Ignite (The Disciples #4) - Cassandra Robbins Page 0,91
one thing you all told me not to do. I told Axel I was in love with him.”
I laugh, but it cracks and sounds like a sob. “Do you have some makeup I can borrow?” It sounds crazy, and Charlie frowns but motions for Cindy.
“Why would you do that?” Cindy sounds truly baffled, and I almost burst out laughing because her shocked expression is nailing it home. She reaches for her large Prada backpack, which hangs on the coat rack. Unless it’s for fashion, we rarely wear coats in LA, so I guess it’s the purse rack.
“What did he do?” She shakes her head, her blond hair, styled in perfect beach waves, moving to and fro.
“He gave me a box filled with presents. It was huge.” I bite my lower lip and motion with my hands. “He bought me new pointe shoes and running shoes” I look at both of them.
“Because I was making fun of him the other day, calling him an old man. So, we are… or were planning to run together in the mornings.” I blink back the tears. Cindy looks at me like I’ve grown horns and Charlie is smiling. She seriously thinks Axel is good, but he broke my heart and they need to be on my side, not his.
“He spanked me,” I blurt out. As soon as it’s out of my mouth, I want to take it back.
“What?” they say together.
“It’s a long story. It’s nothing. I can’t believe I said that.” I put my hands on my hot, wet cheeks, which sting with tears and humiliation.
“Did he abuse you? Like hurt you?” Cindy’s eyes zero in like she’s Axel and can read my mind.
“No.” I sigh, so miserable I didn’t think it could get worse. “Please stop looking at me like that. Axel doesn’t beat me.”
Charlie takes my hand. “Antoinette. I love Axel, but if he’s hurting you, I have to tell David. In fact, I should call him and let you talk to him. Trust me, if there’s one of them you can trust, it’s David.” She stands and grabs the office phone and I almost throw up.
“Oh my God. Please stop,” I scream. “I’m the horrible person. It was a private thing between Axel and me.” My voice sounds hysterical, because Jesus Christ. David? Really?
For once, Cindy looks like she understands while Charlie looks aggravated.
“Antoinette,” she snaps. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m so stupid.” I close my eyes then look at them. “Axel is in love with MJ. All of you keep saying that he doesn’t fall in love, but he does… did.”
Both of them frown.
“I love him. He’s everything I want and can’t have because he’s in love with her.”
“What are you talking about?” Cindy hands me her makeup bag.
“MJ. That’s the woman Axel is in love with.” How can they not know this? At the very least, Charlie should.
“Wait.” Charlie finally lets go of the phone and brings her hands up. “So, the spanking was just foreplay?” She rolls her eyes.
I sigh and wipe away the residual tears. “Forget the spanking. I came hard.” My eyes get huge. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I said that.”
“Wow.” Cindy smiles and slaps her legs as she recrosses them. “See, even Antoinette likes to get spanked.” She waggles her eyebrows at Charlie, then laughs.
“Come on, lighten up. It’s fucking hot, right? I had no idea Axel was into that kind of play. I mean, I know he loves threesomes, and sharing…”
“Jesus Christ, Cindy. Seriously?” Charlie shakes her head.
“What?” She rolls her eyes at her.
“Like David is a saint and you’re so virginal? I swear to God, Charlize, sometimes you have the most biased views concerning your husband. And you act like a prude. At least Antoinette is coming right along.”
She jumps up and grabs her phone. “I’m texting Eve and Dolly.”
“Stop texting. Poor Joy. She’s the only one working. We have to get back on the floor,” Charlie grumbles, and I feel awful that I completely forgot about work.
“Antoinette, are you okay now?”
I give her a small smile. “I’ll survive.” I nod.
“You’re fantastic,” Cindy says. “I mean, I’m horrified for you about telling Axel you love him, but he didn’t break up with you, so hey.” Cindy stands and straightens her shirt.
“I’m sorry, but did you two not hear that he admitted that MJ is his one true love? For God’s sake.” I throw my hands up. “He loves her so much he has her initials tattooed on his hand.”