Page 62 of Axel

“In order for us to make this work, we need to communicate.”

He gave her a sardonic glance before turning his attention to the road. “Where did you read that? On a billboard for relationships?”

She managed to tamp down the anger and frustration that was bubbling up inside her. The man was an infuriating enigma and just dealing with his moods was giving her whiplash.

“A marriage counselor is on staff at the magazine, and she wrote an article on the subject. What is going on?”

“We are here.” He announced. Driving into the medium sized parking lot, he killed the engine and turned towards her. His intense amber eyes studied her exquisite face and touched her lips, before meeting her eyes.

“You are an exceptionally beautiful woman as I sure you are aware. There is absolutely no need to dress to call attention to yourself. Even if you were wearing a burlap bag, men would still notice you and want to get between your legs.”

For a second, she could only just stare at him, his words reverberating through her brain.

“Take me back to the cottage and then you can go straight to hell.”

“Why?” He challenged. “Because I speak the truth?”

“No. Because you are hateful and a colossal jerk. I dress to please myself, always have and I never felt the need to seek validation from anyone, much less a man. Now take me back or so help me God, I am going to walk back even in these heels.”

Axel felt his chest growing tight. He had messed up and it kept happening. He was damned jealous and possessive of her and angry at himself for feeling those destructive emotions.

“I apologize.” He murmured stiffly.

“Take me back Axel.”

He studied her mutinous face for a few seconds before backing out of the lot. Taking a deep breath, she turned her head away so that he could not see the tears that were threatening to fall.

She would go to Europe after all, she had cancelled her trip, but she could rebook and get the hell out of here first thing in the morning or in the afternoon. It did not matter. She had to get away from him. She was so caught up in her miserable thoughts that it took a minute for her to realize they were not on their way to the cottage.

Blinking the landscape into focus, she recognized the familiar terrain that led to his place.

“I don’t want to be anywhere near you.”

“I got that.” He brought the vehicle to a stop in the driveway and killed the engine, his fingers tight on the steering wheel, his expression bleak. “You are thinking of leaving.”

“Damn straight.”

He nodded without turning to look at her. “I am jealous. I felt your flesh on my fingers and dreaded anyone else looking at you.”

He white knuckled the wheel and took a deep breath. “It scares me how much power you have – I am consumed by you and it’s driving me insane.” He turned to her then, his heart pounding as he took in the brightness of her eyes indicating that she was close to tears. “I keep hurting you…”

“Yes.” She whispered. “And I cannot take it anymore. The only thing I want to do is to love you, but you are making it so frigging hard.” His eyes widened at the swear words, but she was too steamed and emotional to notice. “It’s not worth it.”

“What are you saying?” He asked hoarsely, feeling the panic starting.

“I am not sure you are ready for a relationship and…,” she shook her head. “I know it’s early days yet- but…” Her voice trailed off when he shoved the door open and came around to her side.

Wrenching her door with enough force to have it spring open, he bent and scooped her into her arms, kicking it shut with his foot. Without a word, he strode towards his front porch.

Neither of them spoke a word, not even when he had carried her upstairs and placed her on the edge of the bed. She watched, puzzled as he picked up the phone and made a call ordering food.

“They will be here in twenty minutes.”

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” First, he took off her jacket and slung it over the chair, before bending to remove her shoes.

“Axel…!”