Page 183 of Axel

“Someone hand him a tampon,” Grant mutters.

“Shut up,” Delphine whispers. “That is a word? No?”

“It’s two.” Zar chuckles. “And yeah, congratulations, you two.”

We laugh. We hug. We celebrate.

Everyone mingles as Ruby tries to hide her gag at the caviar we serve, but I laugh, handing her a napkin so she can spit it out.

But she devours the Korovai, the traditional, hand-braided Russian wedding bread that my mother always prepares for the occasion.

“Can we serve this at our wedding?” she asks.

I grab her by the waist, pulling her near. “I’m going tospoilyou at our wedding. Jesus fuck. Between our families, imagine all the bridesmaids and groomsmen.”

“We can just elope.”

“We can just get our asses handed to us by The Queen if we do.”

That makes her stare turn, sharply aiming it across the room. “So is thatmyqueen’s throne beside yours?”

I glance at it, and want her to know. “Yes, and it’s new.”

“Really? When did you buy it?”

“The day after I hired you.”

Her sapphire eyes gleam. “Liar.”

“No, baby. Never again. I value you, our love, and my dickhead way too much to not tell you the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God and every queen who will kick my ass if I don’t.”

“So, that’s my very own throne?”

“Yeah. It becomes yours tonight.”

A wicked thought takes me. My darkest fantasies with her are about to come true. They’re swelling my cock.

Pressing my thumb to her lips, she obeys, sucking it while I ask, “Do you want everyone to watch how you’re mine?”

She nods.

“Do you want my brothers to be a part of your initiation?”

She moans, and I lean down, steaming my lips over her ear, “Do you want me to let them touch you while you earn your throne?”

“Please, my king,” she pants over my thumb.

Yes, jealousy prowls through my veins. But this possession? This taboo? This claim and pure control I have over her, and who touches her? Yes, Ruby’s complete trust in me is far more intoxicating.

“Go put your collar on and get ready.”

“Yes, my king.” She kisses me, then aims for the door.

“I’m coming with you.” Vale jumps up.

“Me, too!” Wren joins them.

“Finally.” Delphine follows, clapping.

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