Axel (Carolina Reapers 1)

I was stubborn, not masochistic.

He’d be good for me, as hard as that was to admit. He didn’t back down from a challenge—hence the debate I was having right now. He was just as committed to his career as I was. With a set timeline, there was zero danger of actually losing my heart to him, so we could both walk away unscathed. Maybe even with a smile.

This wasn’t about getting him to sign to the Reapers, though that would be an added bonus.

No, this was about me.

For once. I would choose me.

And in that moment, watching Axel, remembering the way he’d been so kind to me—a stranger then—those two weeks….

A thrill raced through me as I hurried into the gym, halting when I stood an arms’ length from him.

He stopped his jumps, cocking an eyebrow at me as I looked up at him. Damn, he was so tall. For a few moments, we simply stared each other down—the mischief in his eyes telling me he was content to wait until I spoke, until I told him exactly why I had stomped in here.

Oh, he had no idea who he was dealing with.

This was going to be so much fun.

I popped my hip, crossing my arms over my chest, noting the way he tracked every single movement I made.

“You might want to shower,” I said, my eyes trailing his body as hungrily as he’d trailed mine.

“Are you saying I smell?” He hung the jump-rope back on the hook in the wall next to the weights.

I pressed my lips together, hating that I was breathless. In truth, the man smelled incredible, even drenched in sweat—something earthy and sharp, like he’d been hand-crafted in a mythical forest somewhere.

I shook my head. “After the shower,” I said, storming on with my plan. “You need to pack.”

He stepped closer to me, towering over me, but I didn’t move an inch or lose his gaze. “And where exactly are you taking me, Langley?”

I wet my lips, needing a moment to check my heart.

Yup. I wanted this. Needed this.

I flashed him a smirk while fishing out my cell, pulling up my contacts to find Lukas’ private jet operator. I made sure to put a little swish in my hips as I headed for the doors, my cell already to my ear as I flashed Axel a look over my shoulder.

“And put on a suit,” I said.

He tilted his head, the look near predatory. “Why?”

“Because we’re getting married.” After the shock cleared from his eyes, his smile was pure wicked delight. I bit my lip to keep from returning the grin and instead hurried out the doors to make all the arrangements. Our predicament was nothing a flight to Vegas couldn’t fix.

And then…

Axel.

Over me.

Under me.

Beside me.

For six whole months.

This would be the best damn self-care deal I ever made.

3

Axel

“So it’s all handled?” I asked Eden Jones, who as of three hours ago, was now my agent.

“Everything is waiting here in Charleston. I’ll meet you at the plane with the paperwork,” she assured me. “Also, regarding the second matter, you’ll have two options—”

“Hey!” Langley hissed, popping her head through the barely opened door of the groom’s preparation room. “Are you ready to make me an honest woman or what?”

I grinned, considering that we hadn’t done anything to make her not an honest woman. Ironic that I’d been sexually active since I was sixteen, and now I was marrying a woman I hadn’t even kissed.

“That all sounds wonderful, Mrs. Jones,” I said into the phone, nodding to Langley.

“Please, it’s Ms., and do call me Eden. Everyone does.”

“Then, thank you, Eden. I appreciate you taking me on with such short notice.”

Langley raised her eyebrows, and I nodded.

“Porter and Vestergaard speak highly of you, and honestly, this contract is a no-brainer. I’ll see you when you get here. Have to say, you’re getting one sweetheart of a deal.”

“Sure am,” I answered before hanging up.

Langley cocked her head, her hair pinned up, leaving the shoulder I could see bare. I couldn’t have cared less about the money. I learned a long time ago that no number of zeros in a bank account could bring you happiness. But marrying Langley for six months? Hell yes, that was the sweetheart of this deal.

“You ready, now?” Langley asked, her fingers holding the door so I couldn’t see the dress she’d just spent the last three hours picking out.

“I am. Are you?” I cocked an eyebrow as I pulled on my tux jacket. I left the shirt’s top button undone and wasn’t touching the tie Lukas had messengered over.

She swallowed but nodded. “Yep.”

“You’re sure this is what you want?” I waved my arms to indicate the chapel she’d chosen. “No friends? No family? Elvis as our officiant?”

“Yep.” She nodded again.

“Elvis,” I repeated.

“I can lie to Elvis. There’s no chance I’m saying “‘Til death do us part” in front of a priest, and I doubt one would be willing to change the verbiage to, “‘Til six months and an amicable divorce,” so I wouldn’t shoot straight down to hell.” Her lips pursed. “Besides, Vegas is the capital of impetuous decisions, and this is by far my most impetuous decision. Ever.”