Page 13 of Freeing Denver
He grins, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “Didn’t have much of a choice.”
I sniff and turn to Helena. “I’m sorry, Helena. This is Axel. Ranger’s son.”
“I can tell,” she says, her smile soft. “Are you hungry, Axel?”
“Thank you, but … I really need to talk to Denver,” he says, and his brows pinch together. “It’s about Dad.”
Helena gives us privacy, and Alistair watches as I lead Axel into the living room. We sit beside each other, and I hold his hand, squeezing gently, reminding myself this is real.
“I’m sorry,” Axel says quietly, focusing on our joined hands. “I know you and Ethan tried so hard to get me out, but … I saw the explosion on the news, and I couldn’t sit around. By the time I got your messages saying you were okay, I was already back in California.”
God, I should have known that would happen, but so much has changed these last few days that checking on Axel has been the last thing on my mind.
“Why didn’t you call?”
“When I saw Dad, I knew I needed some time with him.”
The words blow me away. In all the years I’ve known Axel, he’s never willingly spent one-on-one time with his dad. The only thing they have in common is their blood.
“He’s a mess, Denver,” he says gently, meeting my eye. “I’ve never seen him like this. He … he hugged me when I got home. He’s barely said a word other than he’s glad I’m back.”
I shake my head. “He’s manipulating you into staying.”
“He told me to go home. He said to go back to wherever it was you sent me to and not tell him where it was. Said it wasn’t safe here.” He searches my face, and I can’t hide my disbelief. “Tell me what the hell has happened, Denver. What’s changed since I left?”
He deserves to know. This involves him and his new life.
Once I start talking, I can’t stop. I tell him everything. The breakdown of my relationship with Ranger, coming to New York, falling for Colt, finding out about Theo. I tell him about Spider and the explosions that tore so much from us.
And I tell him about Ranger trying to kill Theo and me.
Axel closes his eyes when I get to that part. He tenses his jaw and looks away, feeling the shame only Ranger should feel. “Fucking Christ.” He releases my hand to rub his face. “Is Theo okay?”
“Daniel,” I correct quietly, forcing a smile. “He’s back home in Florida. He’s being watched. He’s safe and healthy.”
I check on Theo daily, my men close by giving me updates and photographs when things get too difficult. If I allow myself to think about it too much, I’ll go to him, and I’ll do something that I shouldn’t.
I’ll take him back.
“I’m so sorry, Denver,” Axel says. “I’m so fucking sorry for everything he’s done.”
“It isn’t for you to apologize.”
“Dad came to New York with me.” I immediately stiffen, and he clasps my hand in both of his. “I told him I wanted to see you, and he was worried about me going alone.”
“Bullshit. Remember who he is?—”
“I know who he is, Denver. And as for what he’s done … it’s unforgiveable. But I think maybe you should see him.”
I yank my hand free and stand. “Axel, you have spent the last eight years begging me to stay away from your dad, and there’sa reason for that. He’s lost me for good, so he’s switched tactic. That’s all.”
“He’s broken.”
“Good.” My voice cracks, my throat suddenly painfully dry. “He should be broken. He ruined me. Heusedme. He doesn’t deserve me, or you, or Theo. He’s a fucking monster, and he should die alone.”
Axel doesn’t argue, but he does look away. He’s been in Australia for a year, so maybe he’s forgotten who we’re dealing with, but I haven’t been allowed to forget. Ranger has plagued and twisted my every thought for almost a decade, and I won’t fall into his web again.
“He didn’t ask me to come here,” Axel continues softly. “He hasn’t told me what to say or encouraged me to bring you back. If you go to him, he won’t expect it. I don’t forgive him, and I’m not asking you to forgive him, either, but I’m begging you to consider seeing him.”
