruptly yanks me to him until I’m glancing up into intense stormy eyes. “You look so nice in my shirt,” he says before briefly crashing his lips to mine. I love how he takes control.
His lips curve into a smile against mine. “Let’s get some food. I’m starving to death.” I chuckle as he takes my hand. It’s quiet when we descend the stairs, but while we navigate through the house and toward the kitchen, I hear voices outside. Axle leads me out the back door. Everyone is sitting at a long wooden table in the back yard. Platters of food have been set out along the center of the table. I recoil—everyone is staring at us. I give them a tight smile as a blush creeps up my face. Grace and Vera are sitting together between Reaper and Candy. Grace says something to Vera and they both stand, their chairs scraping back. With heads held high, they grab their plates and walk past us. Axle tugs on my hand, and we sit in the chairs Grace and Vera vacated. With Axle now seated next to Reaper, I sit next to Candy, who gives me a small smile.
Axle loads his plate with bacon and eggs, toast, and hash browns. I follow his lead but dish up only one-third of his plate of food. “What?” he asks me. My eyes flick from his plate to his face. “Nothing,” I murmur. I smile, wondering where all the food goes, because he’s fit. There’s chatter around the table. “Nice shirt,” Viper muses. I peer down at the black War Brothers MC T-shirt that’s hanging off me. “Yes,” Axle answers for me. “She looks hot in it.” Then his eyes narrow. “You take your flirty eyes off her.” Viper chuckles. “I haven’t seen this overprotective boyfriend side of you.” He raises his brow. “I must say, it’s highly amusing.” …. When I step inside the clubhouse, Grace is cleaning up the table near the stairs.
I’m surprised. From what I’ve seen, the house is a mess most of the time. With my head down, I try to dart by her. But as I pass her, there’s a pull on my arm and I’m yanked back. “Is it true?” she searches my eyes. “Are you and Axle together?” I pull my arm out of her grip and take a moment to observe her. There’s a slight tug at the corner of her lips, like she’s smothering a smile. I don’t like it, but I answer her. “Yes.” She shakes her head at me. “Are you really that clueless?” She giggles while my stomach churns. You think it’s a coincidence you’re with him? Like you’re going to reform a player. People like him don’t change. I’ve been serving him when you’re not here, you know?