On Her Daddy's Bed (Adeline and Luciano) novel Chapter 3

Author’s POV

After freshening up, Hazel opted for the staircase instead of the elevator, even though it felt like climbing a skyscraper. She would rather deal with aching legs than be trapped in that suffocating metal box again.

As she reached the bottom, still trying to catch her breath, she spotted a line of maids carrying trays of food. Her stomach growled in response. She followed them, assuming they were headed toward the dining hall.

The moment she stepped inside, she froze.

Her breath hitched as she took in the grandeur before her—glass walls, gold-accented furniture, and a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a royal palace. Every inch of Axel’s home screamed luxury.

“You really need to get a escalator. Hazel muttered, exhaling roughly as she walked in to find Axel already eating.

He raised his gaze to meet hers, but his attention immediately dipped lower—to the sliver of skin peeking between her crop top and distressed shorts. His eyes lingered on her curves, his fingers tightening subtly around his glass before he lifted it to take a slow sip.

“Anything for you, baby gi—”

“Momma!” she cut him off before he could finish, realizing too late that she had reacted on impulse.

Axel smirked. “Pretence would be the end of you, momma. You enjoy hearing me call you that, don't you?”

Hazel rolled her eyes and ignored him, instead focusing on the food before her. She dished herself a portion and dug in, savoring the flavors in silence.

For a while, the only sound in the room was the clinking of cutlery.

Then, her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen and immediately smiled—it was Armstrong.

Axel’s eyes flickered at her reaction, his grip tightening around his fork. He hadn’t seen that kind of smile from her before, at least not in his presence. His jaw tensed.

“Hello, babe.” Armstrong’s voice came through the speaker, soft and affectionate.

Hazel giggled slightly and sipped her juice, trying to wash down the bite stuck in her throat. But she suddenly felt conscious, knowing Axel was watching.

“Excuse me,” she mumbled, attempting to stand, but Axel’s sharp glare pinned her in place.

“Where are you going?” His voice was low, firm—commanding.

Hazel swallowed hard.

“Hello?” Armstrong’s voice came again, laced with concern.

“Sit,” Axel ordered.

It wasn’t a request. It was an order. One she most certainly would comply with.

Hazel knew better than to test him when he used that tone. Years of childhood with him had earned her a vast knowledge about him. Without another word, she sank back into her seat, gripping her phone tightly.

“Hey,” she said softly into the phone, trying to sound unaffected.

Axel clenched his jaw at the way she spoke to him—so gentle, so unlike the way she spoke to him.

“What’s happening over there? Are you in Washington already? Are you okay?” Armstrong asked.

Hazel exhaled. “You’re asking too many questions at once,” she teased, trying to ease the tension.

“It’s okay, start from anywhere.”

“I’m in Washington and I am okay. But I won’t be able to see you until tomorrow,” she explained, choosing her words carefully. “My dad insists I stay with a close relative.”

Axel’s eyes darkened at that.

Armstrong inhaled deeply, clearly disappointed, but he didn’t argue.

“I’m sorry,” Hazel whispered.

“It’s okay,” he sighed. “We’ll have school hours to ourselves.”

“Yes, exactly,” she smiled, relieved. “I’ll call you later tonight, okay?”

“Okay, baby. I love you.”

Axel’s fork stilled. His fingers curled into a fist.

Hazel hesitated. She knew Armstrong was the jealous type, and if she didn’t respond, it would only create problems. But she also knew Axel, and she could feel the weight of his gaze on her.

“I love you too,” she said softly before ending the call.

A long, heavy silence followed.

“Who was that?” Axel finally asked, his eyes still on his plate as he took another bite—too casual, too unaffected. But Hazel wasn’t fooled.

“It’s none of your business,” she snapped, pushing her plate away slightly.

Axel’s expression remained unreadable, but his voice dropped a dangerous octave.

“I have every right to ask. You’re in my house, which makes it my business to watch over you.”

Hazel huffed, crossing her arms. “Who else would I be saying ‘I love you’ to?”

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