Page 19 of Stalked By Axel

“The mechanic,” he says with a laugh. “They were whining something about a fucking Rebel mechanic showing up to cause trouble.” I scoff at his words. It’s true that I’m well known in the city for the quality of my work, but I hadn’t realized I was so recognizable. “So, what were you doing there?”

My eyes shift to the group playing their game across the fire pit once more, and it’s Brooke's turn again as she climbs to her feet. She reads something on a card and nods before spreading her hands once more, giggling as she moves her arms in front of her body in a sweeping arch.

“The wave!” someone yells, followed by a series of other off-base guesses.

The time ends before anyone guesses correctly, which makes Brooke break into a groan. “It was a rainbow. Guys, we’re losing!” The girls cry out in disappointment before someone points out that the men are ahead by only a single point. This makes everyone grow even more competitive as they all start to razz the opposing team. “That was exhausting. I think I need a drink.”

A couple of the other girls call for a break as well, and Brooke flashes me a smile as she and the others walk past us toward the bar.

“She’s the reason,” I say with a sigh. “Brooke and her best friend went to Rave. I followed to keep an eye on them, and when things started to get out of hand, I get them out.”

Gray sighs. “I don’t want to know how she got her hands on a fake ID. She’s been pushing boundaries lately. Should we be worried?” he says, turning to meet my gaze, and I’m reminded that I’m far from the only man here who cares for Brooke.

I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter how she got it. I destroyed it. She won’t be hitting up anymore night clubs either.”

“Is that right?” Gray cocks a brow at me.

“That’s right,” I confirm, meeting his stare head on. He studies me for a while, reminding me of the look Saint gave me earlier before looking away with a laugh.

“I guess everyone expected this,” he says, taking another sip of his beer. “She’s always had her eyes on you. No one stood a chance against the infamous Rebel mechanic. I was less certain about you, though.”

“What about me?”

“Do you love her?”

I pause, searching through my mind for a way to put into words what I feel for Brooke. She’s easily the most important person in my life. Has been for a while, perhaps even before Kane asked me on his death bed to look after her.

The thought of not having her in my life threatens to send me into a tailspin. My feelings for Brooke are stronger than I can articulate. It goes beyond love, but I don’t have a word for it. Obsession, maybe?

“I care about her,” I tell Gray. If I am to profess my love, then Brooke is the first person who will hear it. “She deserves better than me. Some guy her own age that’s going to give her everything she deserves, not some obsessive fucker who wants to kill anyone that dares look her way. But I made her father a promise.”

“That’s…not what I expected,” Gray muses.

“Yeah, well, it’s how I feel about the girl. I can’t help but think Kane would have wanted a better man for his little girl.”

“Would it have made a difference if he were still here and objected to you being together?”

“No,” I say without hesitation. Kane was my hero, but the feelings I have for Brooke are easily stronger than any opinion anyone has of us. I would have worked my ass off to prove to my mentor and best friend that I was worthy of being with Brooke, but I wouldn’t have let her go.

“We both know Kane loved and trusted you. Otherwise, he would never have asked you to look after her. He could have easily asked Saint or any one of us to look out for Brooke. We all would have been willing, but he asked you.”

He did.

And I’m going to make it my life’s mission to protect the girl, make her happy. Give her a life where she never has to feel alone. I’ll do my damnedest to make sure she never wants for anything.

The talk with Gray clears a bit of the lingering doubt in my mind, and I realize that I need to speak to Brooke. I turn around to look at the bar, surprised that they are not back by now. I assume that she just went to the bathroom and force myself to wait a little longer, chatting with Gray about club matters before I decide that I can’t take it anymore.

I’m about to head out to search for Brooke when I notice Ingrid and Jade walking back in our direction. I breathe out a relieved sigh until I notice that Brooke still isn’t with them.

Where is she? Did something happen? Is she sick?

My brows are knit in confusion and worry as I push out of my chair and approach the girls. They stop in their tracks when they notice me, and at first, I don’t make out their expressions, and when I do, I realize that they are glaring at me.

“Jade, Ingrid,” I start, ignoring their glares. My worry for Brooke overrides whatever personal beef they have with me. “Where is Brooke?”

“You would love to know, wouldn’t you?” Jade says, accusation in her tone.

“Yes, Jade. That’s why I asked.” She might be the presidents girl, but I’m not going to be intimidated by her.

---