Selling Myself To The Alpha
Chapter 34

Axel POV

I tap rhythmically with my pen on the desk. Things are starting to spiral out of control at a rapid speed. And I know my dad is behind it. He is trying to force my hand to marry Angela.

I just received a call from Jack's company that they will be revising their contract with us. Which is not out of the ordinary - it happens annually.

But the clerk phrased it that they will not renew with us. And I bet the clerk was ordered to say it like that. My dad and Jack know I will pick up on it and that I will do anything in my power to keep the contract. Including marrying Angela. Well, the joke is on them.

There are plenty of software companies out there and I will replace them.

"Juliana," I say over the intercom. "I need to leave for Dallas tonight. Please book my airline ticket and accommodation. And tell Liana I need to see her."

Within seconds, there is a rapid knock on the door, followed by Liana entering.

I lean back in my chair and leisurely look her up and down. She looks stunning.

"I can see what you're thinking, and it's not a good idea," she rolls her eyes as she sits down.

I quickly hide my smile behind my fist. She is right about my thoughts, but it did not cross my mind to actually act on them. Especially not on her first day. She is overwhelmed enough as it is. But I am curious to see if she really would resist me. "And why is it a terrible idea?" I get up and walk over to her. I go stand behind her and gently start massaging her shoulders.

"For starters, it will be highly suspicious if you lock the door," her voice is surprisingly steady but the goosebumps over her body betray her.

"Then I won't lock the door," I tease as I glide my hands into her blouse and cups her breasts.

"Somebody might come in," her breathing is shallower than a moment before.

"Juliana will not allow that without my permission," I play with her nipples until they are hard against my fingertips.

"She might come in," Liana argues, and I let go of her.

I pick up my phone and keep my eyes on a flustered Liana.

"Juliana," I keep my voice steady. "Please go to HR and bring me Liana's file. I need to verify the information."

"Any other excuses?" I ask as I put the phone down and walk to her.

"Time," she looks at me. "There's not enough time."

"Then we shouldn't waste any by talking," I take her hand and pull her up against my chest. Her lips are soft and willing. I sigh contently against her lips as I pull her closer. Kissing her is just as exhilarating as it was the first time. I slowly let go of her and rest my forehead against hers.

"It's never a bad idea to kiss you, Liana," I whisper hoarsely before I walk around my desk.

"How is your day so far?" I ask as I take my seat.

"F... fine," she clears her throat and sits down.

"No questions, suggestions or requests?" I smile, allowing her to speak her mind.

"Nope," she smiles politely.

"I saw your mother came to visit," I say, and she turns pale.

"I'm sorry," she immediately seems upset. "It will not happen again, I ..."

"Geez, Liana, relax," I look at her surprised. "She's welcome to see you here. I was only going to ask how your father is doing?"

"He's fine," she relaxes. "Thank you."

"Is something wrong?" I ask cautiously. "Something that I can help with?"

"No," she shakes her head. "Everything is fine. I ..."

"Everything is not fine," I say sternly, and she swallows hard. "But you don't have to tell me what's wrong. Just know that I'm here if you want to talk, okay?"

"I appreciate it," she looks me straight in the eye. "But some things I need to sort myself."

"Duly noted," I say stiffly. It stings that she does not want or need my help. I am her mate; I am supposed to do things like this for her.

"Thank you," she nods before she gets up and leaves. Absentmindedly I stare at the door. I gave her more than one opportunity to ask for an advance, but she did not even attempt. Why? Is it pride or shame?

Juliana comes in with Liana's file and I thank her as I accept it. Honestly, this file does not contain anything that I do not already know. I page through it until I replace her parent's address.

I am sticking my head in a hornet's nest by getting involved, I know. But how can I not? I want Liana to be carefree and happy, but she is so bloody stubborn when it comes to money.

I take down the address and make arrangements for cash to be delivered to Liana's parents. She is going to bite my head off when she learns about this, but I will deal with it then. Right now, I must replace a new supplier and get Angela off my back. Liana POV

Dear heavens, that man can work my hormones like it is nobody's business. My knees are jelly as I take a seat behind my desk.

And why must he be so observant? Why can he not be like other men that do not notice a new hairstyle, let alone your emotional status?

I nearly choked when he said he saw my mother. So much for my efforts of keeping Mother away from his office. I cannot tell him about my greedy mother. It is too shameful. And the thing with Nina, well... that is just girl stuff. Nothing he will be interested in. "Okay, ladies," Axel comes out of his office. "I'm off and I'll see you on Monday."

Juliana and I say goodbye and I take only a second to watch him walk away. I will not admit it out loud or to him, but I am going to miss his sexy a*s.

**

I walk straight to the bus stop after work. I just want to go home and wash this day off me. A car pulls up next to me and Drew's head pops out of the window.

"Need a ride?" he grins. "Get in."

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," I laugh as I open the door, but my smile instantly freezes when I see Axel in the backseat.

"What are you doing here?" I ask in surprise. "Aren't you supposed to be at the airport?"

"That's where we're heading," he smiles at me. "But I needed to talk to you before I leave."

"Did I do a terrible job today?" I ask as fear and insecurities clamp my heart.

"No," he chuckles as he hands me an envelope. "Your studies. I've enrolled you part-time since you said you need to work full-time. You'll have classes twice a week after work from six to nine."

"Are you a wizard?" I tease as I open the envelope.

"I'm not going to lie, I had to pull strings," he smiles satisfied.

"Thank you," I say as my heart swells with gratitude. I so wish I could hug and kiss him right now but with Drew in the car, it is out of the question.

"Don't mention it," he says firmly. "Seriously, please don't tell anyone how you got it."

"Why?" I ask with big eyes. "Did you do something illegal?"

"No," he bursts out laughing. "But if word gets out that the faculty made an exception for you, other people might expect the same."

"Oh," I mumble and look down as a blush creep up my neck. That was a really stupid thing to say.

"Sir, I'll get your luggage and meet you inside," Drew says as he parks the car and gets out.

"Thank you again," I smile at him. "For everything."

He leans forward and kisses me gently. But suddenly it feels like I will never see him again and I throw my arms around his neck and pull myself closer to him. Axel sighs contently as our kiss turns passionate. The closer I am to him the more I relax, and the disappointments of the day vanish.

"Are you going to miss me?" He murmurs as his lips trail down my jaw to my neck.

"No," I groan as a shiver runs down my spine when he grazes his teeth over the spot that he loves so much.

"Liar," he chuckles before he claims my lips again.

"Conceited," I smile as he pulls away.

"Very much," he grins and opens his door. "I'll see you in a week. Be a good girl."

"Good luck," I blow him a kiss as he closes the door.

I sigh as I watch him walk away. I do not want him to go, the thought strikes me like lightning. I kick off my shoes and run as fast as I can.

"Axel, wait!" I shout as I run.

He stops, turns around and walks towards me frowning.

"What's wrong?" He asks concerned.

"Absolutely nothing," I smile as I take his face between my hands and kiss him. I pour my heart into the kiss. I do not care if people can see us.

"I will miss you," I admit as I pull away. "Have a safe flight."

He looks at me in astonishment as I turn around and walk back to the car.