Page 40 of All's Fair in Love & Wrath

“I grew up with a very strict dad; he was the president of the club, and then there was Maddox. He’s four years older than me and has been this looming protector for as long as I can remember.”

“And the other two?”

“Lincoln and Gage? They’ve been around since I was born. We all grew up together. Gage and I were close until . . .”

“Until?”

I shake my head, willing the thoughts to go away. “Nothing, it doesn’t matter.”

Axel lets it go, and I appreciate it, but the mood is gone, my thoughts freezing over, the puzzle below us losing its appeal.

“How about some late-night snacks?” he offers, bumping my shoulder with his.

“Yeah, that actually sounds good to me.”

“Alright, then let’s get out of here.”

“You don’t want to just go get them?”

“I could. But then you’d be stuck with whatever I pick, and what’s the fun in that? Late-night snaking has one purpose and one purpose only.”

“And that is?” I ask while looking up at him from my spot on the bed. He adjusts his cut, running his tattooed fingers through his hair.

“Pleasure.” I snort-laugh and then quickly cover my mouth. Axel smiles down at me, looking so proud of himself. Then he holds out his hand in offering. “C’mon, sweetheart, let’s go.”

With a deep breath, I take his hand, climbing carefully off the bed, our puzzle long forgotten. I slip into my sandals, following him out the door. It seems like the party has wound down, the music barely audible, people lounging around on furniture, couples making out.

Axel leads us back to the kitchen, the place slightly more familiar now. A beautiful woman with long blonde hair sees us coming, her eyes tracing over Axel in a familiar way that makes it clear she knows exactly what’s under his clothes.

“Hey, Axel. Who’s this?” she says while looking me over.It’s hard not to feel self-conscious. She’s beautiful, her skin flawless and glowing, her hair perfectly done. I instinctually place my hand on my neck, rubbing the marred, deeply ridged skin with my palm. Axel puts his hand on my back, pulling me closer to him. It’s not possessive, or in a claiming way, but it’s reassuring, calming. And I think he knows it.

“This is Sienna. She’s our guest. Sienna, this is Cora. She lives in the bunkhouse with the other patch bunnies.” Cora’s eyes narrow, like she didn’t appreciate being reminded of her status. Not that it’s anything to be ashamed of. As long as she’s here of her own free will and in control of her own life, she’s doing better than I am. Who am I to ever judge another woman?

“Hi,” I say to her. Cora just narrows her eyes further. Then she looks back at Wrath, her face transforming into something much more charming.

“Want to meet up later? After you’re done helping her?”

“No. We’re getting food, and then we’re going back to my room.”

“Yourroom?”

“Yeah, Cora. My room. Where Sienna is staying.”

Cora’s head bounces back like he slapped her, and I look up at Axel, trying to figure out what I’m missing here. I know exactly what patch bunnies do, and it’s very clear that Axel has been with her before. Jealousy rises up. It starts low in my belly, then wraps around my heart. I don’t like it.

“But you don’t?—”

Axel cuts off her next words. “Goodnight, Cora.”

Cora looks stunned for a brief moment and then walks away, her shoulders pulled back, sauntering out of the kitchen.

“Are you okay?” Axel asks, turning to face me.

“I’mfine,” I answer.

He releases a pent-up breath and nods.

“One day you’re going to be great.”