Chapter 7
How can someone so irritating be so sexy, and how can Brody be back after he broke me?
-Scarlett
Scarlett
Axel gives me a sensual smile. There is something hidden behind that smile, which sends the flutters in my belly into overdrive. “Stop faking that smile, you big oaf. It's okay to be scared of me.”
Rolling his eyes, he grabs my hand and pulls me firmly down to where he's leaning against the counter.
Hearing a collective gasp coming from our audience of customers and a “Damn” from Jared, our noses are almost touching, our eyes locked.
“You should be scared, little Red, because the big bad wolf is coming for you.” Axel gently whispers.
If he weren't fully holding me upright, a puddle that was made out of only me would be on the floor where my feet now stand.
Screams for him to take me now die in my throat, and if we were not in a room full of people, I might jump over the counter and beg for whatever scraps he wants to give me.
Undignified. Yet, the thought of it burns my insides into an inferno between the apex of my thighs.
The caramel of his eyes is now a smokey toffee color.
He's not unaffected by our interactions.
There is a storm brewing deep within him, too.
His voice is hoarse and melodically commanding, leaving me hypnotized.
“You're coming with me tonight. I'll be outside waiting.
Don't make me chase after you. I hold the keys, remember?”
I nod. “Okay.”
He grips my chin firmly, almost to the point of pain, and there has to be something wrong with me because I love it.
“Good girl.” Axel kisses the corner of my mouth before turning on his heel and walking the hell out.
Two dozen sets of eyes stare back at me.
A cool grandma in leggings and a Dolly Parton t-shirt gives me a thumbs-up, and I laugh.
What else can be done? We wait on the remaining customers, and my manager locks the door.
Jared comes over to me and falls dramatically on the counter, his knees almost touching the disgusting floor.
“Honey, honey. Are you alive? Because I am not alive.
Axel just killed me. He had all of Java Jerry's thinking he was about to fuck you right here on this countertop.
Not a fan of straight porn, but, sorry, Scar. I'd watch that.”
No words will form, not even a smart-ass comment back to Jared.
My whole body is in shock. Laying my head on Jared's back, I groan, which makes him laugh.
My meeting with Axel Creed will be in less than ten minutes, and there is no escaping him.
True to his word, his truck is parked out front.
In the middle of the window, where the stalker that he is can see everything.
This is not real life. Not mine, at least.
Jared finishes his closing duties, walks by the window, and gives a flirty wave. “Oh, Scar?”
“Yeah?” I yell from the side of the counter that can't be seen from Axel's truck. My hand is tired from wiping the same spot 118 times—anything to postpone the meeting to come.
“You may want to come see this,” Jared grins mischievously.
I shake my head. “Nope.”
“Scarlett, that spot is clean.” His grin widens.
I laugh, but here I am still cleaning it. “It's still got a little coffee grounds in the crease.”
“Yeah, well, we all know you're a liar. But seriously, darling, you must be fully prepared for what awaits you outside.” He giggles.
I roll my eyes and glance in his direction.
Standing there in the window, staring back at me, is Brody McDougall.
His wavy blonde hair is falling into his eyes, and the sweet smile on his face brings me joy.
This is Melanie's ex and my crush of all last year.
She's one of my cousin Janet's minions and the prettiest of the cheer squad.
Wasting no time, I unlock the door and quickly run into his outstretched arms. “Brody! What are you doing here?”
“The decision to stay here was last minute, and I just received my schedule this morning.” His blinding white smile beams back at me.
He finally lets me go. I look up at him, and all these one-sided feelings come tumbling back. Unrequited love is no joke. “I'm so glad you chose to stay!”
“Me too. It was the right thing to do, and you were the first person I wanted to see tonight.” He mumbles softly.
My face lights up. Has he changed his mind about us?
“You'll always be my best friend.” He adds quickly when he sees the expectant look on my face.
He kisses my knuckles to heal the blow. My heart reels.
A truck door to my left slams shut, making me jump. Axel. How could I have forgotten he was watching because he always is? My stalker saunters up beside me, taking my hand away from Brody, and smiles devilishly while he makes a show of wiping away the chaste kisses that were just placed there.
What a petty move, but oh, how sexy it was.
Seeing Brody's face fall for once instead of mine is vindication for whenever he leads me on.
He's a good person, but he has done me wrong many times.
Then he started dating Melanie right after telling me he wasn't looking for anything serious. What a blatant lie.
Minus my Dad, my own family barely knows I exist. Janet has always been the favorite—the golden child.
At school, I have lots of friends, but no one has ever looked at me and truly wanted what they saw.
My entire life, I've craved possessiveness and affection from someone else.
For whatever reason, Axel sees me, at least for now.
That realization soothes a yearning that's been buried deep from every rejection that's come my way, from every let's be friends.
***
She's only been publicly mine since Saturday, and I already want to cut a motherfucker for daring to touch her hand. Brody McDougall's short ass better leave before I come unglued. My lawyers may have a busy day tomorrow.
-Axel
As soon as McDougall embraces her, I lose my shit.
My blood boils, and a humming starts in my ears.
Slamming my truck door, I enjoy the fact that the sound makes Scarlett jump.
Bet she's remembered me now. Brody's eyes widen as he looks up into my face, and his mouth parts in surprise.
That's right, asshole, don't touch what's mine.
Pulling her to my side with such intensity, she lets out a little yelp. “We have somewhere to be, Brody.”
“I just need...” His mouth closes as soon as he sees my sneer.
He's not dumb. Better to be a smart motherfucker than a bruised one.
Wasting no time, I direct us to my truck and strap her in tight because my mood is dark and dangerous.
Pissed is an understatement. I've never felt this kind of jealous rage before.
Taking deep, calming breaths, I place my hand on her thick thigh, and it helps relieve some of the pressure that's building there.
“Where are we going?” She asks. I hadn't even realized we were on the road.
“I don't know.” A lie, but she wouldn't know that.
Tonight is ruined as far as asking her to be mine. Plans change, and that talk will come. Turning up the music, I drive with a burning fire in my belly. When this type of rage comes, I either fuck or fight, and neither is an option right now.