Chapter 24

Lydia wasn't ready to give up just yet. She opened her mouth to call out to him, but Axel smoothly stepped forward, blocking her politely. "Miss Grant, let me give you a ride." She was so mad she wanted to scratch his face off, but had to keep her calm. After hesitating for a while and seeing Fraser's car already driving away, she could only bite her pride and say, "Then... thanks, Axel." ***** She was a light sleeper-always had been-and the moment his presence filled the room, her lashes fluttered open. She looked up, still half-dreaming, and smiled faintly. "You're here." Her cheeks were tinted with warmth, her eyes misty with sleep. There was a softness to her then-unguarded, slow-blooming, like morning light slipping through half-open curtains. Fraser's breath caught. One look, and every ounce of restraint he'd ever known unraveled. Whenever they were alone, the gentleman in him ceased to exist. What rules? What boundaries? With a lazy grin tugging at his lips, he crossed the room