Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
She looks up at me, eyes wide and trusting, “I don’t break, Phoenix. I can’t be broken. Many have tried.”
My body quivers in anticipation, and I press my lips against hers. The heat of her body envelops me, awakening something primal inside me. I let go, allowing my untamed nature to take over. Our movements become more passionate and relentless.
I take a deep breath as the darkness within me takes over. My muscles tense. As I look deeply into Ani’s eyes, a transformative energy shifts within me. It’s like electricity running through my veins. It’s like I’m standing on the edge of a precipice, ready to jump into the unknown.
“You can always be broken.” I’m not sure if I mean the words to sound like the warning they are.
Ani’s eyes blaze with a hunger that I recognize. “Yes.” Her voice is a whisper in the night. “Break me. Give me everything you have.”
Giving in to the urge, I tighten my grip of Ani with the need ravage her body. I kiss her hungrily as I explore every inch of her curves. She shivers underneath me, her body arching to meet my every touch. Her passion grows as the heat radiates off her. Our movements become faster and more intense, our desire rising ever higher.
Fighting the urge to go any further, I place her on her feet and cross the room, creating distance between us. The splash of cold-water action leaves me breathless.
“I’m too big. You’re too small. I’ll truly break you,” I say as I run my fingers through my hair, looking out the window at the sea below.
Ani steps close to me. I feel her warmth against my back as she wraps her arms around my torso. “You won’t hurt me. I can take it. I want to take it. To take you.”
I turn to face her, my heart pounding. Ani’s eyes are burning with an intensity I’ve never seen before. I can feel the fire of her soul, and all the passion that she holds within her. I know my answer before I even say it.
“We need to stop. We can’t do this right now.” I glance outside at the growing storm. “We need to head back to the house. It’s really raging outside.”
Ani sighs, her body deflating in disappointment. But she nods in understanding, and I’m grateful for her respect. She steps back, giving me space to breathe.
We stand there for a long time, just looking at each other. The energy between us is obvious, no matter how much I try to fight it.
But right now, I need to keep her safe. Back in my attic. Safe.
Chapter
Fourteen
Ani
Another long day and night passes, and I can clearly see that Phoenix is doing his best to avoid me. He claims work is keeping him busy, but I know better. We got too close, too fast, and I’ve scared him the fuck away. I can’t say I blame the man. It’s scared me, too.
Before I can wallow any more in my thoughts, my phone rings, and I know it’s Daphne before I even answer. She’s the only one who has this number. Frankly, she’s the only person I know. The realization of just how alone I am is truly sinking in.
“Hi, sis.” I try to keep the sadness out of my voice.
“It’s official,” she announces. “We are moving into the house! It’s ours. My dream house is ours.”
“I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.”
She pauses. Since I’ve not been able to hide the underlying sadness in my tone, she has picked up on it. “What’s wrong? How are you feeling?”
“Nothing. I’m good.” I swallow to try to mask my voice some more. “And I’m extremely happy for you.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fully recovered. In fact, I’ve spent the day looking for some work.”
“On Heathens Hollow?”
“I considered Seattle, but I have no real experience, and I think I have a better chance getting something on the island,” I say.
“Let me help you,” she offers. “I’m sure Apollo can get you something at Medusa. Even if it’s not the best job, it will get your foot in the door, and you can work your way up.”
“Daphne… I’m not going to accept—”
“Just think about it,” she says. “You can talk to Apollo tonight. He’s heading to Olympus to check on things. I’d come, but I’m meeting with the interior designer for the house first thing in the morning, and I want to get some concepts together. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. I don’t want you worrying about me.” Will she ever listen to my request? “I’m fine. Truly.”
“I feel like such a bad sister,” she says. “I’ve been so preoccupied with my life—s”
“Stop. I kept telling you that you were smothering me. And you were. I have to learn to stand on my own two feet. I know you mean well, but you need to give me space.”