Page 29 of Axel Martin

“He’s military.”

“So… yes.”

I sank onto the couch. “Why are you here? Your friends Jake and Tiff called and told me you were injured. Why didn’t you call me? I’m your only family.

She flopped into the chair across from me, propping her feet up like she owned the place. “Jake said you had a close call and might be in a vulnerable emotional state. I figured now’s a great time to check in, remind you that you still owe me an apology for that thing you said at Grandma’s funeral.”

I blinked. “You mean when you showed up drunk and told Uncle Howard his new wife looked like a retirement home stripper?”

“Exactly. That thing.”

I pressed my fingers to my temple. “You are exhausting.”

“Andyouare squatting in the woods with a hot mercenary who apparently lets you wear his clothes and possibly fight tornadoes while concussed.”

“I’m not squatting—”

“You know what I mean. First you take off in that RV and now I find you living in the woods.”

I glanced toward the back door, praying Axel wasn’t about to walk in. He’d met a cartel boss, rescued hostages, and flown helicopters in combat zones—but nothing would prepare him for Marley Bennett.

She studied me, suddenly more serious. “So… are you okay?”

I hesitated.

“I don’t know. I mean, I survived. But now I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I can’t chase storms forever. But I’m not exactly built for PTA meetings and lemon bars either.”

Marley tilted her head. “Have you ever thought maybe you don’t have to pick one or the other? Maybe you could… I don’tknow… start something new. Something that scares you in a different way.”

I stared at her. “Since when do you say smart things?”

She shrugged. “Since I ran out of dumb ones.”

There was a beat of silence before she added, “Also, when Jake told me about the accident, I freaked out. I quit my job at the newspaper, broke up with my boyfriend, and drove here on a whim, so I need a place to crash for a few days. Surprise.”

Of course she did.

I groaned and dropped my head back against the couch. “Axel’s going tolovethis.”

Marley smirked. “If he can survive you, he can survive me.”

27

Axel

Iopened the door and immediately knew something was wrong.

It wasn’t the smell. It wasn’t the quiet. It was the sound oflaughing. Loud, chaotic, borderline cackling.

Frommyliving room.

I stepped in and paused.

Lark was curled up on the couch in my shirt, cheeks flushed, laughing so hard she was wheezing. A woman who was identical to Lark sat cross-legged in my favorite chair—mychair—eating Cheetos from the bag like it was a formal meal.

She turned, saw me, and grinned. “Oh, youarehot.”

I blinked. I looked from one to the other. “Who are you?”

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