Page 55 of All's Fair in Love & Wrath

“Lost in my head.”

“Are you okay with what we did?”

“I am. Just working through it all. This is difficult for me, but also not? I don’t know how to explain it, Axel. Everything is so easy with you. But then these negative thoughts start to creep in, poisoning my head.”

“Well, we’re just going to have to replace those thoughts with good ones.”

“Easier said than done.” I take a sip of my coffee, the rich coffee, cream, and cinnamon bursting on my tongue. I look up at Axel, who’s smirking over the rim of his mug. “You got heavy cream.”

“Of course I did. That’s how you take your coffee.”

“And how are you drinking yours?” I ask, taking another delicious sip.

“Oh, I think you know. Like I said, yours is better,” he replies with a wink.

“Look at you, a changed man.”

“In more ways than you realize, sweetheart.” Those damn butterflies take flight again, spreading their wings and flapping like hell. I’m hearing you loud and clear, body.

We’re falling for Axel James.

I just can’t decide if getting caught up with a biker is the right choice. But at least Axel is making sure I have choices to make.

“I had some texts from your brother. He’s got some leads, so we’re heading out today to meet up with him.” My heart falls in my chest. “Kinsey caught me in the kitchen; she asked me to see if you wanted to spend the morning with her, then Monroe asked for your afternoon. I told them I would let them know. You know, I enjoy being the club secretary, but I think I enjoy being yours more. Especially if you keep smiling like that when I bring you coffee and good news.”

“Have you always been such a charmer, Axel James?”

“Only for you, Sienna Graves.”

“I’ll go. They’re really nice, and I had fun with them.”

“They’re the best. The guys picked really great women to spend their lives with. Don’t feel pressured to spend your day with them though, they’ll understand. They’ve got thick skin. Iwas just the messenger. Only go if you want to. If you want to stay in here and do puzzles all day, you can.” God, I appreciate how this man gives me choices.

“I want to go. Honestly. Maybe we can do a puzzle together tonight?”

“Yeah, baby girl, we can do a puzzle tonight. I’ve got one in mind, too. But for now, get your ass ready. Kinsey said to wear leggings and sneakers.”

“Okay,” I reply, slightly confused. Kinsey is so fashionable, I have no idea why she’d want me to dress down, or why she’s suggesting what I wear to hang out with her. Regardless, I down my coffee and hop off the bed, digging through my duffel bag for a pair of athletic leggings, socks, and a T-shirt.

After I’ve used the restroom, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and run a brush through my hair, I realize my roots are peeking through the blonde, the dark red color just starting to show. I lean toward the mirror, looking at my head with frustration. I’m going to have to ask Axel for bleach. I’m not willing to let my hair grow back in. I can’t see it, I’m not ready to see it, and I don’t want anyone else to, either.

When I leave the bathroom, Axel is standing just outside the doorway, his body relaxing against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. The sight of him momentarily stuns me. He’s wearing a pair of black jeans, combat-style boots tied around his ankles, a chain sticking out of his pants pocket, a plain white T, and his club cut. He’s not wearing any jewelry today outside of his nose ring, but he doesn’t need any with all his tattoos. He’s gorgeous.

“Hi, beautiful.” It takes all I have not to shrink away from the compliment, but I don’t want to let my insecurities ruin the morning.

“Hi, yourself.” He kicks off the wall and steps into my space, threading his hand through my hair and angling myhead back to look up at him. My eyes flick down to his lips, wondering what it would be like to be kissed by him.

“I enjoyed you so much this morning. I’m proud of you.” My face heats, a blush spreading across my cheeks.

“Same. Pretty sure I’ll be thinking about it all day.”

“Good, because I’ll be thinking about how good you felt coming on my fingers for the rest of time. I’m heading out. Do you need anything?”

“Uhm, yeah, actually. I need to bleach my hair.” Axel’s eyes flick over my icy blonde hair, then settle back at my eyes.

“I don’t know the first thing about hair dye. Do you mind if I ask Malice for some help? He’s been doing his for months now.”

“Uhm. That’s fine. I can text you the kind I get?”