Axel Read online

  “Axel, seriously.” She crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes at me. I saw that exchange between you a few minutes ago. You both were about to jump each other here in the bar. I’m not an idiot.”

  It was either hot in there all of a sudden or my face was beet red with embarrassment. I opened my mouth to deny it but I couldn’t. I shook my head and smiled.

  And admitted something to myself - I wanted Harper back. Maybe we couldn’t pick up where we left off. Maybe it was too late for us. All I knew was that I wanted to try.

  The waitress came over with a tray of shots and all serious conversations were done. We did a shot together and Diesel ordered more. I originally planned on being the designated driver, but Mom had sent me a text telling me to have fun with my brothers and that I could call her if we needed a ride. Thirty-five years old and I was still getting rides from my mother. Only me…

  We made our way to the crowded dance floor, singing along to popular songs the DJ was playing. We danced in a large group together, exiting the floor the few times a slow song was played.

  I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Harper all night. I caught her looking at me a few times as well. We would smile but didn’t really hang out together. I wanted to talk to her, but this wasn’t the setting to discuss our future or the one I hoped to have with her.

  On the way back from the restroom, I found her talking to Jake, an old classmate of ours. She was laughing and had her hand on his arm. He leaned in to whisper something to her. I watched them, my blood boiling that he had his hands on my girl and was making her laugh.

  I was about to turn around and walk away when a slow song came on, I marched over to Harper. “Dance with me.”

  I didn’t even ask; I commanded it and dragged her away from Jake. I lead her to the dance floor and turned around to take her in my arms. She felt even better against me than I remembered.

  “What the fuck was that, Axel? I was talking to Jake and you come be all caveman on me, dragging me off to dance. You might as well have thrown me over your shoulder and taken me out of the bar.” Her face was red and memories of our fights made my cock twitch in my jeans. Harper was fierce and we would fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but when we made up, it was fucking amazing.

  I put my thumb under her chin and lifted her head so she could look at me. “I didn’t like you talking to him, Harper. You belong to me.”

  Chapter 4 ~ Harper

  My throat went dry as I processed what Axel had just told me.

  For the first time in a long time, I was speechless. He pulled me closer and his lips were on my ear. “You’ve always belonged to me. Even after all this time apart. There’s not a day that has gone by where I didn’t think of you and I suspect the same for you.”

  “Axel, it’s been a long time. A lot has happened.” I left him and married someone else. Yeah, a lot had happened.

  “I don’t care.” He spun me around the dance floor, his one hand dangerously close to touching my ass. “You’re back in town and I believe that there’s a reason you’ve come back into my life. When I saw you tonight, especially every time I saw you talking to one of my brothers or any male that wasn’t me, I had the overwhelming urge to claim you. That’s primal, Harper. Even my body tells me you belong to me.”

  I couldn’t believe this was even happening. It was a lot to process right now. A small part of me did think about getting back together with Axel when I came back to town, but I dismissed it as unrealistic. Why would he want me after what I did?

  “But we don’t even know each other anymore,” I protested.

  “Bullshit. I know you and you know me.” He smiled with that sexy crooked smile that made my knees weak every time. “I bet if I slipped my hand down inside your panties, you’d be soaking wet and ready for me. Don’t tell me you don’t know me and don’t belong to me.”

  I gasped at his bold words. He hadn’t forgotten what it did to me when he talked to me so crassly.

  “I dare you to tell me I’m wrong.” His voice was thick with desire and need. He pressed into me and I swore I could feel the outline of his erection through our jeans.

  I couldn’t tell him he was wrong. Every since he pulled me into his arms for a dance, my body was on fire from being so close to him. My nipples ached and there was a heaviness deep in my belly. I guess I shouldn’t ignore what my body was telling me either.

  The slow song ended and the DJ began to play a local favorite band, so his brothers and my sister came back out on the dance floor. Once again our conversation and our moment was interrupted. This time I was thankful as I wasn’t sure how to react.

  I managed to avoid Axel for the next little bit. I stayed glued to my sister’s side or made the rounds talking to all the people I hadn’t seen for years. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to see me and no one asked me any questions about my divorce. It made me feel even better about my decision to come back to Mountain.

  About thirty minutes before bar close, the DJ made an announcement about it being the last call for alcohol. I couldn’t even believe I made it out this late. I couldn’t remember the last time I closed down a bar or even went out to the bars for that matter. My ex-husband wasn’t a fan.

  I made my way to the bathroom. I went in and did my business. As soon as I came out, someone grabbed me and pulled me aside.

  Axel.

  “You can’t keep avoiding me, Harper.” He put a hand up against the wall, trapping me there as he stared down at me.

  “I’m not.” I was such a bad liar.

  “Yes you are. How come?” He moved closer and I couldn’t breathe. In my lowest points over the past years, I’d thought about this. I thought about what it felt like to be in his arms and close to him. I even let myself fantasize us getting back together.

  I bit my lip as the tears threatened to fall. The alcohol definitely wore down my defenses. “I’m scared.” I covered my face with my hands. He reached and pulled them down, brushing away the tear that had escaped.

  “Why are you scared? And why are you crying?” His voice was gentler now and concern flashed in his eyes.

  I took a deep breath. “I’ve thought a lot about you since I left, especially the last few years. I realized I made a mistake and you’re the love of my life. I shouldn’t have left you. I prayed you’d forgiven me and hoped there was a sliver of a chance you would take me back.” The tears flowed freely down my face now. “Now here you are in front of me and I’m scared. I’m scared you’ll reject me.”

  “Oh Harper,” he sighed and took me into his arms, crushing his lips against mine. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him back feverishly. His lips roamed over mine while his hands cupped my ass and held me against him.

  We pressed our foreheads together, breathing hard when the kiss ended. “I’ve thought about you all this time as well. I was hurt, but I was never angry with you. We were just kids back then. Yeah I was hurt and I went through a time when I thought the world was going to end because that’s what happens when you’re eighteen and lose the love of your life. But I got over it. I grew up. And part of me deep down inside hoped and prayed you’d come back to me.” I laughed. “And look. Here you are. Best Christmas present ever.”

  My broken heart was soaring. I was back home with my family and the love of my life wanted to give me a second chance. After all the shit I’d been through, I couldn’t believe it.

  “Harper! There you are! It’s time to go home.”

  Axel growled as we broke apart quickly when my sister walked into the hallway. She pretended she didn’t see anything, but I knew better. I would probably get grilled on the way home.

  “Give me your phone.” I pulled it out of my back pocket and handed it to Axel. I watched as he typed in my phone number. He handed it back, making sure his hand brushed against mine. “There. Now you have my number. I sent myself a text from your phone. I want to take you out on a date.”

  I nodded and smiled. I felt like I was dreaming.

>   “Let’s go. I need to go pass out.” Charlotte grabbed my hand and dragged me away from Axel. “You can talk to him later. I need my bed now. I already called Mom to come get us.” Her phone dinged and she lit up. “Oh, she’s here. Bye Axel!” She waved at him as led me away from him.

  “You guys are so gross,” she said, but I could tell by the way the corners of her lips were turned up in a slight smile, she was teasing.

  “You’re just jealous.” I stuck my tongue out at her as we climbed into Mom’s car.

  I couldn’t stop smiling as Mom drove us home. This was definitely the best Christmas ever.

  Chapter 5 ~ Axel

  I woke up the next morning with a headache and a smile. I wasn’t used to drinking that much but I had an amazing evening with Harper, so it was worth it. I started a pot of coffee, downed a bottle of water, and took a couple of ibuprofen. I grabbed my phone off the charger and pulled up the text I sent myself from Harper’s phone last night.

  Good morning, Beautiful.

  I smiled when I saw the bubbles popped up to let me know she was responding.

  Hey you. Last night was fun.

  Thankfully the coffee was done and I poured myself an extra large cup. I needed it. I sat down at the small island in the middle of the kitchen.

  I was wearing a pair of gray sweatpants and t-shirt that I had slipped on this morning. We had gotten a ride home from Mom last night and when I got home, I undressed and passed out in bed. I dreamt of Harper all night, thinking about everything I was going to do to her when I finally got her alone.

  Last night was amazing. What are you up to today?

  The coffee was starting to do its job, clearing the cobwebs from my head.

  Family stuff. You know how it is around the holidays.

  I did. We had a Christmas party today and family plans all weekend as well so it looked like I would have to wait a few days to see Harper. That sucked.

  Me too. Let’s not wait too long to get together. Have a good day.

  I glanced at the clock. I had to shower and shave a get a move on.

  You too xo.

  Her last text made me smile so big. I must have looked like fifteen years old again with a dumbass smile on my face like when Harper and I first started dating.

  I took a long hot shower, thinking about what it would be like with her in there with me. I started stroking my cock but I made a vow I wasn’t going to cum, not until I could do it inside her.

  We were just kids when we lost our virginity together. We had what I thought was a good sex life back then, but now that I was older, there was so much more I wanted to do with her and to her. I groaned and rinsed off before Mom came over and yelled at me for being late.

  The next couple of days were a whirlwind with family parties and doing all of those last minute things you need to do before the holidays. Harper and I did some texting, keeping in touch over the days, but nothing too deep. We were both so busy.

  After another Christmas dinner with my family followed by gift opening, I was impatient. Everyone was sitting around chatting and it was lightly snowing outside. I needed to see her.

  Mom was in the kitchen finishing some clean up when I walked in. “Mom, do you mind if I cut out and go to Harper’s?”

  She smiled and threw the dish towel over her shoulder. “I was wondering how long it would take you to ask that. It’s been hard not seeing her since the other night, hasn’t it?”

  I stuffed my hands into my pockets and nodded. “Yeah.” She had no idea. I had been walking around semi-erect since my shower the other day. Of course it was about more than just that, but I was ready to claim my girl back.

  “I’m happy for you.” She came over and kissed my cheek. “Go get her, sweetie. Tell her and her mother I say hi and Merry Christmas.”

  “I will.” I grabbed my coat off the hook by the back door and slipped out. I didn’t need my brother’s harassing me, so I left without drawing attention to myself.

  The drive to Harper’s mother’s seemed to take forever. It didn’t help that it was snowing. When I pulled up, there were two or three extra cars in the driveway. That made sense since it was Christmas and Harper told me they were having family over.

  I parked my truck in the road and walked to the front door. Before I could even knock, Charlotte opened the door with a grimace on her face. She quickly came outside and shut the door.

  “You have to leave. Harper’s ex is here.”

  “What the fuck?” I hadn’t been expecting that.

  “I don’t know. He wants to get back together with her. He showed up this morning. If I were her, I’d kick his ass out but he’s been stuck to her side since he got here.” She shivered and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Well, I guess I was totally wrong about the other night. I thought she felt the same way I did.” I rubbed the back of my neck with my hand. I felt like a total fool, coming here after her.

  “I don’t know Axel.” She put her hand on my arm. I’m not sure what she’s doing. I would talk to her before you jump to any conclusions.”

  “Whatever. Tell your mom Merry Christmas for me.” I turned and went back to my truck, my hands in my pockets. I was going to go back to my house and drink until I passed out and forgot about this girl who broke my heart not once, but twice.

  Chapter 6 ~ Harper

  This had been the most bizarre Christmas ever. It started with David showing up on my mother’s doorstep this morning, wanting to get back together. I told him no way in hell but with the storm, it wasn’t safe to travel. It was Christmas, so I couldn’t just send him off to be alone. I always was a pushover when it came to him.

  He kept following me around and pushing the issue. I was about five minutes from kicking him out when Charlotte had pulled me aside and told me Axel had been there. I couldn’t believe she told him David was there. I grabbed my purse and coat, telling him I wanted him to leave and I never wanted to see him again.

  Now I was on my way to Axel’s. I tried to call, but his phone was off. Fuck my life. I could only imagine what he was thinking.

  The snow had made the roads slippery and visibility was terrible, but I didn’t care. I had to get there. I gripped the steering wheel and prayed to Baby Jesus to get me there as quick as possible.

  I pulled up to his cabin where his truck was parked haphazardly. I ran to the front door and started knocking.

  “Let me in, Axel! It’s not at all what you think.”

  I could hear him inside and I muttered for him to please let me in.

  He opened the door and leaned against the door frame, a bottle of beer in his hand. “You shouldn’t be out in this, Harper. Travel isn’t safe.” He took a long drink.

  “Whatever, Axel. Charlotte told me you stopped over. I know my ex was there but he showed up unexpectedly this morning to win me back.” I rolled my eyes and almost gagged. “I told him there was no way in hell that was going to happen but I wasn’t going to send him out in this storm, so he was hanging out. I would never ever get back together with him.”

  Axel didn’t say anything. He just stood there looking at me as the snow fell around us. “Please.” Tears filled my eyes. “I love you.”

  “Ah fuck it. I always was a sucker when you cried, Harper.” He opened the door and motioned for me to come in.

  I stepped inside and slipped off jacket while he put his beer down in the kitchen. I was about to have a seat on the couch so we could talk when he walked up to me quickly and swept me up into his arms.

  “I’m tired of talking. I want you, Harper. I want to be with you. I want to make love to you. Hell, I want to fuck you.” His voice was thick with desire as he easily carried me to what I assumed was his bedroom. “This is your last chance. You can say no now and I’ll set you down and we can go our separate ways. If you don’t, you’re mine forever. I’ll never let you get away again.”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere, Axel. I wan
t you to fuck me.”

  He growled and picked up his pace, entering his room and tossing me on the bed gently. “I wanted to take my time with you Harper, I really did, but I need you. I need to be inside of you and I need to claim you.”

  He tore at my clothes, pulling my sweater up over my head. He moved to my boots, taking them off and throwing them on the floor while I undid my jeans. He yanked them down until I was lying there with only my bra and panties on.

  “You’re so gorgeous, Harper.” He tore off his t-shirt and slipped between my legs. My body was on fire and the smell of my arousal filled the air. He moved his hand between my legs, starting at the inside of the knee and sliding up until he cupped my pussy. “So sexy.” He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of my panties and took them off with one fell swoop. “Take off your bra.”

  I propped myself up on my elbows and reached behind me to unhook my bra. I removed it slowly with a smile and tossed it next to the bed. I’d dreamt about this moment with Axel. I never thought I would be with him this way again but here we were. I was afraid I would wake up and this would all be a dream.

  “I’m done messing around, Harper,” he growled. He finished undressing and I reached for him. I needed him inside me.

  He parted my thighs roughly with his hands before reaching up to cup my face and kiss me. “I love you, Harper,” he whispered as he thrust inside me. I gasped and wrapped my legs around his waist, taking him in deeper.

  “You feel so good,” I mumbled.

  “Fuck, you do too. I’m not going to be able to go slow. There’s a lot of things I want to do with you and to you, but that will come later.”

  “I don’t want you to go slow, Axel. I want you to claim me again,” I whispered back, my hands on his face. I meant what I said. I had been a fool and wasted all those years away from him. Now we were back together and I didn’t want to waste any more time.