Page 29 of Axel

Now, I have something on Axel because I can tell they’re hiding something. Score a point for me because I know Alena is Axel’s best friend’s daughter.

Unfortunately, I can’t confirm what they’re hiding because oh-crap-on-a-kill-me-now-cracker…

Axel found my bug!

I sit at my desk with my earbuds in, and all I hear is white noise.

My heart is racing.

I’m sweating bullets.

Vomit is imminent.

And what’s worse? I watched how Axel gently touched the small of Alena’s back, politely escorting her into his office, and I suddenly felt … jealous … or hurt?

Why? Why the hell do I care?

Alena seems like a nice woman. Like she’s my age and we could be friends. I bond with women; I’m not a bitch to them.

And I hate Axel. Right? I’ve got two strikes against me, and he’s about to fire me, and I love my job. It’s not like I can’t find another one. I can. But I wantthisone. It’s the highest pay I can find in this town, and I love my colleagues.

But I don’t understand what I feel for my dickhead boss.

I just suddenlyfeel.

Everything.

What’s usually numb inside me is alive. That man explodes every emotion through me, the good and the bad. And like an investigator, I want to understand them. Maybe once I understand what I feel for Axel, I can make it stop.

But I need a plan.

On his call with Nick, Axel mentioned “initiating Wren” tonight in his office.

Who is Wren? Why is Nick involved? And who initiates anyone into anything in a law office on a Sunday night?

Exactly. It’s mafia shit.

So before Axel can fire me, I’ll find out. I’ll get the upper hand again.

He’s still meeting with Alena, and honestly, I don’t want him to see me flustered like this, that he made me feelanything, so I shut down my computer and tidy my desk. Taking my handbag with me, it’ll look like I’ve left for the day. Then, I grab a bottle of water and some crackers from the breakroom before I go to the bathroom.

I have to be ready for a long night.

There’s a utility closet in the boardroom. We use it for office supplies, but I’ll use it for my stakeout. I turn off the light in the closet, close the door, and slide down the wall, getting comfortable and quiet in a spot on the floor.

My phone is silent. I am, too. Minutes pass until … I must’ve fallen asleep as heavy footsteps and deep voices awaken me. I recognize some. Of course, Axel. Nash. Sire. Nick. And Zar, too?

Then there are other men’s gravelly voices. And one woman with an accent. No, wait … I heartwowomen.

Through the closed wooden door, I can hear them chatting in the boardroom like it’s a cocktail party until finally I hear the voice I loathe the most say, “Let’s begin.”

Begin what?

It sounds like a wedding service, and Axel is performing the ceremony. It sounds like it’s between Sire and a young woman. “Wren,” they call her, and her voice sounds like a fairy.

Then they mingle like they’re celebrating. Glassestinkincelebration. Flatwareclanksover china plates. They must have food set on the sideboard in the room.

So, that was “Wren’s initiation?” Her wedding to Sire, performed by her now brother-in-law, Axel, and a little reception with guests?

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