Page 65 of Ravaged For You

“You’re a good man.”

“Let’s get Axel,” Lucas says.

He opens the door and calls my fake boyfriend’s name.

“Everything okay?” Axel asks as he steps into the bedroom, adjusting his cuffs.

“Just making sure you’re treating Maddie well.”

“And am I?”

Lucas nods towards me.

“No complaints,” I reply. “Thus far.”

“Good.” Axel’s green eyes fall upon me again, and I sense his gaze over my body. He wants something he knows he can’t have.

Me.

“This is going to be a big night for you both,” Lucas says. “You nervous?”

“Nope.” Axel’s response is swift.

“I’m a bit nervous,” I say.

“No need to be,” Lucas replies. “I’ve already primed up the reporters and paparazzi to search out for you two. You don’t have to do anything, Maddie, but look gorgeous. And you’re already winning on that front.”

I blush. “Okay. Thanks.”

“Are you ready?” Axel asks me.

“As ready as I can be.”

But really, I don’t know what the hell to expect.

* * *

Cameras. Lots of cameras.

And flashes.

I’ve been expecting a lot of things in the limousine ride over, but not that the first thing that happens to me when I step out of the vehicle was to be blinded by a wall of big black cameras pointed aggressively in my face.

I freeze up. I can’t breathe. There are so many noises and colors and blinding lights. So many people demanding my attention. Calling my name.

I don’t know how to react. What to do.

Until Axel appears out of nowhere and takes my hand. He squeezes gently, and I’m instantly grounded again. Just like I was at the nightclub.

“Follow me,” he whispers into my ear. “Let me take charge.”

I don’t need to be asked a second time. All I do is take his lead. I’m a nervous ball of fluttering energy, but Axel is completely relaxed. Powerful. Undeterred by this army of photographers and journalists calling his name.

I know that, for as long as he’s holding my hand, Axel’s got me.

The next few minutes are a total blur of more cameras and questions. I stay quiet as Axel speaks to the assembled throng of people.

He’s so charming with everyone, making each reporter feel like he’s only talking to them as a friend. He’s so experienced in this game.