Latte Darling: Book Two of The Darling Series

Axel’s heavy footsteps let me visualize his progress into the shop. Except…

My eyes widen.

I glance up at Griff who’s still standing behind the register, and the direction of his gaze confirms my fear. Axel’s not walking up to the counter. He’s coming around it.

Oh god, oh god, oh god.

My hands squeeze into fists and I drop my eyes to the floor.

“Uh, I don’t think…” Griff makes a half-hearted attempt to say something but he trails off, probably seeing how futile it is.

I hold my breath as Axel’s boots come into view and I wonder what sort of prayer it would take for me to vanish altogether.

My eyes stay locked on the scuffed boots until they stop just inches away from the tips of my own shoes.

“Maddison.”

I press my lips together, the sound of his voice sending shivers of memories down my hunched spine.

When I don’t look up, Axel crouches down, one knee on the ground.

“Maddison Faye Richards, you can come with me willingly or I can haul you out of here like the brat you are.” His fingers snag a lock of loose hair, letting the curl twist around his finger before he gives it a gentle tug.

He’s here.

He’s here and he’s right in front of me.

And I don’t know why.

A heavy exhale feathers across my skin, “Alright.”

His tone is so final, it makes the last pieces of my heart whimper in protest.

I want to shout.

Yell at him not to go.

Tell him I’m worth fighting for.

But he’s already moving.

Closer.

Wait, he’s moving closer!

Large hands grip my waist.

“Wha-”

My question cuts off when Axel pulls me to him, bending over until his shoulder is pushing into my stomach.

Then he stands.

He fucking stands!

And I shriek. My equilibrium thrown off when I find myself suddenly hanging upside down over his shoulder.

When he starts walking, I reach out and grab at his clothing to keep my face from bumping off his back.

His coveralls are unzipped and rolled down, bunching around his waist, and I let my fingers dig into the material. Trying to ignore the view of his strong torso covered in a tight white t-shirt.

I should probably protest. Yell. Kick. Do something.

But… it’s Axel. And I missed him so damn much. No matter what’s about to happen, I missed him so much.

As we round the end of the counter, I lift my head enough to see Griff staring after us, slack-jawed, and Leslie running to catch up, my purse in her hands.

“Here,” she holds it out, but hurries past my top half to hand the bag to Axel.

“She won’t be back today,” his voice vibrates against my hips.

Leslie laughs, “I should hope not.”

And with no other explanation, Axel pushes through the front door, taking me with him.