CHAPTER 25: THE DINNER WITH ERICA

~LAYLA~

An hour later, I was standing in front of the mirror, struggling with the zipper on my navy blue dress. No matter how I twisted or reached, I couldn’t get it up all the way.

"Ugh, seriously?" I muttered, contorting my arm behind my back for the fifth time.

"Need help?" Axel’s voice came from behind me.

I was startled and turned quickly to see him standing in the doorway, already dressed in a black suit that made him look devastatingly handsome.

"The zipper’s stuck," I said, feeling my cheeks warm. "I can’t reach it properly."

Without a word, he walked over and gestured for me to turn around. His fingers found the zipper, and I felt his knuckles brush against my bare back as he pulled it up slowly.

The light touch sent an unexpected shiver down my spine, and I had to bite my lip to keep from reacting.

"Done," he simply said in a neutral voice.

"Thank you," I managed, trying to ignore the way my heart had started racing.

"Ready to go?"

I nodded, grabbing my purse from the bed.

As we walked toward the hotel restaurant, Axel surprised me by taking my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine like it was a natural thing between us. The gesture felt so casual and normal, that for a moment I almost forgot this was all an act.

Erica was already waiting at our table, and her face practically lit up when she saw Axel approaching.

"Oh my god," she whispered to me as we got close enough. "He’s even more gorgeous in person."

"Erica, this is my husband, Axel," I said, trying to sound normal despite the flutter in my chest. "Axel, this is Erica, my best friend from high school."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you," Axel said, extending his hand with that charming smile he reserved for business meetings.

"The pleasure is all mine," Erica gushed, shaking his hand perhaps a little longer than necessary. I didn’t think much about it though. Erica had always been friendly.

Axel finally let her hands go and pulled out my chair before sitting down, his hand briefly resting on the small of my back as he helped me settle in.

Every touch, every gesture, was perfectly executed to portray the picture of a devoted husband. I couldn’t tell if it was all for show or if there was something more behind it.

"I have to say, I’ve read so much about your work. Your acquisition of Unity Bank last year was brilliant, completely transforming the market."

"You follow business news?" Axel asked, looking genuinely impressed.

"I’m an economist, so I try to stay current," Erica replied, beaming. "Your strategic vision is remarkable, and your reputation for turning around failing companies is legendary."

I watched as Erica continued to praise Axel’s achievements; her eyes were filled with admiration. She was practically fangirling, and I felt an uncomfortable twist in my stomach that I didn’t want to examine too closely.

"You’re too kind," Axel said modestly, but I could tell he was just trying to be polite.

The dinner progressed smoothly, with Erica asking intelligent questions about Axel’s business and him actually seeming to enjoy the conversation.

I found myself feeling oddly left out, which seemed a bit ridiculous. As much as the whole idea was for her to meet my husband, she wasn’t supposed to sideline me entirely.

Maybe she’s just so excited to see Axel. I told myself. Axel was a legend after all and sometimes, it felt surreal thinking I was married to him.

"How do you manage the pressure?" Erica asked, leaning forward with interest. "I mean, having much responsibility, and so many people depending on your decisions?"

"Experience helps," Axel replied. "And having the right people around you."

He glanced at me as he said it, grabbed my hand and planted a soft kiss on my knuckles. I felt my cheeks warm and simply smiled at the gesture.

"Actually," Erica finally said, turning to me with a grin, "I want to hear about how you two met. Layla was always so focused on her studies in high school; I never thought she’d end up with someone so... well, perfect for her."

"It’s a bit of a whirlwind story," I said, glancing at Axel with a faux sweet smile. "We initially met through a business deal, and he fell for me at first sight."

Axel played along.

"She’s being modest about the attraction I felt for her because I came on quite too strong the time," he said smoothly, his thumb tracing circles on my hand. "I just knew she was special the moment we met."

"That’s so romantic!" Erica sighed. "And Layla, you look absolutely radiant. I can tell he’s taking very good care of you."

"Thank you," I said, not knowing any other response to give.

"She’s actually the one taking very good care of me," Axel added, surprising me with the lie. "Not everyone would be able to keep up with me."

"Oh, please," I laughed softly.

When dessert arrived, which was a rich chocolate mousse, Axel surprised me by bringing a spoonful to my lips.

"Try this," he said softly.

I opened my mouth, acutely aware of Erica watching us with wide eyes. The dessert was rich and sweet, but that’s not the point or what I was focused on. I was fixed on Axel, the intensity in his eyes and the charming smile I never knew he had as he fed me.

"Awwwnnn, that’s cute!" Erica squealed, clasping her hands together. "You two are just perfect together!"

I felt my face burn with embarrassment, but also with something else... pleasure, maybe? I’d actually enjoyed the intimate gesture more than I cared to admit.

"He’s always surprising me," I heard myself say, looking at Axel. "People think he’s all business, but he’s actually much gentler than anyone realises."

The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I immediately felt exposed. Axel’s eyes sharpened slightly as he looked at me. He didn’t react to my statement, but I had the distinct feeling he was filing it away for later.

"That’s so sweet," Erica sighed. "You can tell how much you care about each other just by watching you."

The rest of dinner passed in a blur of conversation, with Erica continuing to gush about how perfect we seemed together and how lucky we were to have found each other. Each compliment made me feel more confused about my own feelings.

When we finally finished eating, Erica hugged me goodbye.

"Thank you so much for dinner," she said. "I’d love to see you both again before you leave town. How much longer will you be here?"

"A few days," Axel replied. "We’ll be sure to let you know if we have time for another meal."

"That would be wonderful," Erica beamed. "Layla, I’m so happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

As we walked away toward the elevators, Axel took my hand again, his thumb stroking across my knuckles in a way that made my pulse quicken. The gesture felt different now, more intimate somehow, though I couldn’t put my finger on why.

"Your friend seems nice," he said as we waited for the elevator.

"She is," I replied. "She’s always been very enthusiastic about everything."

"Including you, apparently."

I wasn’t sure what to make of that comment, so I stayed quiet as we rode up to our floor.

When we reached our suite, Axel used his key card to let us in, still holding my hand as we walked through the door. But the moment it closed behind us, everything changed.

Suddenly, his hands were on my shoulders, and he was pressing me back against the door. He wasn’t rough, but his hands were firm enough that I gasped in surprise.

"That comment you made at dinner," he said in a low and intense voice. "About me being gentler than people realise. Did you really mean it?"