Page 38 of The Lion's Reluctant Mate

Alastair nodded.Fear was etched on his face.

Axel released him and turned to her with a victorious smile.The bodyguards released her, and she ran to his arms, snuggling her face into his chest.She fought back the tears of relief.

“Thanks for waiting, Baby Girl.”He grasped her hand and squeezed.“I told you you’d feel it again,” he whispered in her ear.

She nodded.

“Are you okay?”he asked, twisting so he could look at her face.

“I’m fine.I was scared for you.”

“You were brave.You are brave, Alice.”

“Not enough.I—”

Axel smiled kindly.

“Let’s get out of here and talk, Baby Girl.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Alice shifted nervouslyin her seat.She tried to keep herself from fidgeting in the black dress she wore.It had been the only thing she’d found in her closet that wasn’t jeans and hoodies and nice enough to go out to one of the most expensive restaurants in the cities.The soft warm glow of the lights created an intimate ambience.The tables were placed so each diner had a sense of privacy, while the rich purple velvet chairs, a staple of the restaurant, combined perfectly with the rest of the high-end décor.

She took a sip of the wine they’d ordered, relishing the taste.She recalled the last hour of her life with a smile.As soon as they had stepped out of her workplace, Axel had crushed her in his arms and kissed her until she couldn’t breathe.Then, he’d taken her hand and led her to his car.She’d tried to say something, to explain, but he’d told her to save it for later.

“I get extremely hungry after a fight, Baby Girl.We’re going to your place to get you something nice to wear, as well as some essentials for the weekend, and then we’re going out to dinner to The Velvet Parlor.”

“But Axel.”

“No, buts, Baby Girl.I need to eat so I can think and properly woo you.”

“Axel, you don’t need to woo me.”

“Silence, or I’ll spank your ass raw.”

Too shocked to say much else, she’d kept quiet while he made some work calls.Back at her place, he’d helped her pack some things and waited while she showered and changed.Then they’d taken the car back here, and now he’d gone to the bathroom and left her alone with her thoughts.

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