Axe's Fall: Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 4) (31 page)

Baylee gasped. “Wow. That was Palmer’s father?” She put her hand over Axe’s and patted it. “I’m sorry. Your mother should have known that would’ve upset you. I wonder why she insisted you come to the wedding.”

“ ‘Cause she’s a selfish, self-absorbed bitch. She probably didn’t put it together when she heard the name. Even if she did, the asshole’s money would definitely come before me. I’m so done with all her shit.”

“Maybe she really doesn’t remember. You said she’s hooked on pain meds. That crap can mess you up. Maybe she didn’t intend to hurt you.” She saw Axe’s jaw moving back and forth. “It’s just a thought,” she added softly.

“Yeah, well, she’s been doing shit like this for years. I’m done with it.”

Baylee leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, then ran her fingers through his hair.

Axe exhaled. “I didn’t mean to yell at you back there. It’s just that I was super pissed, and it seemed like you were taking her side.”

She continued to rake her fingers through his hair. “I know you were upset. I really didn’t know the whole situation, I was just trying to defuse the tension that was escalating. I’m on your side. You can count on me.”

Axe reached up and caught her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it softly. He turned on the radio, and the two of them listened to classic rock while they made their way out of Pinewood Springs.

*     *     *

After a short
forty-five-minute drive, they arrived in Aspen, a charming mountain town at the base of the majestic Maroon Bells peaks. Forests of evergreen carpeted the verdant valleys. The climate was cooler than Pinewood Springs since Aspen’s elevation was higher, and it was a welcome change for the couple.

Axe checked into a small hotel right in the heart of downtown, making restaurants and shops easily accessible. When they entered their suite, the large sliding glass door opened out to an awe-inspiring view of the mountain range.

“How beautiful,” Baylee gushed as she stepped out onto the balcony, the cool air lightly caressing her skin.

Axe joined her, looping his arm around her middle, drawing her to his chest. He rested his chin tenderly on the top of her head while he squeezed her to him.

“You’re beautiful,” he said.

She smiled. “I’ve never been here.”

“Really? I’m glad we came. I’m happy to share this with you.”

The sun began its evening descent, and the lights in the town twinkled like fireflies in the night. Baylee’s stomach growled loudly, and she giggled.

“Are you going to feed me?” she teased.

He spun her around and kissed her, a devilish look in his eyes. “I’ll feed you now, and you can feed me later.”

*     *     *

Sebastian’s Steakhouse was
located in the heart of downtown Aspen. Warm, soft lights from individually crafted lanterns created the perfect atmosphere for romantic dinners, while the lit onyx bar added to the ambiance. A fire crackled in the large bluestone fireplace to ward off the summer night chill. Cedar beams and rustic wood tables completed the natural feel of the restaurant.

Axe scooted closer to Baylee before pouring the red wine in her glass. He loved being next to her, watching her full lips press against the wine glass as she sipped, breathing in her faint scent of white musk, and brushing against her soft skin. He couldn’t get enough of her, and the electrical jolts he experienced when they touched blew his mind. Baylee made him feel complete and settled—something he’d never had before.

“You zoning out on me?” Her lilting laugh wrapped around him.

Shoving against her playfully, he answered, “No. I’m just taking you all in.”

Leaning in to him, she brushed her lips on the side of his mouth. With his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her flush to him, crushing his mouth on hers until the waiter placed their steak dinners before them. They reluctantly pulled apart to eat their meals.

As Axe cut his New York strip, Baylee said, “I want to talk about Stephen Rodgers.”

Darting his eyes up, he bristled. She reached over and squeezed his arm. “It’s not about the wedding or the crap from the past.” She took a sip of wine. “It’s about the way I got the creeps when he looked at me, and it was more than him just checking me out.”

“I noticed you tensed up.”

“I did, and I’m not sure why. I got a strong, negative vibe when I saw him. I couldn’t look at him. Honestly, I don’t even remember what he looks like, I turned away so quickly.”

“Maybe it’s because you got the vibe he’s an asshole, and you’d be right. Let’s not ruin our night talking about that fucker. I’m already getting pissed.”

“You’re right. Let’s have some fun.”

After they finished their dinner and enjoyed a couple of drinks, the couple strolled down West Main Boulevard. Baylee shivered against Axe, and he guided her into one of the many boutiques lining the street.

“Pick out a sweater or something.”

Shaking her head, Baylee protested, “I’m okay. It’s just for tonight, and we’ll be back at the hotel soon.”

“Pick something out.” He walked over to a rack of cotton sweaters in bright colors and patterned designs. “Like any of these?” He waved his hand over the clothing rack.

“I don’t have my wallet. I left it back at the hotel.”

“You don’t need a wallet when you’re with me. Pick something out, or I will.”

It irked Axe that she was uncomfortable with him buying her something. That was bullshit. He didn’t know her history with men, but he’d never expect a woman to pay for something while he was around. It wasn’t his style. Since she was his woman, he’d provide for her; whatever she earned was for her alone.

After an hour of trying on jackets, sweaters, and shawls, Baylee finally decided on a lemon-yellow cardigan with ribbed cuff and hem.

“You like it?” she asked as she spun around, modeling it.

Axe, hunkered down on a cushioned ottoman, nodded. “I like you in anything. I’m just trying to figure out why it took you an hour to decide on it.”

Laughing, she went over to him and mussed up his hair with her hand. Bending low to his ear, she whispered, “I love you.” She ambled away, sweater in hand.

Axe watched as she waited in line to pay for the purchase. If he lived several lifetimes, he’d never understand women. He rose in one fluid motion and joined her at the cash register, the sales woman staring at Axe with interest. When he handed her the money, she brushed his palm with her fingers. Glancing at her, she smiled broadly, her eyes shining. While he was waiting for the receipt, he helped Baylee on with her sweater. Baylee kissed his jaw, muttering, “Thank you” against it.

The saleswoman handed Axe his receipt and mouthed the words, “Call me.” Axe looked at the receipt and saw a number scribbled on it. Snorting, he wadded up the paper and pitched it in the trash bin then, with his arm around his woman, he walked out.

As they trekked the three blocks back to the hotel, Axe realized a few short months before, he would’ve taken the sales clerk up on her offer and banged her. With Baylee in his life, he couldn’t think of being with any woman but her. The idea of being with one woman after years of fucking so many comforted him. Baylee was all he wanted and needed, and
that
stunned the hell out of him.

The striking rhythm of a BB King song drifted in the soft breeze as the couple passed a jazz bar. During tourist season, the bars were packed, and the shops on West Main stayed open until late in the night. A block before the hotel, Axe noticed a bakery and coffee shop.

“Let’s stop in here for a minute.” He opened the door for Baylee.

A few minutes later they exited, Axe carrying a small bakery box containing a three-layered white cake with white frosting. Winking at Baylee, he said, “When my woman wants something, I get it for her.”

“You’re crazy sometimes.” She looped her arm in his.

“I’m always crazy for you.” He tugged her next to him.

Back at their suite, Axe order two bottles of champagne with room service, and two toiletries bags with housekeeping. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Baylee kicked off her high heels, rubbing her feet and groaning in pleasure. Axe chuckled as she massaged them.

“Men should be made to wear these for one day. I bet you guys couldn’t last a half hour in them.” Baylee flexed her foot.

Axe’s chuckles deepened into full-on laughter as he padded to the door. Room service set the two champagne glasses and bottles on the table. When they left, he gazed at Baylee.

“Come over by me.” His voice was deep and sensual.

As she came over, he took off his shirt and boots then opened one of the champagne bottles, pouring it into the glasses. Baylee took hers, and her eyes, brimming with tenderness and passion, met his.

“To us,” she said softly as she clinked her glass against his.

“Fuck yeah.”

He drained his glass then looked her over seductively before tugging her to him. Setting her glass on the table, he gathered her into his arms, holding her snugly. Baylee buried her face against the corded muscles of his chest. Grabbing a handful of her hair, he tipped her head back and took her mouth savagely. Their tongues stroked each other’s, their passion building. Baylee threw her arms around his neck, pushing his head closer to hers, their bodies melding together.

Axe pulled the zipper down on the back of her dress while the pads of his fingers smoothly glided down her spine until they landed right above the curve of her ass. Breathing heavily, he ground his hardness against Baylee, her small moans setting him on fire. Afraid he was going to shoot his load in his pants, he pulled away, then guided Baylee to the couch. She slipped out of her dress and stood before him in a rose lace bra, matching panties, and thigh-highs. He groaned and nestled his face in her cleavage.

She fell onto the couch, and he dropped down beside her.

“What about the cake?” she asked, grazing his jawline with her finger.

Eyes smoldering, Axe took the cake out of the box, broke off a piece, and placed it in her mouth. Her lips closed around his fingers and she sucked on them, her eyes locking with his. He slid his wet fingers from her soft mouth then trailed them down to her tits and tweaked her beaded nipple. Her gasp went straight to his cock.

“That’s good cake,” she said against his cheek. She scooped some frosting on her finger, placing a dollop on his lips, then licked it up. “So good.”

Growling, he slammed her against him, his lips crushing hers, his tongue dipping into her mouth which tasted of sugar and vanilla. Their hands moved over one another’s body frantically—they were all tongue, lips, breaths, and movement.

Breaking away, Axe tore off her bra, hungrily sucking her beaded buds while his fingers slipped under her panties, burying themselves in her wet folds. The more he tasted her, the more he craved her—he’d never have his fill of her.

“Lie down,” he commanded.

Reclining against the floral cushions, she let him pull down her lace panties then spread her legs apart. But for the thigh-highs, she was naked; he watched as her skin broke out in goosebumps, and she shivered in anticipation.

“Fuck, you look hot.”

Leaning over, he scraped the top of the cake and coated her nipples in frosting. “Don’t you look tasty?” he said thickly.

Hovering over her, he gently kissed her eyelids then moved his lips down to her cheeks then jawline, lightly trailing his tongue down to her earlobe. He pulled it into his mouth and sucked it slowly. “You drive me fuckin’ wild, babe,” he said against her ear.

Trailing his tongue from her ear to her neck, he kissed the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat. Baylee raked her fingers through his hair as she squirmed underneath him.

“I like that,” she murmured.

“I love how soft your skin is. You don’t know what you do to me.”

Dipping his head lower, he nipped and bit her soft flesh as his fingers skated across her sides, causing shivers to race across her body. He licked the top swells of her tits then made red love bites on the sides of them as she bucked under him. Circling her breasts with his tongue, he saw the stiff, white-covered tips of her nipples. Covering his mouth over them, he sucked and lapped up the frosting while softly biting the hard buds.