Phoenix Rising Issue #3 - S. R. Watson Page 0,28

we meet at some swanky restaurant— neutral ground. At some point, she excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. Up to that point, she’d only given me lies and excuses. Pleading that she did it to get my attention—to punish me for letting her leave that day. I was ready to give her crazy ass the boot a second time until a phone rang beneath the table. It had fallen out of her cardigan. I know this because I watched her take her phone with her to the restroom. This was a second phone. I turned it over long enough to see the caller ID picture. It was Trevor. I silenced it and placed it back where it was. I got up to go to the men’s room, careful to let her return first. I didn’t want her to guess that I had seen the phone when she realized she had a missed call. When I returned to the table, she eyed me suspiciously, looking for any indication that her cover was blown.

I deserve an Academy Award for my feigned ignorance. She bought it. I knew right then I was going to let her get her way—or so she thought. I invited her on the tour, logic being she needed to fix this. I gave her no false promises. Just a chance for her to try. In reality, I needed her close so I could investigate her role in this game of wits. I couldn’t let Sevyn or anyone else know what I stumbled upon. Couldn’t leave this to chance. I will unravel her father’s little plan from the inside out, and then I will toss her out on her ass.

I put the rental in park and head into the house. It’s still fairly early on a Saturday morning, so I doubt the guys are up after our night out last night. I glance at my watch. It’s barely eight, but I’m not in the mood for a run this morning. The first person I see when I step through the threshold is Harlow. She’s dancing like a looney toon to some music only she can hear. She wiggles her ass in those fuck me shorts that drive me mad. Needless to say, I’m inclined to watch. Finally, she turns and catches me staring at her slack-jawed. She isn’t wearing a bra. Her nipples bead against the fabric of her tank. She removes the earbuds from her ears, one by one, spatula in the other hand.

“Don’t stop now,” I encourage as I approach her hungrily. And not for food.

“Um. You scared me. I was, uh—”

“You were what? Being a cock tease again?”

“No. I had no idea you were over by the door being a creeper.”

I look at the spread she has laid out. Egg white omelet, fruit, and wheat toast. Did she make this just for me?

“Is that food for me?” I ask but already know the answer.

“Yes.”

Her eyes cast down, and my dick strains against my joggers. Her natural submission to me is such a turn-on. I don’t think she even realizes she’s doing it most of the time.

“So after denying you an orgasm last night and ending the night with Melissa, you decided to make me breakfast?”

She nods and then turns away. She fiddles with making tea. Some tea kettle shit that I have no idea how it works.

“What else do you have for me?” My dick is now pressed against her ass as I grab her hips.

“Just breakfast,” she insists, but the way her body relaxes into mine tells another tale.

“Really? Because I can think of a few things I have a taste for.”

My lips skim her neck, inhaling her scent. Anyone could walk through at any moment, but the idea only fuels my desire. I’m walking a fine line, and I don’t give a shit. I’m not used to denying myself something I want, and right now, my dick wants her. I knew the moment I walked in and saw her in those shorts that I was done fighting it.

“I don’t want to be your afterthought, Phoenix. You slept with her. You don’t get to have both.”

“That’s not what your greedy little pussy was saying last night, princess. I doubt much has changed overnight.”

“Ugh. So you’re not going to even deny you fucked her last night?”

She pulls away from me, but I hold her in my embrace.

“Give me more credit than that, doll. Let me get something straight. I didn’t fuck Melissa last night.”

My mouth