Phoenix Rising Issue #3 - S. R. Watson Page 0,48

“The Unknown” by Dirty South. It’s not long before her breathing evens out. My princess. Mine. Starting tomorrow, everything will be better. I saved her once before when I didn’t even know why she needed saving, and I’ll do it again.

My heart aches for the time wasted and the unknown variables that kept me from her. I’ve foolishly let my pride and need for control dictate my path. It’s time to leave that terminal thinking in the past—leave it all behind.

Chapter Seventeen

Harlow

A warm arm draped across my torso pulls me from my slumber. Soft breaths prickle against the back of my neck. My meltdown from yesterday comes crashing down on me. I don’t need to turn to know that Phoenix stayed with me through it all. His loyalty melts the ice I’ve erected.

At my wit’s end, I released the one demon I’ve been carrying around with me. As soon as it was out, I regretted the purge. I kind of blacked out on the hell that I’m sure followed, but I’m glad Phoenix stayed with me.

I was ready to leave last night—run once again from the hurt and pain. I believed what he said about the reason Melissa’s hand on his cock—her reaction was the proof. Nevertheless, I could no longer take her being in a situation where that could happen. He was choosing her over me day in and day out.

The date setup no longer mattered. I just wanted out.

The rise of his chest against my back hesitates, becoming uneven, and I know he is awake. He slowly rolls me over and rains kisses down on my forehead.

“How are you feeling this morning, babe?”

“Fine,” I say groggily, my throat somewhat sore. I grab at it, massaging it as if that will help.

“Your throat hurts,” he states more than questions. “You did a bit of screaming. I’ll fix you some tea.”

He looks down at me with so much tenderness that I don’t know where to look. It’s too intense, too raw. Suddenly, he’s out of the bed and grabbing my hand.

“Come. I’m going to draw us a bath.”

I don’t miss the “us” part. I attempt to pull my hand back. I’m not going to the bathroom he shared with Melissa.

“Oh. Right,” he says, pulling me into him for a snuggle. “Stay here for a second.”

Did he just read my mind? Astutely guess the reason for my hesitation? I walk over and draw the curtains back, letting in the light. It’s welcoming, soothing even. It comes with positive vibes that things are about to change. Finally.

I watch the waves crash into the shore in the distance. My courage, fueled by adrenaline and hurt, has since worn off. I know I need to have a much-needed chat with my mom. We haven’t really talked much since I left for college, the mental distance being necessary. I didn’t even want Thomas’s name mentioned in conversation. But now it’s time, and I will call her today. It’s the last obstacle I need to overcome to finally be free from my past. I don’t want to be a victim anymore.

Phoenix returns after almost an hour, a warm smile in place. I was beginning to think he went back to Melissa.

“I was sending her on her way, yes.”

I didn’t realize I had spoken out loud. “A whole hour of goodbye, huh? That must have been some—”

“Babe, stop. She was already packed from last night. I simply arranged for Stewart to take her to the airport. The rest of the time was spent on your surprise. Do you trust me?”

That’s a loaded question. I want to trust him. I want things to be like they once were, but I just can’t give that to him right now.

Sensing my hesitancy, he presses on. “You don’t have to answer that just yet. I have a lot to explain. Just give me that chance and come out with me.”

“Out as in out of the house?” I wince at my reflection in the mirror.

I look down at the cutoffs and tank I’m still wearing from yesterday, still smelling of barbecue smoke since I never got that shower. My hair in a knotted bun on top of my head.

“Yes. Don’t worry about how you think you look. You’re beautiful as always.”

I have to roll my eyes at that. I look like shit. Still, it doesn’t stop him from running around the room like a madman, grabbing clothes for both he and I and stuffing them in a backpack. He drops a pair