Page 118 of Axel

He fights another grin. “It’s a coincidence that out of one hundred and ninety-three countries, he picked the U.S. and its seventy-first largest city to crawl over the brick wall of the one discreet sex shop where we meet?”

“Okay, Carolina Law, you can spout all the facts you want, but don’t underestimate the power of a good vibrator.”

I understand Axel’s stressed to a deadly degree, so I at least need to make him smile.

It works. Then, he gets that hungry look in his eyes, aiming his lips for mine. “And don’t underestimate how I’m about to fuck you for hours.”

“Hold that thought.” I smush my fingertip to his lips. “This feels like the perfect time to tell you I’m running an errand tomorrow.”

His pressed lips fume, “Youjustgot home.”

I drop my hand. “It’ll only be for an hour or so.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“You’ll ruin the surprise.”

“We won’t survive surprises, Wildfire. We have to plan everything.”

“Okay,” I sigh. “Somewhere between my lonely life before I knew you and my happy life of loving you, a wanted ex-Bratva PacMan, I need to be able to do things on my own sometimes.”

He shakes his head. “Not without me or another king with you. Atalltimes.”

“Hang on. Dare I suggest that you think like your father? I will surely be a target if spotted with any of his sons. But shopping with my sisters, he won’t know me.”

He sucks his teeth.

“Good point, right?”

“Where are you going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“What did I just tell you about surprises?”

“It was a lecture; I wasn’t listening.”

He lowers his brow. “Where.Are you going?”

“You can track my phone.”

“I already do. From now on, we have to anticipate him, not react to him.”

“Fine,” I huff. “I’m going to Delta’s with Scarlett and Zar.”

“Fine.” He nods. “Delta’s is always secure. And after that, I’ll take you shopping.”

“For what?”

“A surprise. And you’ll wear the new bracelet I bought you, too.”

I clap. “From Tiffany’s?” I might’ve been raised in a trailer, but I know those robin egg blue boxes.

He chuckles. “No. With a hidden panic button.”

“Oh well,” I sigh, “a country girl can dream.”

Reaching for Sparky, I give her some attention, then turn to find his eyes sparkling at us. “You’re loving this, aren’t you?” I ask. “Me, letting you be in control.”

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