Page 61 of Double Standards

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 themost 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 theBronx 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.”