After so many years.

ON HER DADDY’S BED.

Chapter 1.

Hazel walked down the stairs, her face stretched in a long pout as the maids carried down her bags and a few other belongings.

She paused behind the single-seater made of pure gold, gripping the top of it while her gaze swept over the house—the home she had lived in all her life.

“What’s with the long face, Hazel?” Her father’s voice broke through her thoughts as he strolled into the parlor, swirling a glass of juice in his hand.

“I’m going to miss you and Henry,” she replied with a pout.

Her father smiled, spreading his arms wide, and she fell into them without hesitation. One of his arms wrapped around her, while the other carefully held onto his glass, preventing it from spilling.

“You don’t have to worry, Hazel. Staying with Axel is just the same as staying with me.” His hand gently stroked her hair in an attempt to soothe her, but his words only aggravated the anger she had been trying so hard to suppress.

The thought of living with Axel provoked her even more.

Hazel was the youngest child and only daughter of Mr. Marco. She had just been accepted into her dream university in Washington and had planned to stay with her boyfriend, who had already been there for over a year. However, her father had different plans—insisting she live with his young best friend, someone he had known since college.

Of course, he had his reasons. His decision wasn’t just about trust—it was about keeping her safe. Hazel’s tiny waist, perfectly shaping the curves of her hips, attracted men like moths to a flame. Her father feared for her safety, unwilling to let her become a target of unwanted advances.

Hazel was young and petite, with jet-black hair, hazel-green eyes, and pale white skin. Her fleshy cheeks carried a natural flush, and her plump lips added to her delicate beauty. She was a beauty to be reckoned with and he as a father, dared not ignore.

“Can I not live with Axel, Dad?” Her voice came out small, almost fragile.

Her father exhaled softly. “I’ve known Axel since I was twenty-nine. He’s been my best friend ever since his brother passed away. I trust him, Hazel, and I feel safe knowing you’ll be staying with him.”

Hazel knew arguing would be pointless. Once her father made up his mind, there was no changing it.

“You might miss your flight. Let’s get going,” her father urged gently.

She took in a deep breath, her gaze drifting over the mansion one last time. Her heart clenched. She was going to miss this house. She was going to miss her father.

A burning sensation pricked behind her eyes, but she forced the tears back.

“Let’s go.”

Her father patted her shoulder, sparing her a reassuring smile and together, they walked out through the exit. Slipping into the car, they took off.

*******

The flight to Washington was a swift one and Hazel had it all peaceful.

As the flight landed, Hazel stepped off the flight, and the cool air brushed against her skin, lifting strands of her hair. She blinked once, then again, before tilting her head toward the sky.

A sudden rush of happiness flushed through her.

“Washington, here I come,” she breathed, and just like that, all the lingering pain in her heart seemed to vanish.

Her phone beeped, pulling her from her thoughts.

It was her best friend, Tracy.

“Hey, dolphins.” Tracy giggled on the other end of the line.

Hazel rolled her eyes. “That name sucks, Tracy.”

“Everything sucks to the Hazel I know,” Tracy teased with a playful bite in her tone.

Hazel scoffed. “Have you arrived?”

“Yes. I’m at the airport.”

“Did plans change?”

“No.” Hazel let out a frustrated sigh. “My dad still insists that I stay with Axel.”

Dragging her suitcase through the airport, she found a place to sit.

“I’m sorry, girl. But honestly, this isn’t even a bad idea. Plenty of girls would pay to be with him.” Tracy giggled again, making Hazel’s irritation spike.

“I’m not ‘plenty of girls,’ and I do not wish to live with him.” Hazel huffed, rolling her eyes in utter disgust.

“I suppose she’s protesting against living with me.”

The husky yet tantalizing voice sliced through the air, and Hazel froze.

For a brief second, her whole body stilled. A chilling sensation ran down her spine, her fingers loosening their grip on the phone.

She knew that voice.

Even without turning around, she was sure of it.

How could she ever forget Axel’s voice? The same voice that, for some strange reason, always sent her stomach into knots of pleasure—pleasure she never failed to deny.

“Is that his voice?” Tracy’s voice on the phone jolted her back to reality.

Hazel swallowed, trying to force down the nervous lump in her throat. Without another word, she ended the call, her grip tightening around her phone as she slowly turned.

The air caught in her throat.

Her body went still.

Her breath hitched.

Axel stood before her, taking slow, deliberate steps forward.

Hazel’s gaze moved over his tall, structured frame. He was 6’6, his long raven-black hair braided back. His sharp, defined jawline was as straight as the edge of a knife. His lips—pink, plump, and slightly flushed—curved into an unreadable expression. Every movement he made exuded dominance, and as his jacket flared open with the wind, she caught a glimpse of his broad shoulders and perfectly toned arms.

At thirty-three, Axel had grown into a man far more intimidating—and far more attractive—than she had ever imagined.

Her heart hammered as he took his final step toward her, the air now thick between them.

The scent of his cologne—deep, masculine, and intoxicating—wrapped around her, making her stomach tighten.

“Baby girl,” he murmured, his voice rich and smooth, jolting her out of her trance.

Hazel straightened immediately, rolling her eyes.

“I’m not the baby girl from high school. I’ve grown up.”

For a moment, the air stilled.

Axel’s grey eyes flickered down her body, taking in the transformation.

She had changed.

She was no longer the little Hazel he once knew.

Now, she was a woman—with fuller curves, heavier breasts, and a waist so tiny it could tempt even the most controlled of men.

His gaze darkened slightly, and Hazel knew exactly what he was thinking.

“Isn’t it bad that your eyes are about to tear my clothes away?” she snapped, snapping her fingers in front of his face.

Axel blinked, his lips curling into a slow, seductive smirk.

“Do you think my hands would do better?” he teased, his tone deliberate.

Hazel let out a sharp breath, her foot stamping against the ground. He had grown even naughtier.

“You don’t intend to keep me standing here forever, do you?” she grumbled.

“No, baby girl.” Axel tilted his head. “I just wish to stare a little bit more.”

“I am not baby girl,” she groaned.

Axel smirked. He liked this. He liked her cute, angry face. And it would be fun teasing her a little longer just to see it again.

“Since you’re too grown for ‘baby girl,’ should I call you Momma?”

His voice dropped, just a whisper—one that sent an unexpected shiver through her.

Hazel’s heart skipped a beat.

“Don’t stare too much, Momma,” Axel smirked. “You might fall for me.”

Before she could utter another word, he reached for her hand, pulling her along with him.

With a nod, he signaled his guards to grab her suitcase and the rest of her belongings.

And just like that, Hazel’s new life with Axel began.