Chapter 81 Part 81

Chapter 81 Part 81
North

He held Jordan’s hand as they walked into the hotel lobby, his fingers lacing through hers automatically, grounding himself in the familiar warmth of her touch. The lobby was lavishly decorated—marble floors polished to a mirror shine, crystal chandeliers cascading from the ceiling, soft instrumental music filtering through hidden speakers. Fresh lilies stood in oversized vases near the entrance, their scent faint but noticeable. Everything about the place whispered wealth and discretion.
North glanced around, instinctively assessing the room the way he’d learned to do over the years. Businessmen clustered near leather couches. A concierge spoke in low tones to a family dressed in designer travel wear. No obvious press. No cameras lurking nearby. That was good. Especially for Axl.
His mother hadn’t arrived yet, and though he would never admit it out loud, he was grateful for the reprieve. Seeing her after everything that had happened always stirred something raw in him—guilt, protectiveness, a quiet rage that never fully settled.
“Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you?” The woman behind the reception desk was composed and polished, her uniform immaculate, her smile professional without being warm.
“St. John. I have a reservation,” he replied evenly.
She began typing, the rhythmic clicking of keys sharp in the otherwise hushed space. North turned his head slightly when he heard Axl’s name drift across the lobby. Two women stood a few feet away, attempting to look casual while very obviously failing.
“It was like a movie scene. I swear, Britney, he stalked out of the elevator, cupped the woman’s face, and kissed her, right here in the lobby!”
“I can’t believe Axl Reynolds is actually staying here!”
North’s lips curved before he could stop them. So Axl had already checked in—and apparently made an entrance. He pulled his phone from his pocket, checking his messages. Nothing from Axl yet. Typical. He knew he was probably already asleep. He’d performed his last show two days ago and boarded a plane immediately after.
Axl rarely let anyone see his personal life anymore. Whatever had happened in the lobby had been intentional. Or reckless. Or both. He was burning with curiosity either way.
“What’s got you grinning like an idiot?”
He turned toward Jordan, amused by the way she narrowed her eyes at him playfully. She looked stunning even in something simple—dark jeans, fitted blazer, effortless confidence.
“Those two women are talking about Axl kissing some woman in the lobby like a high school amateur,” he said.
Jordan’s brows lifted. “An amateur? Sounds more like a romantic movie where the hero finally gets the girl.”
He huffed a quiet laugh. “It’s about time. He’s been single long enough.”
“Here you go, Mr. St. John. Your suite is ready.”
North accepted the keycard with a polite nod. “Thank you.”
They moved toward the elevator, Jordan’s hand still in his. The doors slid shut with a muted whisper and the faint reflection of them stared back from the mirrored walls. She exhaled softly.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I’m nervous. What if your mother doesn’t like me?” She rubbed her palms together unconsciously, a tell he’d learned to recognize.
“She will like you,” he assured her immediately. “My mom’s not full of shit. If she sees how happy you make me, she’ll love you.” He smirked faintly. “There’s a bigger chance that Axl won’t like you.”
Her eyes widened. “Comforting.”
“He rarely likes new people.”
“Well, he did tell you he didn’t like your ex,” she countered.
“Yeah. And he was right.” North’s tone sobered slightly. “Axl reads people better than anyone I know.”
Jordan tilted her head thoughtfully. “So no pressure. Just meet a world-famous rockstar who has a sixth sense about people.”
He chuckled as the elevator opened onto their floor. The hallway was quiet, plush carpeting muting their footsteps. “Stop worrying,” he said gently. “Everyone will like you.”
“Is it weird being friends with him?” she asked as he unlocked the suite door.
He paused briefly at the question. “We’ve been best friends since we were nine. We shared everything. Did everything together. I’ve even cuddled with him.”
Jordan pressed her lips together, clearly fighting laughter. “The media would love that headline.”
He shook his head. “When Axl loves, it’s with everything in him. I don’t think he ever got over Aspen. But I guess he finally decided to move on.”
“She must be pretty special,” Jordan murmured, stepping inside.
North didn’t answer immediately. The suite was spacious, sunlight filtering through floor-to-ceiling windows. Aspen’s name still carried weight. Memory. Regret. He loved Jordan. That part was clear. Solid. But first loves left marks.
“North?”
“Yeah?” He blinked, refocusing on her.
“What are you thinking about?”
He crossed the room and brushed his fingers along her jaw gently. “I’m glad we’re here. I’m glad you’re meeting my mom. I’m glad you took that leap with me. You make me happy, Jordan Black. Happier than I deserve.”
“I love you, North.”
“I love you too. Our past is the past.”
She studied him carefully. “You loved Aspen, too.”
He sighed and sat on the edge of the couch, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. She was my first real girlfriend. And when it mattered most, I didn’t choose her. I chose everything else. By the time I fixed it, it was too late.”
Jordan moved closer, resting her hand over his. “Yet you and Axl survived it.”
“Our bond is unbreakable.” He met her eyes firmly. “I let her go. I was alone for a year before I met you. Even if I saw Aspen right now, nothing would change. My life is with you.”
Jordan searched his face, then nodded. “I believe you.” She kissed him softly, reassurance passing between them.
“Good. Now go get ready,” he said lightly. “We leave in an hour.”
He texted his mother, smiling when she responded that she had just checked in. Relief warmed him unexpectedly. He wanted this to go well. He needed something to work out for her.
When Jordan stepped out of the bathroom in her dress—elegant, understated, hugging her curves—he couldn’t help the slow grin that spread across his face. She laughed and slapped his hands away when he moved closer.
“We do not have time for that, North! I will not meet your mother looking disheveled.”
He leaned back, amused. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
“Go get changed,” she teased, pointing toward the bedroom. “We can always sneak away to a dark corner later.”
His eyes darkened slightly. “Don’t tease me, woman.”
But as he headed to change, one thought lingered quietly in his mind—tonight wasn’t just about introductions. It was about sealing chapters closed. And making sure the future stayed exactly where he wanted it.