Selene
Axel flexed his muscles casually, the movement effortless, as if he wasn't aware of how much attention he could draw. His fitted shorts only emphasized his perfectly sculpted physique.
He was a piece of art.
No wonder his fans were obsessed with him. His looks, his charm—everything about him screamed unattainable. But I wasn't like those crazy women who threw themselves at him. I had no time for such distractions.
I was twenty-four and had never been in a relationship. Not because I didn't want to, but because of my past.
My father was a police officer. A man who had expected a son but got me instead. My mother had died during childbirth due to complications, and my father had never looked at me with warmth. To him, I was the reason for her death.
I had spent my childhood trying to earn his approval, working twice as hard, excelling in everything—hoping for even a sliver of affection. But nothing was ever enough.
And just when I thought I could finally prove myself, he shattered everything. He brought that woman into our home—my stepmother. Along with her son.
From that moment on, I no longer existed in his world.
I wanted to become a police officer. It wasn't just a career choice—it was my way of proving myself, of showing my father that I was just as capable as any son he could have had.
But he never saw me.
Instead, he poured all his attention and effort into Bryce Lancaster, training him personally, guiding him like the son he always wanted. While I was left in the shadows.
Two years after my mother's death, my father brought Diana Lancaster into our lives. From the moment she stepped into our home, she made it clear that I wasn't welcome. She did everything in her power to make my life miserable, constantly finding ways to push me out.
And my father? He let her. He gave her everything—his time, his affection—things he had never given me. Bryce became the son he always wanted, while I was nothing more than an inconvenience.
But I refused to break. I trained myself, worked harder, and made my own way.
Until everything changed…
My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden notification from the security system. My eyes snapped to the screen, and I immediately noticed a woman inside Axel's apartment.
A hotel staff member.
But she wasn't there for work—her body language said it all. She was trying to seduce him.
They were talking, though I couldn't hear their words. But I didn't need to. My security system didn't even flag her as a threat because, of course, he was flirting with her.
Asshole.
I needed to step in now.
Without wasting another second, I grabbed my keycard and headed straight to his apartment. As soon as I opened the door, his smirk widened—like he had been expecting me.
I stepped inside, my eyes locking onto the woman standing too close to Axel. Her posture went rigid the moment she noticed me.
"Who are you?" I asked, my voice cold and firm, pointing gun towards her,.
She stiffened under my gaze, her hands gripping the tray she was holding. I didn't lower my gun. Too many threats had already slipped past security.
"S-Sorry, ma'am," she stammered. "I was just here to deliver food."
I narrowed my eyes, scanning her face for any signs of deception. After a tense moment, I finally gave her a curt nod. "Fine. Leave."
She didn't need to be told twice. The woman practically bolted out of the apartment, not daring to look back.
When I turned my attention to Axel, I found him staring at me. Not with annoyance, not with amusement—but with awe.
"What?" I asked, crossing my arms.
His lips curled into a slow smirk. "you're sexy in this outfit?"
Without sparing him another glance, I turned toward the door, ready to leave. But just as I reached for the handle, his voice stopped me.
"Can you join me for dinner?"
I paused, glancing back at him.
"I've already ordered food." His smirk remained, as if he were enjoying this little game.
I let out a slow breath, keeping my expression neutral. "I'm not here to eat with you, Mr. Monroe. I'm at work."
With that, I opened the door and walked out, shutting it behind me without another word.