Axel traversed a long hall, then stepped aside and held one of the double doors open to allow Kai through. Kitchen was an understatement. As with every other part of Shadows, it was modern, well laid out, functional, clean, and bright. Any chef would be pleased with such a space.
But the decor wasn't what caught Kai's eye. No, it was the raven-haired woman with the alluring heart-shaped ass who washed dishes at the sink.
As Axel sidled up beside him, she turned to them, blinking and startled.
Instant lust zapped Kai as if he'd been punched in the chest. She was petite. Intense blue eyes. Lush mouth. Painfully young.
When she smiled in welcome, his desire among other things swelled. Her dazzling warmth burned him. She was a gorgeous, wee thing.
Fuck, how soon could he talk her into bed? She'd be a great balm to help him forget his divorce…
Her gaze zeroed in on Axel, her expression filled with worship. "Axel, you're back."
Kai froze. His old friend only let those closest to him call him by his first name, and never in that breathy tone.
Curious now, he turned to observe Axel, stunned to see his mate stare at the brunette with hunger. The tension between them bubbled thick.
Who was she? Clearly not just another female in a long, long line of them.
Was she the cause of Axel's disquiet?
He hadn't taken this girl to bed yet; Kai would bet his life on that. But it was only a matter of time.
He smothered his disappointment.
Axel finally ended the awkward silence. "I didn't expect to find you here."
"You know me." She shrugged. "Since I've taken care of the payables and the restocking, I came here to relax."
Axel smiled the first genuine one Kai had seen on his face in years. "As always."
His mate had learned this beauty's habits. Just how well did he know her?
"Who's this, then?" Kai asked.
"Uh…yeah." Axel turned grim as he shuffled closer to her. "Precious, meet one of my oldest, dearest friends, Kai O'Neill. He's just arrived from New York."
Axel towered over the woman. Hell, they both did.
Kai stepped forward, hand outstretched. "Hello, Precious." Though that must be her club name, it fit her. "Lovely to meet—"
"No," Axel bit out. "Her name isn't precious."
"It's Gemma." With a hint of a laugh, she sent him a long stare from under her thick lashes. "Nice to meet you."
In all the years he'd known Axel, Kai had only once ever heard the man call a sub anything other than girl. The fact he called this one precious shouted Gemma's importance.
The relationship must be developing. Maybe that's why Axel hadn't mentioned it yet. But even a blind man could see they were gone for each other. The air between them sizzled and hummed.
Kai arched a brow in his friend's direction.
Axel didn't meet his gaze, merely clapped him on the back. "Why don't I show you to your room?"
"Wait," Gemma called. "I'm starting dinner. Any preferences?"
The domestic question, spoken as if she'd uttered these very words a thousand times, stunned Kai. If they were a couple, why hadn't he heard about it?
"Don't bother. Since it's Kai's first night here, I'm going to take him out. We'll be back before the club is in full swing. Can you make sure everything is ready?"
Her shoulders drooped with disappointment, but she nodded. "Of course."
"Thanks." As if he couldn't get away fast enough, Axel turned and grabbed his arm. "Your room is this way. Let's drop your luggage and go."
Kai wanted to keep observing Axel with his…what? Gemma's ring finger was bare, but she was definitely someone to him. Girlfriend? Sub? Significant other? "I don't mind staying in, mate, if you and Gemma already have plans. Or we could bring her with us."
"Oh, I-I wouldn't want to intrude…" she demurred.
But she did badly.
Axel scowled. "It would be better if you stayed..."
"Nonsense," Kai cut in. "I'd love to have you join us, lass."
"Really?" She might have said the words to Kai…but she looked at Axel with pleading eyes. "I already have the dungeon set up for tonight."
Axel sighed. "Fine. We'll go out."
Kai frowned. If Axel cared about Gemma—and he had no doubt the man did—why the reticence? Why the cold shoulder?
A huge smile lit her face. "Okay. Should I change?"
She made a vague gesture to her oversized T-shirt and short shorts, which exposed her sleek thighs. Kai did his best not to gawk at her.
And Axel couldn't quite bank the heat in his stare. "Quickly. Wear your yellow dress. Cream-colored heels. Hair up."
"All right. I'll be ready in five." Gemma shouldered her way past them and raced down the hall.
Axel watched her go as if he couldn't stand not to look at her.
Kai turned to his friend. "So…you and Gemma. How long has this been going on? She's a beauty and obviously besotted with you."
Axel gave a sharp jerk of his head. "She's my employee. There's nothing going on."