Chapter 85 Part 85

Chapter 85 Part 85
Aspen

North stopped her at the bottom of the stairs, and glanced behind her, his expression briefly shadowed with something unspoken and conflicted. She felt Axl’s hand a moment later as he took hers, his fingers threading through hers with quiet possession. North looked like he wanted to say something, his jaw tightening slightly, but he thought better of it. CJ nodded at Axl, silent understanding passing between them, and they made their way to the small chapel.
Heads turned the moment they walked in. Conversations dipped into hushed murmurs. The front row was empty, reserved for family, and Calvin and CJ remained standing at the back, their posture alert as they surveyed the crowd. Axl led her to the front row, his hand warm at the small of her back. They sat down, and Axl gave her a slow smile when she placed her hand on his thigh, her fingers resting there with subtle familiarity.
She could hear the soft whispers ripple through the room as people recognized him. The sound made her shoulders stiffen slightly. She wondered if she would ever get used to being watched like this. Axl, however, seemed entirely relaxed, leaning back as though this were any ordinary gathering. He leaned closer, his head dipping toward hers, and she briefly closed her eyes when his breath brushed against her neck, sending a trail of goosebumps down her arms.
“Just ignore it,” he whispered.
“It’s weird. It’s like you’re not even a person.”
He huffed a soft laugh, his hand sliding higher on her thigh in a grounding squeeze. “Just try and behave today.”
“Excuse me?” she hissed, turning her head sharply toward him.
His shoulders shook as he fought laughter. “I won’t be led astray by just anyone, you know. I don’t care how pretty you are.”
Aspen laughed under her breath and shook her head. “If anyone is leading anyone astray, it’s you, Axl.”
“Me? I’m the picture of innocence. I even put on underwear, despite the fact that you didn’t put any out for me,” he murmured, his tone dripping with mock righteousness.
Aspen gasped softly. “There goes my plan for easy access.”
Axl let his head fall back and barked out a loud laugh, rich and unrestrained. Every head turned toward them, curiosity flaring. Aspen could feel her cheeks burn with mortified heat. “Stop it. People are looking at us.”
He leaned in again, lowering his voice. “Tell me, Aspen, are you wearing underwear?”
Before she could answer, the music began. The doors at the back opened, and relief washed over her. The look in Axl’s eyes told her he knew she’d been saved. Janine looked stunning in her custom-made dress as she and Carlos walked down the aisle together, her smile radiant, almost ethereal in its joy.
The ceremony was short and heartfelt. Janine glowed, her happiness almost tangible, and Carlos looked at her like she was the only person in the room. Watching them felt intimate, almost sacred. Aspen’s chest tightened as tears blurred her vision, emotion rising unexpectedly.
Later, she stood beneath the shade of a large tree, watching as Axl and North posed for pictures. They nudged each other, exaggerated smiles, playful shoves—the kind of bond that survived storms. Axl caught her watching and winked, the gesture warm and private despite the crowd.
Jordan sighed as she stepped beside Aspen and leaned against the tree. She didn’t speak, but her glances were frequent and assessing, her expression difficult to read. Aspen shifted slightly, suddenly aware of herself in a way that felt uncomfortably exposed. She laughed when North grabbed Axl and kissed his cheek dramatically, the photographers snapping away.
At the reception hall, the mood was light and celebratory. Laughter filled the room. Carlos’ speech had people wiping tears from their eyes, his voice thick with gratitude and love. The first dance was tender, the cutting of the cake playful. Janine’s happiness was luminous.
Still, Aspen could feel Jordan’s eyes on her throughout the evening. It wasn’t hostile—just sharp, measuring. It made her restless.
On the dancefloor, Axl pulled her close, his body aligning with hers, his hand firm at her back. The music slowed around them, and he lowered his head. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she said lightly.
“Don’t bullshit me.” His hand moved lower along her back, and she chuckled softly.
“Jordan keeps giving me weird looks. I don’t know what her problem is.”
Axl lifted his head slightly and sighed. “She feels insecure. You’re a beautiful woman, Aspen, and she knows North loved you. You’re still in his life because now you’re with me. She’d be an idiot not to feel intimidated.”
Aspen studied his face, the certainty in his tone steadying her. “I love you, Axl.”
“I know.” His thumb traced small circles at her waist. “I’m not worried. You came back to me.”
She smiled, mischief flickering in her eyes. “I think I should answer your earlier question.”
“Which question?” He frowned faintly.
“I’m not wearing underwear.”
His gaze dropped slowly, deliberately, tracing the line of her dress. He pulled her closer, their bodies flush. “How soon do you think we can leave?”
She laughed, resting her hand flat against his chest, feeling the quickening beat beneath her palm. “Why would we leave?”
“Don’t play innocent now. You know exactly what you’re doing.”
“I assure you, Mr. Reynolds, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She looked the picture of manufactured innocence as they finished their dance and returned to their table.
They were seated with North and Jordan, along with Juan and Juanita, who were warm and easy to talk to. Conversation flowed comfortably. Aspen found herself relaxing again.
North leaned closer to Axl. “Did you ever hear from Merit again?”
“Again?” Aspen’s eyes widened. “She had the nerve to contact you?”
“Who’s Merit?” Jordan asked.
“Axl’s stalker,” North replied casually.
“She never stalked me,” Axl protested.
“Bullshit. She had a girly boner for you the size of my arm,” North said bluntly.
Axl laughed and shook his head. “Thanks for that visual. Now I need a real drink.”
“Merit and Axl dated for six months in senior year,” Aspen explained calmly. “She cheated on him and couldn’t accept it when he ended things.”
“Wow… good for you, Axl. If someone cheats once, they’ll cheat again,” Jordan said thoughtfully.
“Let’s change the subject,” Axl cut in, shifting in his seat, tension flickering briefly across his face. “Tell us about you, Jordan. Has North overcome his fear of animated movies yet?”
Aspen laughed loudly, unable to help herself. North narrowed his eyes in mock annoyance. “I thought we were never talking about that again.”
“Animated movies scare you?” Jordan asked, turning to him with surprise.
“He’s full of shit,” North muttered.
“Right,” she said, smiling before addressing Axl again. “I’m studying political sciences. It was either that or law school. My father insisted on a degree. In my family, you don’t disappoint.” Her posture straightened slightly, pride and pressure woven together. “I met North in a bar when he tried to walk straight through me. One drink became breakfast. Breakfast became two weeks in Hawaii.”
“Slick, North, real slick,” Axl said with a grin.
“I had to move fast before someone else swooped in,” North replied, smiling at Jordan with unmistakable affection.