Page 13

N ormally, people would describe him as calm, laid-back, but fierce when needed.

Axel believed this was the first time he’d jumped the gun.

He’d laid everything on her. What he wanted to do to her physically and emotionally.

To boot, he’d invited her to his home to do it.

He was certain she wouldn’t accept. After all, he hadn’t taken the time to build her trust, which from the little he knew of his Alice, was something she required.

However, the moment he’d had her close, the second he’d touched her, the animal within him had taken control.

More and more the lion wanted her, needed her to be his.

Every minute stretched like an hour without completing the mating.

Alice had to feel it too or she wouldn’t have come or even touched him. He had the impression everything she’d done to this point was going against her character. It was insanity, and yet neither of them could stop it.

“Yes,” she said.

The widening of her gaze betrayed her surprise.

His beast let out a satisfied roar within its confines, sending a flash of pleasure darting through his system.

Axel clasped Alice’s hand and kissed the top.

She shivered and he smiled, pleased at her reaction.

The fact they were running a wild race didn’t matter—doing it together was the key.

“Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?” he asked.

Alice’s jaw dropped.

“No.”

“Guess today will be a day of many firsts. Come on.” He pulled her to her feet. She rose unsteadily, balancing herself with a hand on his chest. His lion mewled with delight at the touch, and he tugged her closer. She froze.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—” she blurted.

“There’s no need to apologize, Baby Girl. You can touch me all you want.” He slid her hand to his open collar. She didn’t fight him, her digits flexing on his flesh. Her lips parted inviting a kiss. His lion roared, demanding more.

“I...” she whispered. “This.” She shook her head slightly. “I can’t breathe.”

Axel clenched his jaw. Her breathless words slammed him back to the reality of the moment. What was he doing? He had to take things slowly. He took an unwilling step back.

“It’s okay, Baby Girl. One breath at a time. In through your nose, count to four, now out.”

Alice followed his rhythm. “That’s right.” He held her hand and squeezed. “Easy does it.”

After a few seconds, she finally managed to give him a weak smile.

“Thanks.” Her cheeks burned. “It wasn’t really a panic attack. I just, well, touching you...” She left the sentence hanging.

Axel chuckled.

“Trust me, I feel the same way. Are you ready, then?”

She nodded. Relief swept through him, and he let out a breath of relief he’d been unaware of holding. Not only did she also want him, she still desired to leave with him.

“Let’s go.” Grabbing his helmet and leather jacket, he led her through the back door of the bar to an alley where he kept his bike.

“This is it.”

Alice remained rooted on the spot, staring at the vehicle as if it were an alien contraption.

“It doesn’t bite, I promise.” Opening the helmet lock, he pulled out his spare helmet. “Here, you must wear this.”

She took it but still didn’t move.

“Let me help you.”

Gently, he brushed back her hair and adjusted the hat onto her head. He swallowed, fighting the urge to steal a kiss. Instead, he turned and put on his own protection. Getting onto the motorcycle, he reached for her hand.

“One foot up and then the other,” he instructed, steadying her. “That’s it. Hold on to me. Tightly.”

He revved up the engine.

“The most important thing you must remember is that when we hit a curve, you lean toward it, okay?”

“Yes,” she replied, pressing herself closer to him. A sigh escaped him. She was here. This would work out. Eventually.

He hit the road, enjoying the wind on his face and the warmth of her body behind him. This would be their future. He grinned, happiness covering him like a warm blanket. He took a bend, and she did as he instructed, albeit he didn’t miss her yelp of fear.

Slowly, Axel.

He hadn’t caught his prey yet. Finally, after what seemed to him an endless ride, they reached his home. He hit the remote and the heavy gates opened slowly. Her gasp was audible in his ears.

“You live here?”

He rode through the dimly lit driveway trying to take in the sites like a newcomer would.

A golden sea of tall grass sprawled in both directions dotted with trees and shrubs.

The starry sky was clear above them, almost devoid of any light pollution.

Finally, as they approached the end of the road, the large Southern style house came into view.

“Welcome to my pride lands, Baby Girl.”