'I Do' For Revenge-Chapter 93: Protect His Wife

Axel drove with his hand resting on mine, the city blurring past as I replayed the police station showdown in my mind. It felt like victory, but i still felt anxious over what came next.

"What’s the surprise?" I asked, glancing at Axel.

He only smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "Patience."

"That’s not an answer."

"It’s the only one you’re getting right now."

I narrowed my eyes playfully. "You’re not planning to kidnap me, are you?"

"Maybe."

"Well, you should know that I’ve been taking kung fu, karate, and taekwondo classes."

He laughed, and it sounded warm and genuine. "In your dreams?"

"Hey! I’ll have you know I’m very dangerous," I protested.

"Oh, I’m terrified. Absolutely shaking," Axel said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You should be. I could totally take you down," I insisted.

"Really?" He glanced at me with amusement dancing in his eyes. "Want to test that theory?"

"Maybe later. After you tell me where we’re going," I countered.

"Nice try. But no," he said.

"You’re impossible," I muttered.

"And you’re impatient," Axel shot back.

"Only when someone’s being deliberately mysterious," I said.

"Maybe I like keeping you in suspense," he replied.

"Maybe I like knowing what’s happening before it happens," I retorted.

"Where’s the fun in that?" Axel asked.

I was just about to respond when we pulled into a huge car dealership. The glass building sparkled in the early afternoon sunlight, and the lot was packed with shiny luxury cars: Bentleys, Maseratis, Range Rovers.

"A car dealership?" I asked, confused.

"You’ll see," he said, parking near the entrance.

Inside, a salesman in an immaculate suit greeted us immediately, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Axel. "Mr. O’Brien! We’ve been expecting you. Everything’s ready."

"Perfect. Lead the way."

The salesman guided us through the showroom, past rows of gleaming vehicles. We paused at a silver Porsche Cayenne first.

"Beautiful lines," the salesman said. "Top speed of 177 miles per hour, luxury interior..."

"Too flashy," Axel said, moving on.

Next was a white Mercedes G-Wagon, all angles and presence. "This one’s very popular," the salesman offered. "Excellent handling, spacious..."

"Not quite right," Axel murmured, still searching.

We walked past a stylish Audi Q8 and a sophisticated BMW X7. Then, I spotted a black luxury SUV that had the kind of look you’d expect from a Secret Service vehicle. It was both sleek and sturdy, giving off a vibe that was powerful yet classy.

I stopped walking, my eyes fixed on it. "That one."

Axel noticed immediately. "That look in your eyes," he said, gesturing to it. "It’s this one, right?"

The salesman beamed. "Excellent choice, ma’am. This is our premium armoured vehicle. Let me tell you about the features."

He launched into his pitch, and my jaw slowly dropped with each specification.

"Bulletproof glass rated for high-calibre rounds. Reinforced steel frame. Run-flat tyres. Top-tier security system featuring GPS tracking, a panic button, and a direct line to emergency services. Built-in dashcam with 360-degree coverage and cloud backup. Encrypted communication system. And it handles like a dream despite the added weight."

"Axel," I turned to him, stunned. "This is..."

"Necessary," he said firmly. "No one’s touching you again."

"But this must cost..."

"I don’t care what it costs."

"Axel, this is too much."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping low enough that only I could hear. "Nothing’s too much to keep you safe. After yesterday, after everything Cassandra’s done..." His fingers brushed my arm, sending sparks through me. "I need to know you’re protected."

The memory of last night flooded back: his lips on mine, his hands on my skin, the way we’d stopped just before crossing that final line.

The intensity in his eyes now matched that raw and unguarded moment.

"Can we take it for a test drive?" I asked the salesman.

"Of course! Let me get the keys."

Minutes later, I was behind the wheel, Axel in the passenger seat. The salesman had wisely decided to let us go alone, probably sensing the tension between us.

The SUV was incredible... powerful yet smooth, responsive despite its armoured weight.

"How does it feel?" Axel asked, watching me with that intense gaze of his.

"Amazing. Like I could drive through anything and come out fine."

"That’s the idea."

I glanced at him. "You really don’t have to do this."

"I want to. Let me do this for you."

Something in his voice made my chest tighten. "Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah. Okay." I smiled. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

We drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Axel spoke again. "Are you hungry?"

"Starving, actually. I haven’t eaten since last night."

"Let’s get breakfast. I know a place."

"It’s almost noon."

"Fine, brunch. There’s this café near here... they’ve got the best pancakes in the city."

"Pancakes sound perfect."

We returned to the dealership where Axel handled the paperwork. Within an hour, the SUV was mine, complete with all the security features and a promise that it would be delivered to our house fully fueled and detailed.

Then we were back in Axel’s car, heading toward what he promised would be the best meal of my life.

The café was tucked into a quiet street, with ivy climbing the brick walls and large windows that let in floods of natural light. It looked charming, intimate, exactly the kind of place you’d go for a romantic date.

Wait. Was this a date?

Axel held the door open for me, his hand finding the small of my back again as we entered. A hostess greeted us with a warm smile.

"Table for two? Inside or on the patio?"

"Patio," Axel said. "Something private if you have it."

She led us to a corner table on a sun-drenched patio, partially hidden by climbing roses and hanging plants. It was secluded, romantic, the kind of spot that made you want to linger over coffee and conversation.

Once seated, menus in hand, I looked at Axel across the small table. The morning sun caught his features, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw and the warmth in his eyes as he looked at me.

"What?" he asked, catching me staring.

"Nothing. Just thank you. For everything today. All of it."

"You don’t have to thank me."

"I want to."

A waitress appeared, saving us from whatever moment was building. "What can I get you folks to drink?"

"Coffee," we said simultaneously, then laughed.

"Two coffees it is. And have you had a chance to look at the menu?"

I glanced down, quickly scanning. "I’ll have the blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon."

"Excellent choice. And for you, sir?"

"Same, but make mine chocolate chip pancakes."

As the waitress left, Axel leaned back in his chair, studying me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.

"What?" I asked again.

"I’m just thinking about how much has changed in such a short time."

"What do you mean?"