Page 141 of Pretty Broken Wings

“She’s scared,” Axel volunteers.

I cut him a harsh glance, which he pretends not to see.

“Of what?” Gage asks.

I frown. “I’m not scared. I just… can’t. I’m going to start over.”

Gage’s gaze shutters even more.

“I’m a free woman. I can do what I want.” Why the hell do I feel defensive right now?

“Poe is free, but she comes back.” Axel’s look is positively evil. He knows he’s poking me where it hurts.

I stand. “Thanks for lunch. We need groceries. I’ll get them.”

Axel and Gage stand with me. Axel has a slight smirk on his lips. “Awww, don’t go flying off now.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

“I won’t.” Axel points at Gage. “I want you to tell him what to do.”

I glance between them. Gage looks confused.

“I want you to tell him to sit his ass back down.” Axel raises an eyebrow at me. Like he expects me to obey like a good little girl.

“What if I want you to sit your ass back down?” I fire back.

Axel raises his hands and sits on the table. He looks at me expectantly. “Now tell him to do it.”

Gage frowns more. “I’m not gonna?—”

“Shut the hell up and listen to your woman.” Axel turns his gaze to me, and this time, he looks innocent.

What is he doing?

I mirror Axel’s look, deciding to play along with whatever this is. Then I say sweetly, “Gage, would you please sit down?”

Axel makes a disgusted sound.

But Gage does sit. He looks at me with a furrow between his brows. “What are–”

“Now tell him what a good boy he’s being.” Axel locks eyes with me.

The room goes still. My heart is racing. I glance between Gage and Axel, but Gage looks just as confused. Not upset, just confused. Then he adjusts himself in his chair, pulling his pants.

Is he… turned on?

I glance behind me.

“What?” Axel taunts. “Wanna tell Gage why you’re scared?”

“Shut the fuck up,” I say. Axel’s smile doesn’t falter, but he does shut up.

I take a few steps until I’m in front of Gage with Axel sitting beside us. “Good boy,” I say, eyes locked on Axel’s.

His eyes flash with lust. Then, from one of the other chairs, he pulls out a few bundles of rope.

My blood sings. Rope?