Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 15261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 76(@200wpm)___ 61(@250wpm)___ 51(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 76(@200wpm)___ 61(@250wpm)___ 51(@300wpm)
“No,” I whisper, still pressed against him since he hasn’t put me down. “You don’t scare me.”
Admitting that is probably stupider than thinking about it, but after everything that’s happened to me today, I can’t find it in me to lie. I know how much blood is on this man’s hands, I know all the stories and rumors of his viciousness, but those same hands are on my waist, holding me gently against him, and it’s impossible for my brain to register that as a threat.
“Good,” Axel rumbles, setting me down on my feet just to back me against the wall. “I am not a good man, Ava. Everything you’ve heard about me is true. But, fuck, one look at you and I want to be good for you. You will never have to be scared of me, understand, angel?”
I nod, shocked silent by his declaration.
“Good girl.” I nearly melt right there and then. “Now let me clean you up and then you can rest. You look exhausted.”
I am exhausted, but sleeping is the last thing on my mind as Axel begins to lather soap into my skin. His big hands run up and down my arms, over my shoulders, down my back. Dirt and dried blood from the scratches on my body swirl down the drain. When his hands skim up my stomach to my chest, I inhale sharply, my eyes meeting his.
Holding my gaze, as though reading my reactions closely, Axel cups my breasts, soapy fingers swiping over my peaked nipples and making me shiver again.
Axel curses under his breath. “You gotta stop reacting to me like that, Ava or this is going much further than getting you clean,” he warns darkly.
I arch into his touch. “What if I want it to go further?” I ask, my voice small but sure. His touch feels good, and I want more of it. “I’ve been grabbed and dragged around by too many men in my life, today especially. Coming here was supposed to be the worst thing to happen to me, but already, it’s the best thing. I want your touch to clean me of the memory of everything. I can’t explain it, but I’ve never felt what I felt when I saw you.”
Axel exhales, a shudder working through him that fills me with satisfaction. “Fuck, Ava,” he growls out. “We can’t. I refuse to take advantage of you like that.”
I shake my head. “You’re not,” I insist. “I want this, Axel. I want something for myself. I want to take control of my life for once.”
Standing there in the shower, naked and vulnerable, I’ve never felt more powerful. He won’t push me or force this, and knowing that fills me with a rush of determination. I don’t want to let this feeling go.
I push up on my tiptoes and press my lips to his. For a moment, I think he might pull away and tell me no again, but then his hands tighten on me and he’s consuming me. It’s like something in him snaps at my boldness, untethered.
“You’re mine,” he growls against my mouth.
I don’t try to fight my instincts, winding my arms around his neck and clinging to him as his tongue slides against mine. Our bodies are slippery with soap, but I know he won’t let me fall.
With one hand still on my breast, massaging and exploring, the other travels down my stomach. I feel like I’ve been lit on fire, burning up beneath his hands.
I can’t help the moan that leaves my mouth as he cups me between my thighs, the touch feeling like a claim.
“Fuck, Ava, you’re so wet for me,” Axel groans, dragging two fingers through my center. My nails dig into his shoulders as I clutch him, drunk on the way he’s making me feel. “Tell me you want me to make you feel good, angel. I need to hear it.”
I couldn’t disobey him if I tried. “Please, Axel,” I breathe. “I need you to make me feel good.”
“Whatever you want, I’ll give you,” Axel promises.
I open my mouth to answer but all that comes out is a loud moan as Axel’s fingers slide over my clit, sending bolts of pleasure rushing through me. I fumble for him, needing to feel him too, needing to make him feel the way he’s making me feel.
“God, Ava,” he groans as I wrap my hand around his cock, clumsy and needy. “Shit, that’s it. Just like that.”
“Axel…” My head hits the tile as my eyes flutter shut. He works two fingers inside me, filling me and making my head spin. I squeeze his cock, working him in my fist, addicted to the way he reacts to my touch.
His thumb finds my clit, and if it wasn’t for his other arm around my waist holding me up, I’m sure my knees would’ve given out.