Page 62 of Double Standards

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 hisvoice. 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.