15. Lainey
FIFTEEN
LAINEY
“You can’t block my road with your robber again,” Ruby throws a handful of popcorn at Axel. “That’s like the third time!”
“What can I say?” Axel grins as he places the black piece directly in front of Ruby’s longest road. “All’s fair in love and Catan. Maybe if you hadn’t stolen that wheat port from me earlier, you wouldn’t be in this mess.”
Ruby narrows her eyes. “Oh, I’ll steal more than a wheat port if you don’t move that robber, Ruins. Don’t test me.”
She grabs another handful of popcorn and chucks it at him, but he ducks, laughing as it scatters across the floor.
It’s Saturday night, and Ruby, Axel, and I are at Axel’s fancy new apartment in downtown Cooper Hills playing Settlers of Catan. His band is on a break from touring, so he invited us over to hang out and catch up. But, like always, the friendly game has taken a competitive turn.
“Your turn, Lainey,” Ruby says, still glaring at Axel. “Please tell me you have a knight card to move his stupid robber.”
I place the robber on Axel’s wheat hex, and he groans dramatically.
“What the hell, Lainey! I thought we were friends.”
“Friends don’t hoard all the wheat.” I shoot back.
“You know what, I’m feeling very attacked right now,” Axel grumbles, throwing his cards down on the table. “I need a snack.”
“Ooh, I want some of those jalapeno chips you always have stocked!” Ruby exclaims.
“And can I get a LaCroix?” I add. “The passion fruit one if you have it.”
Axel sighs and gives us a look. “Anything else, your majesties? Should I fetch your royal slippers too while I’m at it?”
“Well, if you’re offering...” I tease with a grin.
He rolls his eyes but heads to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returns and unceremoniously drops a bag of chips in front of Ruby and hands me a can of passion fruit LaCroix.
“I hope you two appreciate my gracious hospitality,” Axel says as he settles back into his chair. “Especially considering how cutthroat you’re being with this game. I’m wounded, truly.”
Ruby waves him off, already popping open the bag of chips.
“Oh hush, you know you love us. And besides, you’ve been ruthless all night. We’re just playing your game.”
I nod in agreement and take a sip of my drink, but my eyes drift to the expansive window next to us.
Axel notices my wandering gaze. “Like what you see?” he asks with a playful wink.
I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a smile.
“The view is alright, I guess. If you’re into that whole ‘rooms bigger than my entire apartment’ aesthetic.”
“Hey, I offered you the guest room anytime,” he reminds me. “Mi casa es tu casa and all that.”
“Tempting, but I think I’ll stick with my cozy shoebox for now.”
Although technically, I don’t live in my shoebox apartment anymore. But I don’t tell Axel that.
“It’s nice having the gang back together.” Ruby pops a jalapeno chip into her mouth and crunches loudly. “Feels like old times, doesn’t it?”
I nod thoughtfully, my mind drifting to memories of late nights just like this back in high school. The three of us huddled together on the couch, trash talking each other over board games and gorging ourselves on junk food. Back before life got so complicated. Before I...well, before a lot of things.
“Speaking of old times,” Axel says, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Guess who just got hired to play at Lorena Castellano’s wedding?”
Ruby nearly chokes on a chip. “Shut up, Lorena Castellano from high school? The mafia princess?”
Axel grins. “The very same.”
“Wow, Axel, that’s huge!” Ruby says. “Lorena’s wedding is going to be the event of the year.”
“And I haven’t even told you both the best part.” Axel’s grin widens. “You two are invited to the wedding too.”
My stomach drops. “Wait, what?”
“Yeah, I told Lorena that I wouldn’t play unless she invited my two best friends. And she agreed.”
Ruby’s eyes widen. “Holy shit, really?”
Axel nods. “Really.”
“I’m so in!” Ruby exclaims. “This is going to be epic. Lainey, please tell me you’re coming.”
I force a smile, trying to hide the dread pooling in my gut.
Although I’m excited for Axel and his band, my mind immediately jumps to Marcus. He’s going to lose his mind when he finds out I’m planning to attend a wedding hosted by someone he clearly considers dangerous. But what can I say to Axel?
Sorry, I can’t support your big break because I’m secretly dating your dad and he has some intense history with the father of the bride?
The absurdity of my situation hits me all at once.
I’m trapped between wanting to be there for my friend and knowing this news will send Marcus into full protective mode.
I force myself to smile and say, “Um, yeah, of course. Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Gosh, I can’t believe that Lorena is getting married,” Ruby says. “It feels like just yesterday we were all sitting in Mr. Hargrove’s chemistry class.”
“Are you kidding? Lorena’s been planning her wedding since second grade,” Axel says with a smirk. “Her marriage has basically been arranged since birth. You know how those mafia families are.”
Ruby shakes her head. “I could never do that. Marry someone I barely know just because my family says so.”
“Aw come on, Ruby. We all know you act all independent, but deep down you’re just waiting for a man to come along and tell you what to do.” Axel winks at her playfully.
Ruby throws a chip at him. “Hard pass. I’m no one’s arm candy or broodmare, thank you very much.”
Axel laughs then Axel turns to me, his eyes locking onto mine in that way that always makes me feel like he can see straight through me.
“What about you, Lainey?” he asks casually.
I swallow hard. “What about me?”
“Your love life,” Axel says, leaning back with that easy grin of his. “Anything interesting going on?”
I take a sip of my drink, hoping it’ll buy me time to think of something to say. But Axel’s gaze doesn’t waver, and Ruby is that one friend you can never look at when things are serious, because her facial expressions give everything away.
“Nope,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “Nothing going on there.”
Ruby lets out a snort and I shoot her a warning look.
“Really?” Axel tilts his head, studying me like he knows I’m holding something back. “Nothing at all? You’re telling me you haven’t been swept off your feet by some rugged mountain man or something?”
I nearly choke, coughing into my hand as my mind immediately goes to Marcus. His strong hands, his deep voice, the way he looks at me like he wants to devour me whole.
“No. No mountain men in my life,” I manage to say once I catch my breath. I decide to change the subject. “Just dealing with my brother. He got let of prison on good behavior.”
Axel’s eyebrows shoot up. “Wait, what? Derrick’s out?”
I sigh. “Yeah. He got out a few weeks ago.”
“I thought he had two more years left.”
Ruby snorts. “We all did.”
Axel whistles low under his breath. “Damn. How’s he doing? Is he, you know, staying out of trouble?”
I bite my lip. “I mean, he’s trying. Or at least that’s what he says. But you know how he is. He always got some scheme or another brewing.”
“Please tell me he’s not working at the diner.”
“Thankfully, no,” I say quickly. “He’s back running with his old crew. And apparently, he’s got some new business idea he wants to tell me about.”
Axel lets out a sharp laugh. “Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Yeah,” I mutter. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
The room falls quiet for a moment, the weight of everything hanging between us. Ruby shifts uncomfortably in her seat, and Axel reaches across the table, his hand covering mine.
“Hey,” he says softly, his voice gentler than before. “If you need anything—if you need help dealing with him—you know I’ve got your back, right?”
I look up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his eyes.
For all the history between us—for all the messy, complicated feelings we still haven’t fully untangled—there’s something comforting about knowing he’s still here. Still cares.
“Thanks,” I say quietly, squeezing his hand before pulling mine away. “I might take you up on that.”
He nods, leaning back in his chair again, but his gaze stays on me for a beat too long before he finally looks away.
The conversation shifts to lighter topics after that. Ruby starts rambling about some new guy she met at the gym and Axel tells us about his latest groupie conquest. But my mind keeps drifting back to my brother and whatever mess he’s inevitably getting himself into this time.
And then there’s Marcus.
Always Marcus.
I don’t know which one scares me more.
Later that night, I push open the door to the cabin, the familiar creak of the hinges like a welcome home. Marcus is already there, standing in the kitchen with his back to me, his broad shoulders filling out that flannel shirt I love so much.
He turns as I step inside, and his eyes lock onto mine with that intensity that always makes my stomach flip.
“There you are,” he growls.
Marcus crosses the room in a few strides, and before I can even set my bag down, his hands are on my hips, pulling me into him. His lips crash against mine in a kiss that’s possessive and hungry, like he’s been starving for me all day.
He pulls back just enough to look at me, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks. “I missed you today,” he murmurs against my mouth.
My heart squeezes in my chest. Being here with him, wrapped up in his arms—it feels right in a way I can’t even begin to describe. Like coming home after being lost for so long.
I melt into him, my hands sliding up his chest to grip the front of his shirt. “I missed you too.”
“How was game night?”
“It was good. Ruby was her usual chaotic self, and Axel was there.”
Marcus’s expression shifts slightly at the mention of his son, but he doesn’t let go of me.
“Yeah? How’s he doing?”
I shrug, trying to keep it casual.
“He’s good. He just moved into a new apartment downtown. It’s really nice, actually. Lots of space and a great view.”
Marcus nods, but I can see the tension in his jaw. “Good. I’m glad he’s doing well for himself.”
I bite my lip, knowing I need to tell him the rest. “So, something else happened. Axel got hired to play at Lorena Castellano’s wedding. He invited me and Ruby to go.”
Marcus goes completely still. His hands tighten on my hips, and I watch that muscle in his jaw flex.
“Lorena Castellano. Enzo’s daughter.”
“I know what you’re thinking. But Marcus, she’s not like him at all. I went to school with her.”
“Baby, you don’t understand what Enzo is capable of.” His voice roughens. “The things I’ve seen him do.”
“Look, I get it. He scares you.” I touch Marcus’s face, feeling the tension in his jaw. “But this is his daughter’s wedding. Plus, Lorena was always super sweet in high school. She actually stood up for us when other popular kids were being mean to Ruby. She even came to watch Axel’s terrible garage band practice.”
“That doesn’t change anything about her father.”
“This could be huge for Axel, though. Lorena has like two million followers now. Her wedding is going to be everywhere.” I press closer, needing him to understand. “But if you really think it’s not safe, I won’t go.”
Marcus’s thumb strokes over my hip as he thinks. “Reign knows the owner of Fit Mountain Resort. We could probably get the security contract for the wedding.”
“Wait, really?”
“Yeah. Which means I’ll be there.” His voice drops lower. “Making sure nothing happens to you.”
Relief floods through me. “You’d do that?”
“Baby, I’d do anything to keep you safe.” His grip tightens possessively. “And having eyes on that entire event means making sure you stay right where I can see you.”
The possessive edge in his voice sends heat through my body even as guilt churns in my stomach. Here I am, melting at his touch while keeping secrets from Axel. Still pretending nothing’s going on between us.
“We need to tell him soon,” I whisper. “I hate lying. Sneaking around. It feels wrong.”
Marcus brushes his thumb over my cheekbone, his gaze softening.
“I know, baby. I hate it too. And if you’re ready, we can tell the world. I’m not afraid of what anyone thinks.”
I suck in a shaky breath. He makes it sound so simple. So easy. But it’s not.
“Axel will never forgive us,” I say quietly. “You’re his dad. And I’m...I’m me. His ex-girlfriend. His childhood best friend. It’ll destroy him.”
Marcus is quiet for a long moment, his jaw working as he stares down at me. I can practically see the war raging behind his eyes--the push and pull between what he wants and what he knows is right.
“Then we wait,” he says finally. “Until you’re ready. Until we figure out how to do this without blowing up our lives in the process.”
I nod, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “Okay. We wait.”
He leans down, pressing his forehead to mine.
“I’m not going anywhere, Lainey. I’m in this. I’m all in. No matter how fucking complicated it gets.”
I close my eyes, letting his words wash over me. Letting myself believe, just for a moment, that everything will be okay. That we’ll find a way through this mess we’ve made.
“I know,” I whisper. “I’m all in too.”
And I am. Despite the guilt, despite the fear and uncertainty. I’m in this. With him. Whatever that means.
Marcus’s hands slide down to my ass and he squeezes, pulling me flush against him. I can feel how hard he is already, straining against his jeans.
“Alright, enough talking,” he growls, nipping at my bottom lip. “I want you naked. Now.”
A shiver runs through me at the command in his voice. This is the Marcus I can’t resist. The one who takes control, who makes me forget about everything else but the way he makes me feel.
I let out a breathless laugh, my hands sliding up his chest. “Geez, you have quite the stamina for an old man,” I tease, my fingers toying with the buttons of his flannel. “What’s your secret? Yoga? Kale smoothies?”
His eyes heat instantly, that dominant edge I’ve come to crave flashing in his gaze.
“Old man, huh?” He steps closer, crowding me until my back hits the wall. “I’ll show you an old man.”
Before I can even respond, he scoops me up effortlessly. I let out a surprised squeal, wrapping my arms around his neck as he carries me down the hall to the bedroom. His strength never fails to make me feel small and safe, like nothing in the world could touch me when I’m in his arms.
He kicks the door shut behind us and drops me onto the bed with a bounce. I barely have time to catch my breath before he’s on top of me, his weight pressing me into the mattress. His beard scratches against my neck as he nips and kisses his way up to my ear.
“You think I’m old?” His voice a rough whisper that sends a thrill through me.
I bite my lip, trying to suppress a grin. “Well, you do have some gray in your beard.”
He chuckles darkly, his hands sliding under my shirt to grip my waist. “And yet you’re the one squirming like a teenager every time I touch you.”
I gasp as his fingers trail higher, brushing against the underside of my breasts.
“That’s because you know exactly what you’re doing,” I breathe, arching into his touch.
“Damn right I do.”
He pulls my shirt over my head and tossing it aside. His eyes rake over me hungrily before he leans down to capture my lips in a searing kiss. It’s possessive and demanding, just like him, and it leaves me dizzy with want.
When he breaks the kiss, he sits back on his heels and starts unbuttoning his flannel with deliberate slowness.
My eyes follow every movement as he reveals more of that broad chest covered in tattoos and scars. There’s something about the way he carries himself—confident and in control—that makes my heart race.
“Don’t move,” he commands as he shrugs off his shirt. “I think a little punishment is in order for that ‘old man’ comment.”
My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of him - all hard muscle and rugged strength. A thrill runs through me at his words, heat pooling low in my belly.
“Oh yeah?” I challenge, my voice coming out breathier than I intend. “And what exactly did you have in mind?”
Marcus smirks, a dangerous glint in his eye that makes my toes curl in anticipation. He leans over, his hands planted on either side of my head, caging me in beneath him.
“Oh, I have a few ideas,” he rumbles.
And then he shows me—over and over again—exactly why age has nothing to do with it.