Chapter 53

I woke up surrounded by warmth, the soft hum of the city below drifting through the open window. Axel’s steady breathing was a comforting rhythm against my back, his arm draped protectively over my waist. Jin was already up, the clinking of pans and the aroma of brewing coffee wafting from the kitchen. I smiled, stretching languidly, feeling cherished and safe in our penthouse nest.

Axel stirred behind me, his voice gruff with sleep. “Morning, princess,” he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my shoulder. I turned to face him, his eyes still heavy with dreams, and I was struck by the tender look he gave me. It was a look that said he’d move mountains for me, and it filled me with a sense of belonging I’d never known before.

Jin appeared in the doorway, a tray of breakfast in his hands and a bright smile on his face. “Breakfast is served, beautiful,” he announced, his gaze lingering on me with unmistakable affection. I sat up, the sheets pooling around my waist, and Axel’s hand slipped away, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

We gathered around the small dining table, the morning sun casting a golden glow over our meal. Jin had outdone himself, preparing a feast of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs, all arranged perfectly on the plates. As we ate, laughter and light conversation filled the room, our shared stories and dreams weaving a tapestry of intimacy that went beyond the physical.

After breakfast, Jin and I cleared the table while Axel entertained us with tales from his days on the road. His stories were filled with adventure and mishaps, each one punctuated by our laughter and playful jabs. Jin teased him about a particular escapade involving a runaway chicken and a biker bar, and Axel’s rich laughter mingled with ours, creating a melody that resonated with the harmony of our pack.

Cocooned within the soft folds of our nest, Jin and I were lost in the pages of a novel, the world outside fading into insignificance. The gentle rustle of turning pages and the occasional hum of agreement over a particularly poignant passage were the only sounds that broke the peaceful silence. I was nestled comfortably against Jin’s side, his arm around me, his fingers idly tracing patterns on my skin. It was a moment of perfect contentment, a sanctuary from the chaos that had become my life.

Axel lounged across from us, a half-smile playing on his lips as he watched us, his eyes alight with a quiet joy. “What’s so funny, Axel?” I asked, marking my place with a fingertip and looking up at him.

He shrugged, his smile widening. “I was just thinking about how you’ve got us both wrapped around your little finger, princess.”

Jin chuckled, closing his book and giving me a playful squeeze. “Guilty as charged. Our girl’s got a magnetic pull that’s hard to resist.”

I rolled my eyes, a grin tugging at my lips. “I’m pretty sure that’s a lie. I’ve read enough romances. I would know the signs.”

Axel’s gaze softened, and he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “You’re the story I want to read, Darcy,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “Every moment with you is a chapter I never want to end.”

My heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through my chest. I reached across the small space, my hand finding his, our fingers intertwining. Jin’s thumb stroked the knuckles of my other hand, the tender gesture making my breath hitch and my attention turn to him.

“You’re our happily ever after, beautiful,” Jin added, his voice so smooth I could feel my cheeks heat in response.

The intensity of their compliments making me squirm with a mix of embarrassment and delight. “Okay, okay, enough of that,” I said, my voice a touch higher than usual. “Can we change the subject, please? Or better yet, go back to reading?”

Jin and Axel exchanged a glance before their laughter filled the room, the sound rich and warm, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. Jin’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he regarded me, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. “Alright, beautiful, we’ll drop it… for now.”

Jin pauses for a moment, I could see the thoughts racing through his mind before he excuses himself. He crawled out of the nest and disappeared from the room, leaving me to exchange a puzzled look with Axel.

Moments later, Jin returned, a large box cradled in his arms. My heart skipped a beat as he set it down in front of me, a shy smile playing on his lips. “I got you something,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Curiosity piqued, I carefully lifted the lid, revealing a sleek, brand-new laptop nestled within the packaging. My breath caught in my throat, a surge of emotions welling up inside me. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I looked up at Jin, my voice failing me.

He knelt beside me, his hand reaching out to gently wipe away a stray tear. “I know how much coding means to you, Darcy. And I wanted you to have the best tools to continue doing what you love, even if it’s just for fun.”

The tears spilled over, tracking down my cheeks as I threw my arms around him, burying my face in the crook of his neck. “Thank you,” I manage to choke out, my gratitude spilling over in silent sobs.

Axel’s large hand settled on my back, his presence a comforting force behind me. “Coding, huh?” he mused, his voice filled with genuine interest. “I didn’t know you were into that, princess.”

Jin beamed with pride, his eyes shining as he pulled back to look at me. “Our girl here is a genius. She’s been working in secret, saving up money to escape her father. She’s got skills.”

Axel’s eyes widened in surprise, and he pulled me into his lap, cradling me against his chest. His fingers tilted my chin up, and before I could protest, his lips were on mine, soft and insistent. The kiss was a sweet affirmation, tears and all. “Every new thing I learn about you, Darcy, I fall in love with you a little more,” he murmured against my lips, his words making my heart soar.

Jin made a show of pouting, his arms crossed over his chest in mock annoyance. “Hey, I wanted to be the first one to tell her I love her!” he protested, though the twinkle in his eye gave away his playful mood.

I laughed through my tears, the joy of the moment bubbling up within me. “Well, I’m glad I get to hear it from both of you,” I admitted, my voice still shaky with emotion. “I love you too, Jin… and you, Axel. So much, it scares me.”

Axel’s arms tightened around me, his voice a soothing rumble in his chest. “No need to be scared, princess. We’ve got you. Always.”

Jin nodded in agreement, his hand reaching out to squeeze mine. “Together, beautiful. You’re stuck with us now.”