Page 10 of Come Around
Chapter Four
SAMI
True to his word,Axel waits at the corner table until my shift ends at 2 AM.
I’ve spent the last three hours sneaking glances at him between mixing drinks. He hasn’t moved, hasn’t even looked at his phone. He’s just been watching me with those intense eyes that somehow manage to make me feel both protected and hunted at the same time.
The whole situation is surreal.
This morning, I was just another struggling waitress trying to make rent. Now I have a famous musician claiming I’m “his woman,” and my coworker is practically pushing me into his arms.
I grab my purse from under the bar and sign out. My feet ache, my lower back throbs, and my customer service smile has long since faded. All I want is a hot shower and my bed, but the hot water in my apartment has been out for days, so even that small comfort is beyond reach.
Axel stands as I approach and unfolds his tall frame from the small table. “Ready to go, Kitten?”
“Beyond ready.” I adjust the strap of my purse nervously. “It’s been a long night.”
Just then, my stomach lets out a loud, embarrassing growl. I freeze, mortified by the sound.
Axel frowns. “When’s the last time you ate?”
I think back through the day, trying to remember. “I had a muffin this morning.”
“That was hours ago.”
“I’ve been busy.” I cross my arms defensively. “And money’s been tight.”
Something dark flickers across his face. Without another word, he takes my hand and threads his fingers through mine. The contact sends warmth shooting up my arm, and I’m too tired to pull away.
“I know a place that’s open late,” he says, leading me toward the exit.
“Axel, I just want to go home.” But even as I protest, my stomach betrays me with another loud rumble.
“Food first. Then home.” His tone leaves no room for argument, and honestly, I don’t have the energy to fight him.
We walk out into the cool mountain air together, his large hand engulfing mine. The parking lot is mostly empty now, with just a few cars scattered under the streetlights. My green Beetle sits alone in the far corner, looking even more pathetic than usual next to the sleek vehicles around it.
I wrap my free arm around myself, wishing I’d brought a heavier jacket as the night chill cuts right through my thin work clothes. Axel notices immediately.
“Are you cold?” he asks, his eyes scanning my face.
“I’m fine,” I say automatically, even as a shiver runs through me.
Without hesitation, Axel shrugs out of his leather jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. The weight of it settles around me, still warm from his body, and his scent envelops me.
I should protest. I should hand it back and insist I’m fine. Every feminist bone in my body is screaming at me to reject this insane caveman behavior. But the jacket is so warm, and I’m so tired, and it feels so damn good to be taken care of, even in this small way.
“Thank you,” I whisper instead, pulling it tighter around me.
His eyes darken with satisfaction, and I realize I’ve just fed the alpha male beast.
Great job, Sami.
“My truck’s over here,” he says, guiding me toward a massive black pickup that gleams under the parking lot lights.
He opens the passenger door for me, and I climb in, immediately sinking into the plush leather seat. Then we pull out of the parking lot, the engine a quiet purr beneath us.
“Lainey mentioned you’re new in town,” Axel says finally, his eyes on the road ahead.
