AXEL’S POV:
Ryan’s request was clear as daylight now. The admiration, the silent nods, the stolen glances when he thought no one was watching—it had all been leading to this. Still, I never took it seriously. Ryan hated Avery down to his bones. Or at least, that’s what I thought. When did that change? And to the point where he wanted her as a damn birthday present?
"Ryan, you’re not one to joke around, so I know you’re serious. Why do you want Avery?"
His hands slid into his pockets as a smirk tugged at his lips. His entire posture shifted—light, almost boyish, like a kid about to confess to his first crush. I already knew what he was going to say, and I didn’t want to hear it.
Keeping my expression blank, I tilted my head, my gaze cutting into him. "Ryan, ask for something else.
