Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
T he snow comes down hard as I trudge my way to Lexie’s apartment, heels wobbling with every step and bare legs screaming at me for wearing this damn dress. It’s freezing, and I look like the aftermath of a walk of shame—though technically, nothing happened. Not that anyone will believe that.
I’ve always trusted the weather like it’s a forecast for my life—moody, dramatic, and a little dangerous. It’s almost fitting seeing as there was no weather warning last night.
Lexie spots me from the kitchen as I push through the door, her grin wide and knowing. She leans over the counter like she’s been waiting to ambush me. Two mugs of coffee sit in front of her, steam curling up like a welcome-home banner.
“Hey, dirty stop-out,” she teases, raising one brow.
I zero in on the coffee like a heat-seeking missile, arms outstretched, eyes locked. “One of those better be for me,” I gasp, voice shaking as my teeth practically chatter out a Morse code for suffering .
Lexie offers me a mug—then yanks it back before I can grab it. “Gossip first.”
I groan and slump onto the stool at the counter, trying not to die from cold or caffeine deprivation. “We made out. We talked. We fell asleep. That’s it. Now give me the damn coffee.”
She narrows her eyes like she’s weighing the truth, but eventually rolls them and slides the mug across to me like she’s handing over a trophy. “I need more detail than that.”
I take the mug like it’s sacred, wrapping my hands around it, and taking a long sip before admitting the truth. “Really? That’s pretty much how my night went. What about you?” I ask, a moan slipping out as I gulp down the coffee like it’s oxygen.
“So you didn’t sleep with him?” she teases, raising an eyebrow at me. I shake my head. The disappointment lingers for a moment, but relief soon takes over—I was probably too drunk for anything like that to happen.
“Fine, I believe you.”
I raise a brow, eyes wide in disbelief as she grabs her mug and slips down the hall, calling back over her shoulder, “I mean, you’d have a much bigger smile if you’d just been fucked by Axel Bonanno.”
“Lexie!”
“Get dressed, you slut! You’ve got work!”
I jump off the stool and make a beeline for the shower—it’s the only thing that can warm me up right now besides the coffee. The warm water pelting my skin is shockingly refreshing, chasing away the lingering chill of winter.
When I finally step out, I glance at the clock and rush to get ready.
I have no meetings today, so I skip the makeup and opt for a simple skirt and blouse that Lexie kindly lent me.
I quickly run the hairdryer through my damp hair, pinning it back into a ponytail before grabbing a pair of shoes and heading for the door.
“See you tonight!” I call out, but Lexie’s music is blasting at full volume. I shove everything into my handbag and sprint out of the door, barely catching my breath.
When I reach the office, I’m grateful for the calm atmosphere it offers; with Christmas approaching, everyone’s making the most of the slow period.
Settling at my desk, I’m immediately greeted by Jada, my angel in glowing armor, who hands me a coffee and some tablets.
She shoots me a knowing look that makes me slightly uncomfortable.
“You look like shit,” she remarks.
“Thanks,” I reply sardonically, but she’s already out the door.
By late afternoon, the hangover hits hard. I struggle to focus, trying not to mess up the paperwork on my latest case. Jada has already dosed me with more painkillers and sent over three cups of coffee—I’m on my fourth—when my phone buzzes in my bag.
Axel: You don’t need to worry about the article. A.
My eyes widen as I read the message, signed off by the man himself.
A chill runs down my spine. I dread what he might have done to make Cooper rescind his feature in the Bronx Journal .
Knowing Axel, it could be anything, and I’m resisting the urge to check on Cooper.
I shoot back a reply and hope for the best—because, well, this is Axel.
Me: What did you do?
I’m beyond niceties. Fear grips me as I chew my nails, watching the typing bubbles pop up across my screen. Axel is typing, but it’s taking far too long.
Axel: He just needed a nudge…
The fuck?
Typing…
Axel: …in the right direction.
Axel’s messing with me—sending two messages just to toy with me. Now I’m left wondering which direction Cooper was nudged.
Me: And which direction is that?
I silently pray it’s not off a building.
The bubbles disappear, and I spend the rest of the day wondering what the hell Axel’s message even meant. I’m not even sure if I should message Cooper—if Axel’s done something to him, I could be an accomplice .
“Fuck you, Axel,” I mutter under my breath, catching my head in my hands.
It’s as if he has supersonic hearing, because just as I’m about to call it a day, Axel’s name flashes on my screen. I exhale loudly. Surely, this can’t be good.
“Axel,” I sigh as I answer the phone.
“I’m offended you think so little of me.”
I hear the smirk in his voice. It’s disgustingly sexy and has my thighs clenching in response. Fuck you, Axel.
“Can you blame me?” I retort.
“You shouldn’t let that imagination run so wild,” he purrs, the words traveling straight to my chest, rumbling with approval. “At least not without me there.”
“Axel,” I warn, but my stern voice earns only a soft chuckle. It’s a beautiful sound, like music—chilling and relaxing, euphoric and tense and deep—and I want to hear more.
“Relax,” he sighs as his laughter fades. “Your roommate is fine. I had Ryder pay him a little visit and ask him politely to retract the article.”
“And that’s it?” I question. There has to be more to the story, because I’ve never once heard Axel say please.
“Well, there were probably a few choice words thrown in the mix, but I assure you he wasn’t harmed.”
Axel must have heard the harsh sigh of relief that escapes me—it’s so strong it blows the papers across my desk. I fight the urge to sink into my chair. After a few seconds of silence, the air clears around me, no longer thick with tension and apprehension.
“Thanks,” I find myself whispering. I know he did this for me—more than anything.
But I can’t shake the guilt that the man I’m with isn’t the man I thought he was.
Axel is a dark soul, yes, but he’s never tried to hide it or pretend to be someone else.
Cooper, on the other hand... I had to talk to him, I had to work through what was going on.
“You good?” Axel breaks the silence with a hint of care in his voice. I’m starting to recognize the softness he reserves for me beneath all the grit. Even with his temper, I can feel the raw kindness through the phone.
“Yeah,” I exhale and finally let myself relax. “I need to go, but I’ll catch up with you next week about the trial.”
“What if I want to see you sooner?” he rasps.
His question catches me off guard for a moment. A rush of excitement blooms—not just in my stomach but lower, where it flutters and pulses. He’s flirting, and I know if I bite back, he’ll enjoy it even more. So I just giggle, light and girlish, and sing out, “You know where I am.”
I hang up before another word can be said, before my underwear becomes a sodden mess. The painkillers are already starting to wear off when Jada steps into the room and announces she’s heading out.
“I’m right behind you,” I call, grabbing my bag and coat and moving toward the door.
“I would ask you if you want to grab a drink...” she laughs, but trails off, probably because I look like death warmed over—especially without makeup. “Good night?” she probes, hoping for more than a one-word answer. I can’t tell her the truth, so I offer a simple reply.
“Yeah, me and Lexie were out blowing off steam. It got a little out of hand.” At least that part isn’t a lie, and Jada seems satisfied.
We step out of the office building and head for the subway when I spot Cooper pacing near the bottom of the steps. His hands are stuffed deep in his pockets, his puffa jacket making him look like a marshmallow.
“Cooper?” I call, and he instantly turns toward me. Jada says her goodbyes, leaving me alone with him.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” he snaps immediately, striding toward me with long, determined steps until we’re standing toe to toe .
“What?” I ask, stepping back slightly. I can feel the heat of his anger fueling every word, and I know exactly what this is about.
“You sent one of The Five to threaten me!” He points a finger sharply in my direction, and I retreat another step. If I keep backing away, I’ll make it safely inside, but I also realize I can’t just run off—not in these heels.
“No, Cooper. It’s not like that at all. Just take a deep breath so we can talk.” I try to calm things down, but Cooper’s not having it.
“Don’t fucking baby talk me.” His finger jabs at my chest this time— ouch .
“Cooper, stop!” I hold up my hands, but his eyes blaze with fury. He steps closer, matching my retreat with his advance.
“Calm down,” I plead.
“Don’t tell me to fucking calm down.” He steps forward again, and that’s when I notice someone else approaching.
Within seconds, the man steps between us. I only see the back of his head, but I can tell his presence is enough to make Cooper back off quickly. His aura is thick with authority and darkness.
“You okay?” he asks, turning around. His piercing blue eyes shine under the streetlights, and tattoos crawl up his neck—just like Axel’s.
I blink at him, trying to place where I’ve seen him before.
“Ryder,” he answers my silent question. “Axel sent me.”
The air leaves my lungs and words fail me. Finally, I manage to whisper the only thing I can think of: “Hi.”
He nods and silently takes my hand, leading me to a sleek silver Mustang that gleams in the colorful New York lights.
“I’m taking you home,” he says as soon as I settle into the plush leather seat. I don’t respond. I just let him guide us through the city streets until we reach Lexie’s.
“Thank you.” I manage to stifle the words as I step onto the curb, facing Lexie’s apartment building.
“Stay safe, Cassie,” Ryder mutters back, and that’s the last we say before he peels away into the night.