The Forbidden flame

A few hours later I stood in the middle of my new room in Axel’s house.

With slow steady steps I walked towards the mirror.

The large bags under my eyes were a subtle reminder of how the events of the previous night had kept me awake.

As I stared at myself in the mirror I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if I was drunk and unable to defend myself.

Or if my dad did not teach me how to defend myself.

The very thought sent shivers down my spine, and not in a good way.

A sharp knock on the door pulled me back from my thoughts.

“Hey Ellie, can I come in?” came Axel’s muffled voice through the door.

I rushed to the door and opened it, the sight I met had my mouth hanging wide open.

I didn't think he could look any sexier but boy was I wrong.

He was shirtless with just pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips, his hair was tousled in a way that it was obvious he just woke up but it was still sexy.

And his voice, oh my God, his sleepy voice did things to my body I’m not sure words could explain.

“Hello, Earth to Ellie” he said snapping me away from my thoughts.

‘Are you okay?” he asked carefully.

I suddenly noticed he was way too close for comfort and the proximity had me unable to think so I just nodded.

He looked at me in a way that said he didn't believe me but he didn't wanna push it.

He then shrugged and started walking out of the room.

Once he was at the door he turned back and said, “breakfast will be ready in 30 minutes, I hope you like slightly burnt pancakes” then walked out and closed the door.

Immediately he closed the door. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.

I can't keep getting tongue tied in his presence like this, how will I even be able to make him fall for me.

I sighed and went into the bathroom to take a shower

By the time I got downstairs, the smell of something sweet and burnt filled the kitchen.

Axel stood by the stove, spatula in hand, hair still tousled from sleep, a few dark strands falling over his forehead. His body moved with that calm, effortless control that made it impossible to look away.

“Morning,” he said, glancing at me with a lazy smirk. “You’re just in time to witness the art of ruining pancakes.”

I laughed softly. “At least it smells edible.”

He flipped one onto a plate and set it in front of me. “You’re being generous.”

I took a bite anyway. “You’re right. It’s terrible.”

His laugh,low and genuine filled the kitchen, and something warm bloomed in my chest.

For a few moments, it was just the two of us, comfortable silence wrapping around the clinking of plates and the hum of the city outside.

Then the doorbell rang.

Axel’s expression shifted  relaxed warmth replaced by something sharp and alert. “Stay here,” he said, already moving toward the door.

Before I could ask who it was, a familiar voice echoed from the hallway.

“Hey! I come bearing caffeine and friendship.”

“Maya?” I shot up from my chair and hurried out.

She stood in the doorway, holding two coffee cups and grinning like she hadn’t almost given me a heart attack.

“Missed your best friend, didn’t you?” she teased before pulling me into a hug.

I smiled, hugging her tight. “Maybe just a little.”

When we pulled apart, Axel was standing at the edge of the hallway, arms crossed, his jaw tight.

“Best friend, huh?” he said quietly, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. “Interesting. You’d think a best friend would actually be around when she’s needed.”

Maya’s smile faltered. “Excuse me?”

He tilted his head, voice calm but dripping with accusation. “You weren’t exactly there when she needed you most.”

Maya’s jaw tensed, but she kept her tone even. “You don’t know everything, Axel.”

He gave a cold, humorless smile. “Oh, I know enough.”

“Okay, stop,” I said sharply, stepping between them. “Axel, what’s your problem? She’s my best friend, not my bodyguard.”

That made him pause , just for a split second  before his gaze flicked to Maya’s, something unreadable flashing between them.

Maya broke the stare first, turning back to me. “I just wanted to see if you were okay. I’ll call you later, alright?”

Before I could stop her, she gave me a tight smile and walked out.

As the door closed, I turned on Axel. “What was that about?”

He didn’t answer. His hands were on the counter, knuckles white.

“Axel.”

“Nothing,” he muttered.

“Nothing? You practically bit her head off!”

He straightened slowly, meeting my eyes. “If she was really your best friend, she wouldn’t have left you alone last night.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it. His voice wasn’t angry anymore; it was low, rough, almost trembling with restraint.

“She couldn’t have known…”

“She should’ve.”

He stepped closer. My breath caught.

His hand lifted  hesitating, then brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. His touch was light, but it burned.

“You shouldn’t have gone through that,” he said softly.

The air between us shifted, thick and humming.

“Axel…” I breathed, his name catching in my throat.

He didn’t move away. His thumb traced the edge of my jaw, slow, deliberate. My pulse thundered so loud I was sure he could hear it.

His gaze flicked to my lips  for a heartbeat, maybe two  then he exhaled sharply and stepped back.

“Eat your breakfast,” he said, voice rough, avoiding my eyes. “Before it gets cold.”

And just like that, the spell broke.I stared at his retreating back, my heart still racing, the ghost of his touch lingering like fire against my skin  and I wasn’t sure if I wanted it to fade.