Page 141 of Axel

Roman’s talking about him.

“Then, they came out an hour later and walked straight to Delta’s,” Roman concludes, “where they met two more men who look like my brothers, too.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

RUBY

“We need to name them.”Axel pets the kitten prowling up his chest.

I lie nude on my side, nestled against him. We’ve been cuddled in bed all day, watching movies. Then, he brought Sparky and the kittens to bed for some comfort, too, and I understand.

For two days, he’s been quiet, processing the shock of his son.

“But they all look alike.” I pet another golden fur ball. “I can’t tell them apart yet.”

“This one has white sock feet.” He pets the one on his chest. “And this one,” he reaches for the one, climbing his thigh. “Ouch. With sharp claws, has a white face and?—”

But I feel this for him too much. Axel’s hurting, and I want to help him talk about it.

“What did you want to name …him?”

I’m not asking about our kittens.

Axel’s moved us to a villa at a golf resort on Daniel Island. He said Alena’s wedding is here in three days, and the kings own this resort. They have it locked down and covered withsecurity. And he said he wants me to come to Alena’s wedding.

No hiding behind a lace hood this time.

I’ll join him as his future queen.

“Max,” Axel answers me heavily. “I always wanted to name my first son after my real father, Maxim. My mom’s second king. The man who helped us escape.”

“Maxim was good to you?”

“He was good to all of us. He was a Vor. Avory v zakone. It’s an elite status in the Bratva. They’re leaders. They settle disputes. They’re connected to politicians, and that’s how we got out. Maxim used his connections. Burned them, actually. To get us out, knowing he’d never go back. He crashed his plane into the Baltic Sea and died for us. My father thought we were on that plane.” He pauses. “Or sowethought.”

“I believe Roman,” I say warmly. “He was hurt just like you. I don’t think he’s a threat.”

“I don’t either. So that means…”

“That means it was someone else who told your father and Katya where you were.”

Axel nods, silently rubbing Sparky’s chin. She sits beside him, loyal and purring.

“Do you want to talk about him? Lev?”

The hinge of his jaw flexes. “I’ll kill him if he’s hurting him.”

“Roman said he’s not. He said your father is old and dying. Maybe after losing his sons. Maybe he’s changed. Maybe his grandson is too precious to him. He won’t hurt him.”

“If age doesn’t kill that man first, I will. I’m going to rip my father’s throat open for what he’s done.”

I kiss the black skull on his shoulder, believing him.

After a moment, letting his rage pass, he says, “I wonder what he looks like.”

“Like you,” I answer tenderly. “You’ve got all that alphaDNA. I bet he has dark hair and brows with a perfect nose, perfect lips, and blue eyes that melt your heart and?—”

“I want one with you,” he interrupts, turning to me. “Ruby, I swear I’ll get my son back. I feel sick, worried about him, wondering about him. I won’t rest until Lev is home, safe with me. Withus. I’ll never give up on him, and I want one with you, too. Daughters and sons. A real marriage. A woman I love and trust. Old age and rocking chairs and?—”

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