My heart ached as the last words left my mouth. Somewhere deep down, I knew I was being emotional and irrational. But damn, after everything I went through, I had every right to be pissed.
“Why do you think you’re not important… to him?” Was he even listening to what I just said? Comical laughter erupted. Joshua put his hand on mine. “Why don’t you come downstairs? It’s almost dinner time.” When I pulled away, he was insistent. “I won’t let you starve yourself for an ungrateful boyfriend.” He winked at me.
“Okay. But only because you called him an ungrateful boyfriend,” I responded.
I’m glad I didn’t miss dinner. It was delicious.
“I didn’t know you could cook this good.” I took another bite and moaned around the delectable steak.
“I didn’t,” he simply said.
“Take out seriously can’t be this good.”
“Axel cooked dinner… to apologize,” Joshua said carefully, drawing out each word. I nearly choked on the piece of beef. “Listen, kiddo, God only knows that I haven’t been the greatest big brother in the world. Hell, no matter how much I try, I can’t seem to be able to spend more time with you. But you’ve always been my number one priority.”
“What are you getting at, muskles?”
He looked down at his food, twirling his fork into the mashed potatoes.
“I hate admitting this.” He looked uncomfortable. “Axel…”
“Don’t go there.” I finally understood. “You and he aren’t the same.”
“He loves you, killer. He’d do anything to make you happy. Even die to keep you safe. Just as I would. His love toward you is unconditional.”
I knew Axel loved me. Elijah told me that much not too long ago too.
“I’ve never seen anyone bust their ass to get a girl to forgive him like he did today.” He smiled at me. “That’s not a store-bought cheesecake.”
I admit, my heart swooned a bit with the mention of the homemade cheesecake. Axel really did go out of his way to plan this big, absolutely scrumptious meal for me… for us. But, that still didn’t excuse the fact he didn’t have the decency to at least let me know he was okay. Even to apologize in person.
“Well, he isn’t getting off the hook just because my stomach’s satisfied.”
Okay, maybe now I didn’t want to kill him with my bare hands.
Nonetheless.
“Well, I could ban him from the face of the earth if you want me to.”
“No,” I shouted too quickly.
Joshua gave me a knowing smile.
“I’ll let him suffer for few days.”
“If he lasts that long.” He chuckled. “Cut him some slack okay, kiddo? We’re all flawed in some way. Do what you feel in here,” he said, pointing to his own chest. “And wherever you go or whatever choice you make, dive in without holding back.” He rose from the dining chair and paused before he reached the sink. “At least his flaws are tied to his responsibilities.”
I raised my eyebrows. There was no way in hell Joshua knew what Axel was. Or did he? Did Axel actually tell Joshua the truth? I shook my head at that abstruse thought.
No way.
What did Axel say that had my brother eating out of his hands? That, I’d love to find out.
“Here.” Joshua handed me two dozen red roses after the dishes were done. “From Axel,” he said with a pat to my head.
I turned to head upstairs.
Once I got into my room, I noticed light sparkling between the flowers. I took a closer look and pulled out a gold-dipped rose. There was an inscription along the golden stem.
“I will love you until the day this rose withers. Your Alexander”
A shiver passed through me as I reread his endearing words and the meaning behind them. Love was meant to be experienced in the darkest of misery and through the lightest of happiness. It was both hope and despair. It wasn’t easy. But nothing worthy comes easy. If it were, it wouldn’t be eternal… immortal… indestructible… That much I knew.
Loving Axel was complicated… even dangerous… But Axel and I were infinite.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
I told Joshua I would be spending the night at Pey’s and we’d ride to the airport together. That is a lie. But he wouldn’t let me go if I told him where I was headed. I mean, what kind of big brother would allow his baby sister to spend a night with her boyfriend?
I parked my car a block away and walked toward Axel’s house. He once told me about a door concealed by a bush at the rear of their home that led to the basement. I just prayed the basement door wasn’t locked.
“Ouch,” I yelped as I stumped my toe on something hard. I should’ve brought a flashlight or something.
Great planning, Einstein.
Using the backlight of my phone, I searched for the trapdoor. After a few more stubs and unnecessary bruises, I finally found it.
“No wonder this was unused,” I mumbled and opened the door. It creaked on the rusty hinges and I froze in place, holding my breath. After a moment’s silence, I slipped inside and found myself dropping three feet to the boreal cement floor.
Stifling a surprised squeal, I stood up and dusted off my knees and hands before heading up the creaky stairs.
Can this night get any better?
As I approached the door, my hand reached for the cold knob and twisted it slowly. Once again I prayed it wasn’t jammed or locked. When the door opened without hesitation, I let out a sigh of relief.
Now the hard part is done…
I used my not-so-super ninja skills to sneak up the stairs and smiled at myself for making it this far without detection. A reverent moment of silence followed me when I slipped into Axel’s room, closing the door behind me. I locked the door with a soft click before turning around. I gasped.
The curtains were drawn open to the backyard. Small flickers of light illuminated the room at the ceiling level, giving it a solemn ambience befitting the moment. The silhouettes of the trees danced against the walls of the room in a wavelike pattern. A huge fake fireplace hung midway on the wall in the far corner of the room, giving the impression of warmth. To the left, a stack of unorganized books, CDs, and movies were dispersed. Good to know he wasn’t all about classics and messy like any other teenager. I ran the tip of my finger along the edge of the shelf, observing the details of his world. A study desk and plush, green rectangular sofa faced west beside the huge door at the far end of the room, which I presumed led to his private bath and closet.
Very few pictures added tranquility to his room, but one in particular caught my eye. A beautiful woman, with waist-long thick black hair, stood in a white ballroom gown embroidered in a golden floral pattern. She smiled at a little boy, maybe seven years of age, in a tuxedo, looking up at her with a mischievous smile, hands totally dirty. I recognized that smile.
Alexander and his mother.
I turned around to face a massive king-size bed in the middle of the room, covered in plain green and white mixed bedding. In the middle, Axel sprawled in his sweat pants. Hell, even in his sleep he was God-made perfection.
Seeing him half naked, my heart skipped a beat and nerves kicked in. Tight ridges and contours graced his back as it rose and fell to the rhythm of his breath. His triceps were toned like Michelangelo’s marble sculpture.
No freaking flaws.
Not fair.
My body struggled to supply enough oxygen-rich blood—which currently all seemed to head south—to my brain. I definitely didn’t think this through. I took a couple steps toward him.
Between his shoulder blades, a tattoo glistened against the silhouettes of the dark night and beckoned me to touch. A griffin. That must be the magical marking he once told me about. It looked strikingly beautiful against his olive skin, and my fingers ached to trace its beauty.
Placing my travel bag next to his bed, I kneeled beside him and tracked the marking without touching him, afraid to wake him. My eyes traveled to his peaceful, unearthly face.<
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How was it that even when he wasn’t trying, he could make me feel so weak and vulnerable? Unable to resist, I reached up, placing my hand on the curve of his jawline, gently caressing it. His hand covered mine. He murmured something unintelligible, then tugged my hand to him as he rolled to the other side.
My breath caught in my throat as my body came flush against his, leaving no space between us, my chest to his back, my legs spooned against his, my arm snuggled across his chest. I fit perfectly against the curve of his hardened body. My cheek rested against his shoulder and I inhaled his fresh spring scent mixed with his aftershave. I lay next to him, listening to him breathe, as he gently kissed the tips of my fingers, starting with the pinky. My heart accelerated with every touch of his soft lips against my skin.
He rolled back, pulling my arm around his bare waist, his eyes still closed, peaceful. He held my face between his hands and his lips grazed over mine with tenderness, like he was testing for my response. He moved slowly, brushing my skin with his lips as if he whispered sweet things. His warm breath fanned over my lips and goose bumps erupted over my body. I burst with ecstasy at that moment. After not feeling his touch for almost a week, it drove me to undeniable passion.
He flatted me on my back as he hovered over me, lowering his lips back to mine, and whispered, “Petere me, mea. Claim me, my beloved,” before kissing me more urgently. I closed my eyes, forgetting everything but him. I savored his scent, his taste, his body pressed against mine. I felt everything.
He. Wanted. Me.
I bucked against him as he nipped at my bottom lip, my hands automatically moving to his hips, pulling him closer. He brought each of my hands above my head and held them there gently. A seductive smile curved his lips as he traced his other hand down my shoulder, waist, finally settling on my hip. He slid his hand between my legs and moved it to the outside of my thigh, grasped it with a desperate need, and wrapped it around his waist.
His lips parted mine and I whimpered. He leaned down, starting another trail of kisses along the curve of my jaw, neck, and the hollow space below my throat. His lips found mine again while he traced his hand up my thigh and hips, pausing at the hem of my shirt. I shivered, letting out a pathetic moan at his warm touch. I bucked under him again, wanting more than I could ever be satisfied with.
There was so much desire, so much need and heated intimacy. No freaking wonder sex was never going out of style.
Letting out a sigh of contentment, I opened my mouth and he swept in, deepening the kiss. The way he indulged and tasted me was nothing less than seductive. His finger tugged through the loose ends of my hair, releasing it from the ponytail. I wanted to anchor myself to him.
My heart slammed against my chest, screaming to feel him against my bare skin. There was nothing I wouldn’t do if he asked. His hand caressed my skin under the shirt, inching higher and higher. I half-gasped, half-moaned in response as my eyes rolled back.
In that exact moment, I heard a commotion, like ten different objects clattering against the hardwood floor. He opened his eyes, locking them with mine. His bright blue irises were clouded and glassy, like he was in a drunken trance. For a minute neither of us moved. His heart beat against my chest, and we both panted like we just finished ten marathons. His finger traced along my jawline. He buried his face into my neck and kissed the sensitive skin below my ear.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice sultry. “Even in my dreams, you’re nothing less than a goddess.”
“Oh.” I gasped. He nibbled the bottom of my earlobe, pulling it into his mouth. “T-this is definitely not a dream, Alexander,” I stammered, closing my eyes, feeling my toes curl.
Axel’s head jerked up. Realization dawned over him and he cursed under his breath, rolling to the other side of his bed.
“I need to stay away more often,” I said, breathing hard, unable to hide my blush.
“I’m sorry—”
“I’m not complaining.” I moved closer to him, laying my head on his bare chest and resting my hand on his waist. Axel curved his hand on my shoulder, drawing circles on my arm, obviously trying to temper down his desire.
“Not that I’m complaining, but what are you doing here?” I heard a smile in his question.
I tilted my head only to find him grinning like he won a million-dollar lottery. He leaned in, giving me a feather-light kiss on my forehead.
“You aren’t upset anymore?” His eyes stared back, studying my reaction.
I shook my head. It was time I explained myself. He deserved that much. “I was scared.” I propped myself up, sitting next to him. He sat up straight against the headboard. He took my hand, his eyebrows pulled in. “I saw you almost get blown into kibble-size pieces and that wasn’t the worst of it.” His eyebrows shot up as his body stiffened. He glanced up, his lips pressed in thin lines as he searched for something in my eyes. “Although it was a dream, the pain I felt… it was real. Like I was lit on fire and bits and pieces of me were being burned and melted away slowly. I didn’t know what to expect and I thought you were…”
Axel’s thumb grazed my cheek, wiping away my burning tears. I gave in easily when he pulled me into his embrace. I sobbed into his chest, letting his touch soothe me.
“I didn’t want to leave for Chicago without making amends.”
His chest rose and fell slowly, but he didn’t respond. Using his finger under my chin, he tilted my face toward him. He leaned in and gave me his infamous feather-light kiss that always left me wanting more.
“I should be the one to apologize.” He intertwined his fingers with mine and drew circles on the palm of my hand with his thumb. “I’m going to mess up a lot, Ren. I’ve never been with anyone and this is all new to me. You’re my number one priority. It’s just, sometimes I get swallowed up in all my responsibilities.” I opened my mouth to say something. “Let me finish please.” He pleaded. “You deserve a person that can devote themselves to you—”
“Are you breaking up with me?” My voice cracked as the words left my mouth.
“Always the patient one.”
I pouted.
“Let me finish, angel.” He sighed. “You deserve a person that can devote themselves to you and I intend to be that person. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I’m not asking you to forgive me, but I want you to know I’ll do everything in my damnedest power to be the man you deserve, even if it takes me my entire existence to make it happen. There’s nothing in the world that I value more than you.” He sighed. “This… having this with you… I…”
I placed a finger on his lips, which he kissed immediately. Such a simple gesture, but it told me just how much he cared.
“I know… Thank you for not giving up on us. Again.” I felt a smile curve up his lips against my hair.
“I’ll always fight for us. No matter what.”
“How about a truce?” I smiled at him. “We’re both flawed in more than one way. We aren’t perfect, but together we are cosmic, and I intend to see it through if you do.”
He placed his hand on my face, tugging me to him, and kissed me. When he pulled away his eyes were still closed as he murmured onto my lips. “Always.” Then he kissed me again.
The digital clock on the wall behind Axel read one a.m. In a few hours, I was headed to Chicago.
“Where are you going?” Axel asked, grabbing my arm.
I smiled shyly, then crawled back to him on all fours, leaning in to kiss his soft lips. I pulled back, biting my lip. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back. Maybe we can pick up right where we left your not-so-PG-13 dream?” I batted my eyelashes innocently.
I pushed back from him, smiling at his stunned expression. I rolled out of bed and found myself stepping on a book I was sure wasn’t there before. When my eyes scanned the room, I found it in a chaotic mess. Toppled furniture, scattered books, CDs and whatnot.
So that must’ve been the clatter I heard earlier during our out-of-this-world make-out session. If I had to take a g
uess, Axel was definitely out of his element.
“You’ve made a mess, Mr. Knight.” I teased, indicating his room.
He pushed up on his elbows, confusion and astonishment cloaking his features. Huh. My lips turned up into a grin. I guess even he didn’t know the extent of his prowess. Without wasting another moment, I found my bag a few feet from where I dropped it, grateful for the closed zipper. I rummaged for my toiletries and nightclothes.
I quickly brushed my teeth and hair and changed clothes before climbing back into bed. It didn’t faze me that the room was cleared of the mess when I got back.
Facing Axel, I laid my head on the pillow, and we stared into each other’s eyes
“Your mom’s beautiful,” I whispered, feeling fatigued. “You have her smile.”
“She would’ve loved you, Meus Amor Aeternus.” He reached for my waist and pulled me to his side.
“You say that a lot. The memos… amer aetronous.”
He chuckled.
“What? Did I call myself a booger with a bald head or something?”
“It’s Meus Amor Aeternus…” His cheeks turned pink and his eyes held mine. “I-it means my eternal love.”
My chest swelled, spreading warmth through my body. My heart spiked with excitement as time spread to eternity.
I reached out and cupped his face between my hands. Closing the gap between us, I collided my mouth to his, communicating what I felt without the need for words. When I pulled back, Axel groaned, his eyes half-open. God, he never looked sexier. My entire person relaxed. He fully opened his eyes and caught me staring.
“What?”
“What was your mission?” I blurted. Way to ruin the moment you dimwit.
Axel’s muscles tightened.
“I want to help, Alexander, if I can. Whatever your mission was, I’m eternally grateful it brought you to me.” I slightly tilted my head so my lips touched his and he kissed me, but held back. “What’s wrong?”
Dracian Legacy Page 16