The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

Friday comes around quickly.

On Wednesday, Grace and I went out for ice cream after school as our unofficial third date.

It bugs me that she lied to her mum and said she went with Rory, but I don't want to pressure her into telling her mum about me before she's ready.

We spend every moment we can together. She has easily become part of our group, and she isn't shy when she joins us for the break and lunch anymore.

She's comfortable around Rory and Xaden, which makes me happy. My mate fits perfectly into my life, it's like she was meant to be in it, which she is.

Rory goes round to Grace's house to get ready. I'll be honest, I'm jealous that Rory gets to meet my mate's family before I do. I'll grill her later for all the details.

I know she has three younger half—siblings, and as much as I don't really like kids, I want to meet them. They're important to Grace, which makes them important to me.

I think Grace wanted Rory to come round to hers so that her mum could meet her. She lies to her mum and says she's meeting Rory when she's meeting me, so it makes the lie more believable if her mum sees that Rory is a real person and a real friend of Grace's.

Xaden arrives half an hour before we're due to leave. Dressed in a black t—shirt and black jeans, he's almost identical to me. My t—shirt is white, that's the only difference.

We chill out in my room, waiting for the right time to pick up the girls. Dad is driving us to the party because I didn't want to drive and leave my car there, and no way was I going to let Mum drive. She would have been all over Grace the second she met her.

'If I'm not allowed to get with anyone all night, you better get me wasted, otherwise this party is going to be boring as fuck,' Xaden complains.

I roll my eyes at him. 'Don't be dramatic, you can have fun and not have sex, you know'

'My definition of fun is sex, Axe. You know that.'

'Then maybe you need to redefine the word. Focus on hanging out with friends for once instead of trying to pull.'

He gives me a doubtful look but doesn't complain further. Just after seven, we go downstairs and say goodbye to my mum. She's so excited, you'd think she is going to the party with us.

Dad drives us over to Grace's street and he pulls over near where I picked her up from on our date.

I text Grace to let her know that we're here and, a few minutes later, she and Rory come down the street.

Rory is wearing her typical outfit, a black dress and hot pink Doc Marten's. Grace…holy shit, Grace.

Her red waves are tied up in a high ponytail, which sways side to side as she walks. Her blue eyes pop with some black winged stuff she's put on her eyes.

Her lips are bright red, drawing my attention to them straight away. God, I want to kiss her and smudge that lipstick.

My eyes eventually drop to her outfit and my mouth suddenly goes dry.

Holy shit. I'm never going to survive the night.

Her dress is navy blue, a stark contrast against her pale skin and red hair. It's so tight, it's like a second skin. And short.

It shows off all of her legs, which are only made longer by the high heels she is wearing.

Basically, she looks like an angel, and I'm screwed.

Xaden snorts next to me. 'Fuck, good luck tonight,' he mutters.

I scowl at him, which quickly turns into a smile when the girls get to the car.

I get out and open the door for Grace. She blushes and tugs self—consciously on her dress. I pull her close before she can get in the car.

'You look incredible,' I whisper in her ear.

'Thank you,' she replies quietly.

She slides into the car, and I get in next to her. Rory is in the front with Dad, and Xaden is on the other side of Grace.

On instinct, I place my hand on her thigh possessively. She's going to get a lot of looks tonight and I'm already mentally preparing myself for it.

Everyone talks excitedly on the way to the party. I can't take my eyes off Grace. She looks stunning with no make—up and casual clothes, but dressed up tonight, she's like a whole different person.

She looks older, mature in a sexy way. She looks less like she's seventeen and more like she's nineteen.

When Dad pulls up on the street, we all thank him and climb out of the car. I help Grace out in her heels and then I go around to the boot. I throw my hoodie over my shoulder and grab two crates of beer. Xaden takes one and I have the other.