Brady had his arms wrapped around a smitten Jade when I left them a little earlier to check on Axel. Soon after, they caught up with me, eager to spend time with him. “Ow! Would you quit it already?” Axel snapped, pushing his overly affectionate friend away with a mix of annoyance and exhaustion.
Brady grinned and turned to Jade, teasing, “See? He’s as fine as a baby’s bottom.” Jade sniggered at their banter, her laughter lightening the mood. Brady, however, wasn’t done—he kept assaulting Axel’s neck playfully until Axel’s expression shifted from amusement to mortification.
Suddenly, Axel propelled himself out of bed, his ripped jeans and notorious black shirt marking his unmistakable, edgy presence as the two began circling each other like sparring opponents. The sudden burst of energy
