Chapter 40
Chapter 40
AXEL’S POV:
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The door creaked slightly as I pushed it open, revealing a modest bathroom. I clicked the door shut behind me and leaned heavily against it despite the sting in my legs. My chest heaved as I exhaled, eyes darting over the bathroom’s simple layout.
The tiles were spotless, gleaming under the soft glow of recessed lighting. A simple shower stall stood in the corner, its glass door streak–free. On the counter beside the sink, neatly folded towels and small bottles of shampoo and body wash awaited me, their clean, floral scent a reminder of how desperately I needed them.
Stripping off Axel’s jacket, I tossed it onto the floor and grabbed the new toothbrush sitting on the counter. For the first time in what felt like days, I allowed myself the luxury of slowness. Each stroke of the toothbrush over my teeth was methodical, each swish of mouthwash a small victory. I even took my time flossing, savoring the strange normalcy of it.
The shower beckoned next. Stepping under the stream of warm water, I let it cascade over my battered body, soothing the aches and washing away the grime that clung to my skin like a second layer. I scrubbed until my skin felt raw and clean, my fingers tracing over bruises and scrapes with a detached curiosity. I just stood there, letting the water massage my sore muscles, wishing I could stay forever.
But the thought of Axel waiting outside ended my brief peace. Misusing his “kindness” felt like an invitation for punishment, and I wasn’t ready to test the boundaries of his bipolar mercy.
Wrapping myself in one towel and using another to dry my damp hair, I emerged from the bathroom, bracing myself for whatever waited on the other side.
The scent of food hit me immediately–rich, savory, and mouthwatering. My stomach roared like thunder, the emptiness gnawing at my insides. I glanced toward the source to find Axel sitting casually on the sofa, a plate of neatly cut fruit in his hand. He bit into an apple, his eyes locking onto mine as if he’d been waiting for this exact moment.
The sight of the spread on the table–waffles, bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit–made my mouth water. Without realizing it, I licked my lips, my gaze glued to the food like a starving dog.
“Get dressed,” Axel said, gesturing to the clothes laid neatly on the bed.
I hurried to grab them, intending to retreat to the bathroom for privacy, but his voice stopped me cold.
“Where do you think you’re going? Get dressed here,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I hesitated, clutching the clothes tightly to my chest. The food’s aroma was intoxicating, and my stomach twisted painfully, reminding me just how desperate I was. Begrudgingly, I dropped the towel shielding me and slipped into the gown.
The fabric was laughable- a flimsy, kitten–like slip of fabric that clung to my body in all the wrong ways. It barely covered my chest, the neckline plunging so low that everything was exposed except for the bare minimum–my nipples. The hemline was no better, ending just below my ass, leaving my thighs completely bare.
I tugged at it in desperation, trying to pull it down, but the material refused to budge, stuck stubbornly in place as if mocking my effort. It was utterly useless, offering no more coverage than a teasing afterthought.
I almost lashed out but bit my tongue. This was marginally better than being naked, but not by much. My eyes kept drifting toward the meal, my stomach twisting in anticipation, which he didn’t miss.
“You must be hungry,” he said smoothly, his tone laced with mockery like he was addressing a disobedient pet.
I hated the way he spoke to me like I was less than human. My thoughts rebelled-“Yes, you moron, of course, I’m starving after being denied food or water for who knows how long!“—but I didn’t dare let the words escape my lips.
Then, to my utter disbelief, he reached beside him and pulled out a dog bowl. A dog bowl. “Point to the things you like,” he instructed, as if this was completely normal.
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Chapter 40
My jaw dropped. Was he serious? Did he think I was some kind of pet nanny? Why was he even bothering to ask for my opinion? I didn’t have a clue what dogs like. Much more, his dog which would obviously have his personality.
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Still, hunger overrode my indignation. I pointed reluctantly at the bacon, waffles, scrambled eggs, hot dogs, and a few pieces of fruit. By the time I finished, the bowl was piled high, a feast fit for… well, a very spoiled dog.
I stared at it, my disbelief growing. I wished I could get a bite to satisfy my hunger.
Placing the bowl down with care, he spoke again. “That’s yours,” he said simply. “Eat.”
That was it. My carefully held composure snapped. “You must be insane! Not only are you a killing machine, but now you’re a complete lunatic. You expect me to eat out of a dog bowl?” My voice rose, fueled by hunger and fury.
He remained unfazed, his expression as cold and detached as ever. “Yes, Avery. Get on all fours and eat. But if you’re not hungry…” His hand moved to take the bowl away.
“No! Wait!” I blurted, panic surging as my arms shot out to grab the bowl. Pride crumbled under the weight of survival, instinct kicking in to preserve what little strength I had left..
He smirked, victory written across his face. “No hands,” he
I froze, horrified.
“Now.”
added.
Shaking, I lowered myself onto all fours, my face burning with humiliation. Bending my head, I awkwardly dipped my mouth toward the food, my body disgusted with every bite. But, I couldn’t stop myself because it tasted so good, leaving me wanting more.
“Good,” Axel murmured, almost to himself, watching with a satisfied grin. “You’re learning.”
Learning what? To submit? To survive? I didn’t know, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to.
“This isn’t cruelty, you know. I’m just teaching you manners. You’ll always be beneath me, Avery.”
I swallowed hard, choking back both the food and the acid rising in my throat.
Then, as if dropping a bombshell, Axel asked, “Do you know why you’ve been given this….mercy of redemption?”
I stayed silent, staring at the floor.
With slowness, he extended his foot, lifting my chin with the tip of his shoe until my eyes met his. “Good. That wasn’t difficult, was it?”
I shook my head, too drained to resist.
“Eat,” he said simply, leaning back.
As I ate, each bite filled my stomach, but it couldn’t satisfy the gnawing emptiness within me – the feeling of helplessness that lingered. My mind refused to find peace, even momentarily. Why was he doing this? What did he want from me?
As if reading my thoughts, Axel leaned down, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. His voice was almost tend menace underneath was unmistakable. Despite everything, as he drew close, I caught the scent of his cologne, wh…. smelled heavenly. The roughness of his palm against my ear was strangely soothing, and his eyes blazed with a fiery intensity.
In the
“You see, a certain person caused a big issue for me. And now, I need that certain person to solve it.” He straightened, his smirk widening. “So, tomorrow, you’re going to be the wife I married.”
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Chapter 40
The words slammed into my ears, and before I could restrain myself, a mouthful of scrambled eggs erupted from my lips, splattering directly onto his face.
Axel froze, his expression unreadable.
As I watched the eggs drip from his face, my heart pounded in my chest. I’d just made a grave mistake. With his eye closed, he slowly wiped the eggs from his face, “You shouldn’t have done that,” he whispered, his voice dripping with malice.
