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Chapter 45
Chapter 45
AXEL’S POV:
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I never planned to show Avery the envelope. Never intended to let her see what was inside. It was supposed to be leverage, a weapon I could use when the time was right. But she had this way of getting under my skin, of unearthing something within me that even I couldn’t fully understand. Her defiance mirrored my own. Instead of subduing her, I had ignited an unquenchable fire.
I had done my research. I always did. I knew everything I needed to about the people I allowed in my orbit. And yet, despite knowing what I knew, I hadn’t planned to share any of it with her. It was supposed to remain tucked away, a tool to use when necessary. But I had shown her anyway. And seeing her reaction, watching the way she processed it, unsettled me.
The way her expression had cracked–not just with pain, but with something deeper–had stirred something in me. Something I didn’t like. Maybe she had seen that flicker of hesitation in me. Maybe she had sensed it. That pissed me off more than anything. I had no business feeling anything about her pain. And yet, I did.
Still, there were things she didn’t know. Things I had deliberately kept from her. Lyra Russell. Chase Grayson. The depths of the rot in the world she had been blind to. But when I saw the fire in her eyes, I recognized it. It was the same fire I had when I vowed revenge when I clawed my way out of hell to punish the people responsible for my mother’s death.
A part of me almost respected her for it. Almost.
Now, as I sat behind my desk, fingers steepled, I waited for her to be led in. My office was silent, the only sound the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. A sense of anticipation curled in my gut. I wasn’t sure what to expect from her, not after yesterday.
And then the door opened.
For a moment, my jaw went slack.
Avery stepped in, and the transformation was undeniable. Almost unrecognizable. Her hair was now a sleek, jet–black waterfall, fell down her back in glossy waves. No more of that two–toned nonsense I despised. Her kivi–colored eyes were the exact hue of the necklace resting against her collarbone, a perfect match. She looked regal, polished–like the heiress of Neurospark she had been meant to be before everything unraveled.
She wore a simple yet elegant dress–cream–colored silk that hugged her body without being too revealing. The neckline was modest, the hemline just above the knee, and yet, everything about it screamed wealth. Power. The way it draped over her, effortless and refined, exuded a quiet dominance. A trophy wife. A rich woman. A Blackwood. One I would be proud to show off.
She cleaned up so nicely. There was so much beauty and power to this woman.
She stopped in the middle of the room, arms crossing over her chest, her manicured nails–painted a bold, deep red- matching her lips. She looked untouchable. But, she was mine to toy with.
I rose from my chair, buttoning my suit jacket as I crossed over to her. I wasn’t sure why, but I reached for her waist, pulling her close. It wasn’t rough or possessive—just an absentminded move.
Her scent filled my lungs–floral and clean, with an edge of something I couldn’t quite place. Maybe it was her. Maybe it was the quiet defiance she carried now. She smelled expensive, like a woman who belonged in places most people would never step foot in.
A gentle knock interrupted the moment. Then the door opened, and Ashley stepped inside.
“Sir, the detectives are here to see you,” she announced.
I didn’t release Avery immediately. My thumb brushed the fabric of her dress before I stepped back, lifting my hand to her face. My fingers traced her jaw, my thumb resting just below her chin. It was almost a caress. Almost.
Chapter 45
“Let them in,” I said without looking at Ashley.
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I felt it then–the way Avery had gone utterly still. She wasn’t even breathing. Her body had locked up, the kind of tension that most people wouldn’t notice. But I did.
Less than a minute later, the door swung open, and Harrington strode in like he owned the place. Arrogant as ever. Three other men flanked him, all sharp–eyed and stiff–backed, but he was the one in charge.
“We meet again, Mr. Blackwood,” he said with self–importance.
I didn’t move. I had positioned myself in front of Avery, shielding her from view. My back was to the door, my presence an unspoken barrier. But after a beat, 1 stepped aside.
“This is my wife, Mrs. Avery Blackwood,” I introduced smoothly, ignoring him.
Harrington’s reaction was immediate. His face was painted with displeasure and his confusion evident.
“You…”
“I take it you’ve met my wife before,” I said, amused by his surprise.
His gaze snapped to Avery. “I thought you said he kidnapped you. That he ran a dangerous business that took lives.”
Avery didn’t hesitate. She linked her fingers with mine, squeezing softly. Then, without missing a beat, she let out a breathy laugh.
“I’m bipolar,” she said lightly. “He’s my amazing husband.”
Harrington looked like he had been slapped.
The interrogation began soon after, but I was unfazed. He threw questions at me about my whereabouts yesterday, about the truck that had been intercepted, carrying the dead girl with the name of my business carved on her body.
I didn’t flinch. Didn’t let anything crack through my mask.
I leaned back in my chair, pulling Avery onto my lap. She stiffened for half a second before melting into it, playing her part flawlessly. One would think we were the perfect couple, wrapped in a love so deep it was almost suffocating.
As Harrington spoke, I traced lazy patterns against Avery’s thigh, dragging my lips along the shell of her ear. She tilted her head ever so slightly, just enough to sell the performance.
“You’re distracting me,” she murmured.
I smirked. “That’s the point.”
Then, just because I could, I pressed a slow, lingering kiss against the sensitive skin of her neck. She let out a soft, breathy sound–not quite a sigh, not quite a moan. Just enough to make Harrington shift uncomfortably.
She played along beautifully. Laughing at my stupid jokes. Giving me a look of adoration when I complimented her. It was a game we both knew how to play and damn, she was good at it.
Harrington was seething.
“Mr. Blackwood, I’ve been around the block a few times,” he bit out with weary. “I’ve seen men like you before – smooth talkers who think they’re above the law. But let me tell you, I’ve dedicated my career to bringing people like you to justice. You’re not as slick as you think you are, and I’m not intimidated.”
I chuckled. “That’s not news, Detective.”
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Chapter 45
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His face flared with anger. “I can’t wait to see that smug smile wiped off your face. I’m working tirelessly for that moment
I let his words hang between us for a beat before leaning forward. “Before your dream comes true,” I said smoothly, “I have a surprise for you.”
I stood, helping Avery to her feet as well.
Harrington’s eyes narrowed. “We’re not done here.”
“But I am,” I said easily, placing a hand on Avery’s waist as I led her toward the door.
“You can’t keep running forever, Blackwood,” he called after me. “Eventually, you’ll slip.”
I glanced back, smirking. “You better pray you catch me when I do.”
With that, I pushed open the door, leading Avery into the hallway. The game was far from over.
And I had no intention of losing. But, I was done playing Harrington’s game. I wanted one with Avery as the player
AD
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