Page 105 of Axel

“So, we stay here.” Zar saves me. “Tomorrow, we’ll sail to Delos on a day trip. The next day, Santorini and…”

Zar makes the most of Axel’s command that we stay here in Greece, where he, Nick, and Scarlett can keep me safe.

The old me would feel trapped and angry. I’d want to run.

The new me feels … like I wish Axel were here.

But I make the most of it, too. After dessert, we go up to Luca’s lavish penthouse suite with five bedrooms, and I disappear into mine to change for the club.

Even with the sun down for hours, the nights are warm,and the dance floor is hot. I tie the halter top of my white, gauzy minidress in place. It’s paper-thin and toga-style, but I don’t bother with heels. The dancefloor is smooth, with wooden planks scattered with occasional sand, and perfect for dancing barefoot until dawn.

For hours, we do. Dancing replaces my morning runs, relieving my stress. I smile with sweaty bodies pressed against mine.

I love seeing Rose happy and dancing with a hot brunette. Cherry is flirting with the DJ. He’s invited her to stand with him, showing off his deck of mixers.

Scarlett lounges in the VIP section, catching up with Luca’s security team. She’s not drinking. She’s not dancing. I know my sister is pregnant, and I love her. I understand her fears. I’ll let her tell me when she’s ready.

Nick and Zar dance beside me. They’re drinking. I’m chugging water. They muscle all the men away from me while I laugh, rolling my eyes at their protection.

The DJ drops a new beat. It’s erotica electronica, and what the Mykonos Mercier with its hedonistic vibe is known for. It’s all primal tension building into a euphoric climax, like a musical orgasm for a hundred people.

Half-naked bodies—sweating perfume, cologne, and musk—writhe around me. Couples kiss. Groups touch. Solo dancers get lost in the carnal rhythm.

Closing my eyes, I feel the visceral beat, all the way to my lonely, wet core, and all I can think about is Axel.

I wrap my arms around my waist, like he did every night. My nipples pebble, missing his touch. My sex tingles, like he’s near, but I’m shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.

I’m surrounded and happy, though my heart aches alone. I’m in love for the first time, and it doesn’t scare me. This raw, new mix of emotions keeps me company while everyoneseems to have someone, but I don’t. I feel so much, as if Axel’s here with me, but …he’s not.

It’s how I’ve felt every night, dancing alone, and?—

A granite body crashes against my back, strong arms suddenly capturing me, trapping me and I gasp, trying to twist to smack the shit out of the man. He’s obviously a big, handsy one.

My eyes snap open to see Nick and Zar kissing and not paying attention while I’m being mauled on the dance floor.

“Fuck off, you piece of?—”

“Oh, we’re fucking, Wildfire.” A deep voice steams over my ear. “Trust that I chased you halfway around the globe, and I’m fucking you right here.”

Axel doesn’t let me turn around. He lets me melt into him, happy tears weeping down my cheeks.

I glance down at his corded forearms, bare and covered in ink, seizing me in his embrace. My back, bare in this halter dress, sweats against his naked chest. His muscles are like slick rocks, gliding over my flesh. His erection, thick and threatening, wedges against my ass.

He has to be wearing pants, and I know he always wears shoes, but he’s not wearing a shirt. I can feel it. I can smell his intoxicating aroma—cologne and masculinity—and I glance around to catch eyes turned, admiring his menacing form.

Nick and Zar smirk, like they knew he was coming, and go back to kissing, their tongues dancing together, and proud.

Axel presses his bearded lips to the shell of my ear. “Are you going to be a good girl and obey? Or are you going to fight me? Just know, either way … I’m about to fuck you.”

I could be a good sub and kneel on the dance floor for him.

Or I could be a queen and make him kneel for me.

But I know him. I need him. Axel grinds into me,surprising me with how he can dance, how he’s melding his body against mine, my fire melting with his ice. We’re elemental. One can’t exist without the other. An undeniable attraction of opposites. A sacred alchemy.

He dropped everything. He walked away from his family. He flew in their jet. He gave up hours; he sacrificed all, I know…

To chase me.

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