Selling Myself To The Alpha
Chapter 37

Axel POV

I feel confident and free when I step off the plane. Negotiations went better than I expected. Not only do we have a new software supplier, but their prices are also better. Dad and Jack are going to hate me for this, but I cannot care less.

They should not have started this game if they could not see it through. Even if I did not replace my mate, I will not marry Angela.

Drew is already waiting for me, and I walk towards him.

"Is my dad still scheming?" I ask as we wait for my luggage. I am glad Drew figured out Liana is my mate. Now I have somebody that I trust to talk to.

"I think so," Drew grimaces. "Rooms are being prepared for Angela and her parents. They will be arriving tomorrow."

"Delightful," I smile as I reach for my suitcase. "I cannot wait to see their faces when I do not renew the contract."

"With all due respect, Axel," Drew says as we load my luggage. "Don't you think it's time to tell Liana she's your mate?"

"I am thinking about it," I sigh as I get into the car. "But you know Liana, she's going to be furious at me for keeping it a secret for so long. My timing has to be perfect." "That's true," Drew chuckles. "Good luck with that."

Liana POV

The last of the sunrays disappears behind the treetops when I get home. I did not want to phone Axel to pick me up. I need time alone. Time to sulk and lick my wounded soul.

Things were never this bad. I worked, send money home and everyone was happy. Mother never pushed for more and more like she is doing now. And the more I resist, the harder she pushes.

All of this started with Dad's surgery. Mother must think that I am getting a huge salary to be able to get such a big loan. And now she wants to share in my 'wealth'. That is the only logical conclusion.

I do not turn on any lights as I walk to my room. I am not planning to do anything else but lay down and feel sorry for myself.

"Weren't you supposed to call me?"

"Dammit, Axel!" I scream as I grab my heart and turn on the light. He is laying on my bed. His hands are behind his head and his eyes are closed. "You scared the crap out of me."

"You were supposed to call me," he opens his eyes and looks at me.

"What are you doing here?" I am still trying to catch my breath.

"Waiting for your call," he replies nonchalantly.

"I needed the walk," I defend myself. "Besides, I came back earlier."

"Have you been crying?" He frowns as he gets up and walks to me. "Did something happen to your dad?"

"He's fine," I sigh and walk to the bathroom.

"Why did you cry?" Axel follows me.

"Do you mind?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Don't you dare lock yourself in again," he warns me. "I don't mind replacing the door again."

"I just need to use the bathroom, geez," I roll my eyes and shut the door in his face. "And don't stand there and wait for me, it's creepy."

"Fine," he bangs against the door, and I jump a little. "But if you're not done in twenty minutes, I'm coming in."

"Make it fifteen minutes," I taunt him as I turn towards the toilet. Now that I am over the shock of replaceing him in my bed, I am happy to see him. I missed him way too much for my own liking.

My eyes widen when I see my face in the mirror. No wonder he is concerned, I look horrible. I wash my hands and face before I unlock the door.

"So?" I look at a gloomy Axel who is sitting on my bed. "How long did I take?"

"Joke all you want," he grins as he stands up and walks towards me. "You're not going to get out of answering my question."

"Axel, tonight's going to go one of two ways," I say seriously. "Either you stop asking me and we enjoy the evening, or you keep on asking and then we fight."

Silently I pray that he chooses the first option. I want to be in his arms, and not at arms with him.

"I need to know," his voice is firm but gentle.

"Okay," I cross my arms in front of my chest. "Those were angry tears. My mother and I had one hell of a fight, and you're partially to blame for it."

"Me?" He gapes flabbergasted.

"Yes, you," I reply. "Why did you give my mother money?"

"Because I wanted to help," he shrugs as if it is the most natural answer in the world.

"No good deed goes unpunished, Axel," I say frustrated. "Don't you know that? My mother thinks you're my boyfriend."

"Is the idea of me being your boyfriend so repulsive that you cry over it?" He turns pale and his eyes start blazing.

"You're missing the point," I grind my teeth. "This is not about you. This is about my mother and her lack of boundaries. As my boss, she will stay away from you. But as my boyfriend... well, you might as well go clear out a room for her because she will move in with you soon enough." "Fine," Axel looks stunned as he sits down on the bed. "I will tell her I'm your boss."

"And you will also tell her that the money was a loan, and she needs to repay it," I say firmly.

"But that's not true," he frowns. "I wanted to help. I don't want the money back."

"Giving them money isn't helping," I groan and throw my hands up in despair. "I should know, I've been doing it for years."

"Axel," I sigh as I sit next to him on the bed. "My brother has a gambling problem, and my mother refuses to acknowledge it. That ten thousand you gave, is gone. Even worse, they didn't even use your money for food. Everything you gave went to Leon and his needs." "Are you serious?" There is so much anger in Axel's voice that I want to cower away in a corner and hide.

"I'm afraid so," I whimper and lower my head in shame. I cannot look at him. I do not want to see the disillusion in his eyes.

Anger starts simmering and I stand up and start pacing in the room. What is the use to work my ass off to better myself just to be dragged back into the trash by my brother? How the f**k is it possible that Leon and I come from the same womb? "Liana ..."

"Please don't talk to me now," I plead as I keep on pacing. "I am trying really, really hard not to lose my shit right now."

"I'm sorry..."

"I'm not mad at you," I laugh humourlessly. "It's the injustice of it all that's infuriating. I'm trying to do better and be better, but I will always be trailer trash."

"Do you honestly believe that or are you simply feeling sorry for yourself?" Axel snorts and I look at him stunned.

"What?" He shrugs. "Did you think I was going to pity you? Life isn't fair, not to the rich or the poor. I might not know what it is to struggle financially but I know how hard I must work to prove myself to the world. I am more than just my father's son. Our battles might be different, but our goal is the same - for people to recognise us for who we are and not where we come from."

"Well, if I didn't feel like crap before, I do now," I sigh as sit down next to him.

"You shouldn't," he smiles as he drapes his arm around my shoulders. "I didn't say that to make you feel bad. I said it because I understand. And for the record, I gave the money to make things easier on you. I'm sorry I overstepped."

"I know you meant well, and I really am sorry about my family," I sigh heavily as I rest my head on his shoulder. "They're not bad people, but when it comes to money ... well, then they're the worst. Except for my father. He's flawless." "Is he now?" Axel laughs heartedly. "Then I must get to know him better."

"And now you know why I'm so anal about taking other people's money," I say as I stand up. "If I didn't earn it, I don't want it."

"Come on," I take his hands and pull him up. "I haven't eaten all day and I'm starving."

"Do you want to go out to dinner?" He surprises me. "I know this great steakhouse. Nothing fancy but their steaks are the best."

"Really?" I ask excitedly. "But people will recognise you. What will they say when they see me with you?"

"Liana, I don't care," he laughs heartedly.

"But you should," I roll my eyes. "The last thing you need is a scandal."

"Having dinner with you is not a scandal," he laughs and kisses me quickly. "Freshen up, I'll pick you up in half an hour."