CHAPTER 2

He hastily undresses, his hands shaking as he fumbles with his buttons and zippers,his chest heaves with ragged breaths, and sweat glistens on his forehead, trickling down his temples in tiny rivulets, as he rushes inside the bathroom.

He stands in front of the mirror, stroking off his makeup, revealing his real face; a sly grin spread across his lips. 

He turns on the shower, letting the water cascade over his body, erasing any remnants. He wraps himself in a bathrobe leaving no trace of what had transpired.

He opens the door and she instantly wraps her arms around him, their lips meeting in a hot steamy kiss.

"Baby, what took you so long?" I've been knocking for a while now she says, her voice laced with a playful, impatient tone. 

He replies, a beam flashing across his face, “I just got back from work and decided to take a quick shower.”

She pulls him closer, her breath warm against his ear as she whispers,  “You didn't wait for me,” her hands roaming over his body, teasingly close to his groin.

With a growl, he grabs her, pushing her onto the bed slowly; he undoes her clothes, his hands gliding under her panties. She moans softly. “Please don't stop. I want more”.

He sneers, his voice a low command, "Say my name."

She gasps, "My fiancé..."

"Not that," he murmurs, beginning to pull away, but she grabs him, forcefully pulling him back.

"My sexy beast," she breathes, "my sexy beast."

"Say it louder," he demands in a soft tone, his hands already deep within her. He takes off his robe, kissing her neck passionately as he enters her. 

Suddenly, his phone rings. 

"Fuck," he curses under his breath, annoyed. Reluctantly, he shifts her panties back into place, covers her, and ties his bathrobe before picking up the call. 

"Hey, Brock," the voice on the other end says. 

"Hey, Liam," he replies, his voice strained with lingering frustration

Guess what Liam says, a hint of mischief, Axel retorts, a playful edge in his voice. 

 "I'm not in the mood for guessing." He glances at his woman who is now looking at him with a mix of curiosity Sorry just a moment he says holding the phone to his ear Liam could sense a hint of frustration in his tone feeling a bit guilty- he quickly apologize, sorry man if I interrupted any of your quality time but I just got two tickets to Elysium Arts Gallery the most expensive art gallery in town Axel's mood shifted instantly.

“What?” he exclaimed, feeling his interest piqued, that's the most exclusive art gallery- invitation only! How did you manage that?

 Liam grinned pleased with himself remember the guy I told you my sister is dating: turns out her boyfriend is Mr. William's cousin The guy whose father owns the Art gallery she pulled some strings, and voila, I got an invitation since you're one of my oldest friends and my buddy I'd love for you to join me I would have invited Audrey too but I only got two tickets Axel grin widened, "No problem I understand".

He hung up, his cheeks still stretched in a grin. Audrey, watching him closely, waited for a sign that Axel might be upset. However, his expression made it clear the call had been good news. 

 As Axel settled into the bed, he filled her in on the conversation. "What? That's amazing!" Audrey exclaimed, meditating her excitement quickly followed by a teasing pout; but what about my ticket? She asked, her face turning a little gloomy. 

Axel sighed softly, pulling her close baby. You know I would love to take you. I know how much you've always wanted to go. But he only got two tickets and he's giving me the other one. 

He kissed her gently, adding in a soft tone, please don't be upset. Audrey chuckled playfully, elbowing him. No, I'm not angry, she reassured him. They both settled down, drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, Jayla woke up feeling refreshed and excited. As she stretched, her phone flickering in the rays of the morning sun, Axel's name stared at her, and her heart skipped a beat. "Good morning, Jayla," the message read. "Want to grab some coffee?”

Her heart raced with excitement as she typed back, trying to sound casual; sure, when and where? Axel suggested a downtown coffee shop, and she agreed.

 As she got ready for their meeting she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves... Is this a date? 

She found herself thinking she didn't care she was just thrilled to see him again but what if she tripped and spilled coffee all over him or worse, what if we had nothing to talk about After her thoughts lingered in her mind Jayla took a deep breath smoothing her dress and gathering all her stuff she gave one look at her cozy bedroom just to make sure all is in order; and heads out to meet Axel.

She had been looking forward to this moment all day the time came as she stepped out into the bustling streets the city was alive and Jayla could feel its every buzzing in her veins she moved with a sense of determination, her feet carrying her down towards the downtown coffee shop when Axel awaits her finally she turns a corner and Jayla arrive at the cozy coffee shop her heart racing with excitement! 

She scanned the room and saw Axel’s charming smile as he was flirtatious and waved her over. 

Her feet moved effortlessly towards him, her senses heightened as she took in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the soft hum of Jazz music in the background she felt her heart flutter in her chest as Axel rose to his feet for her, his eyes crinkling at the corners of.

Hi Jayla, he said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. “You look stunning today.” Jayla's cheeks flushed at the sight of Axel's good-looking features: his dark hair was perfectly messy, and his eyes sparkled with warmth.

 As they sat, she couldn't help but note how the soft light danced across his features, highlighting his sharp jaw and full lips. A skitter of nerves swirled in her tummy, but Axel's easy smile set her at ease.

The coffee shop was bustling with activity,  yet the table they sat near the window felt intimate,  surrounded by the gentle bustle of conversation and the clinking of cups. Axel ordered for them, Musing over their lattes,  Axel leaned in and gently brushed a stray strand of hair behind Jayla's ear, his finger grazing her skin and sending shivers down her spine. 

The touch was electric and Jayla's pulse fluttered widely as she met Axel's gaze, his burning with a soft, smoldering intensity. In no time they were sipping their lattes rich in flavor and creamy texture, a perfect complement to their conversation.

 As they talked, Jayla couldn't help but get swept up in Axel's eyes. The way they sparkled with amusement, the way they crinkled at the corners when he smiled, it was like she was drowning in their depths.

She felt like she was seeing glimpses of a secret world, one that only revealed itself when he laughed or smiled. The world around them melted away, leaving only two of them, suspended in a moment of connection.

The background noise of the coffee shop faded into the distance and all Jayla could hear was Axel's low, smooth croon casting a spell around her. She felt herself leaning in , drawn into warmth radiated from his body.

Time stood still as they sipped their coffee, the world slowing to a gentle crawl. In that moment, Jade knew she was irretrievably smitten.

As they finished their lattes, Axel reached out, his fingers wrapping around hers in a soft, caressing touch. "Thanks for today, Axel," she said, her heartbeat still racing from their encounter.

Axel leaned over, his lips grazing her cheek. "Anytime, Jayla. Take care." Jayla smiled but knew she needed to get home, and the reluctance in her was so real. "I need to get going," she said with an edge of sadness in her voice.

"I'll walk you out," he suggested, and as their palms brushed, she felt an arc of electricity. They walked out of the coffee shop into the evening air-the smell of flowers still blooming in the air. 

Jayla watched as Axel vanished into the crowd, her heart still fluttering. She went home, lost in thought.

As soon as she enters the apartment, she places her bag near the door. She walks directly into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. 

Suddenly, an excited scream erupts from the living room. "Ahh!"Startled, Jayla and Jasmine rushes in, their hearts pounding and eyes widening as they turn and see.