Chapter 23
Chapter
Twenty-Three
JO
The Louvre is quieter now, the last visitors shuffling toward the exits as we make our way through the final galleries.
My legs ache a little, but in that satisfied, full-of-life way, and I feel a light buzz of excitement and fatigue.
Axel is beside me, moving with that powerful, confident ease I can never stop noticing, even when I try.
His green eyes glint in the light streaming in from the tall Louvre windows, all the time I’m pretending to be completely immersed in the art. But all the while, I can feel that pull, the magnetic current I can never quite resist.
We round the final corner and see the gift shop, tucked in a corner by the exit. Immediately, my eyes light up.
“Oh! Gifts,” I exclaim, heading toward the shelves. “I need to get something for Jenny, Serena, and Olivia. And maybe something for my mum too.”
Axel follows me into the gift shop, amusement dancing across his face.
“And let me guess,” he says, his eyes scanning the displays. “You’re going to find the perfect little trinkets for each person?”
“See, you get it. Perfection is important,” I say firmly, grinning at him. “Especially when you’re choosing for friends.”
I pick up a basket and drift along the shelves, my fingers brushing over delicate replicas, art-themed bookmarks, and little ornamental trinkets. I pause at a small, whimsical sculpture of a cat, sleek and playful.
“Jenny would love this,” I murmur, placing it gently in my basket.
Next, I spot a set of hand-painted coasters with swirling green and gold designs.
“Serena would get a kick out of these. They’re just her taste, elegant but fun.”
Finally, I find a delicate scented candle in a glass holder, etched with intricate floral patterns.
“Olivia would adore this,” I say softly, holding it up and smiling as I imagine her reaction.
Axel watches me carefully, silent for a moment before he speaks.
“And your mum? You wanted something for her too, didn’t you?”
His voice isn’t exactly sharp, but there’s an edge of curiosity, maybe a little incredulity to it. I nod and try to explain.
“Yes. I … I can’t hate her forever, Axel. Even after everything she did, I have to forgive her. She’s the only person I’ve had my whole life. All said and done, she loves me more than anyone else will or ever will.”
He frowns slightly, thoughtful. “But she hurt you big time, didn’t she?”
I sigh. “I know she did. I’m not excusing it, but I can’t stop loving her. My love for her is pretty unconditional. I can’t turn it off. She’ll always be my mum, Axel, and that … that doesn’t just go away.”
He’s quiet for a moment, studying me, and then his face softens. “Okay, yeah, I get it.”
He reaches for a shelf near him and pulls out a small, delicate silver pendant in the shape of a lily. “For my mom,” he says simply. “She’ll appreciate something simple and classic.”
I watch him surreptitiously as he wanders off to pay for his gift, the corner of his mouth twitching into a faint grin. There’s something so undeniably him about how he does everything. He’s careful, precise, but with that undercurrent of warmth he rarely lets slip.
I go back to browsing the shelves and find a pretty brooch in the shape of a butterfly that I think my mum will like. I add it to my basket and head up to the counter, and pay for my items. The small purchases somehow feel like the perfect cap to an incredible day.
Axel waits for me near the exit, and as I walk towards him, I’m already thinking about him, about the day we’ve shared, and about what tonight might hold.
Axel holds the door open for me, and I step outside.
Outside, the streets of Paris are bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun.
Axel falls into step beside me, and we begin walking back towards the hotel.
The city is alive with the hum of traffic, the scent of fresh bread, and the distant laughter of café patrons.
Axel reaches into his pocket and pulls something small from it.
He holds it out to me, a subtle grin on his face.
“For you.”
Curiosity sparks through me as I open it. With delight, I realize that it’s a tiny replica of the sculpture I loved earlier, the one with the flowing skirts and the delicate lines. It is just as perfect in miniature. My fingers trace its edges, and I look up at him, my eyes wide.
“Axel, thank you. This is perfect.”
He shrugs, a faint teasing glint in his eyes. “I thought you might like it. You seemed invested.”
“I love the Louvre. Every single thing about it,” I admit, sliding my hand into his as we continue walking as though it’s the most natural thing in the world.
He intertwines his fingers with mine. “And tomorrow, it’s only fair that you get to choose anything you want us to do. I’ll go along with it.”
He raises an eyebrow, giving me a slow, deliberate once-over. His gaze is calculating and suggestive, and I feel the heat spike between us.
“Hey,” I say, smacking his arm lightly, laughing. “I’m not wasting a day in Paris for that.”
He smirks. “Fine. I’ll think of something other than that then.”
I bite my lip, a small, dangerous smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. “But we can do that tomorrow night.”
He freezes, just for a heartbeat, and I see pure lust flicker in his eyes.
I know I’m treading on unfamiliar ground, but the day has been so intoxicating, so full of laughter, teasing, and the magic of Paris.
And right now, with him beside me, I don’t care about anything but the fresh breeze and the feel of his hand against mine.