The memory flashes in my mind. He’d been so raw that day, so reckless. Silas had hated it. But me? That was the first moment I realized how far Phoenix would go for me.
“He’ll get over it,” I say softly. “He just wants me safe. That’s all.”
Phoenix’s eyes cut back to mine, sharp and searching. “And you’re safe with me?”
“Yes,” I answer without hesitation. My chest tightens at the way he’s looking at me—like he’s testing, like he needs me to say it plain. “I’m always safe with you.”
Something breaks in his expression then. Relief, maybe. Or something heavier. He leans forward, pressing his forehead to mine, his voice a hoarse whisper. “You don’t know what that does to me, hearing you say that.”
I swallow hard, my pulse thrumming. “You don’t have to prove anything to Silas. Just… be you.”
Phoenix chuckles, but it’s strained. “That might be the problem.”
I shake my head, grip his jaw so he has to look at me. “No. That’s exactly why I want him to meet you.”
For a beat, neither of us moves. His eyes darken, studying me like he’s trying to decide if I’m serious. Then, finally, he exhales, the corner of his mouth twitching into that familiar, cocky grin.
“Guess I better make sure I don’t scare your brother into thinking I’m corrupting you.”
I smirk, my chest loosening at the humor creeping back into his tone. “Too late for that.”
His laugh is soft, low, the sound curling around me like heat. He leans in to kiss me—slow, careful, nothing like the frenzy of the showers earlier. And for the first time, I let myself believe this might actually work.
The car ride over to Silas’ apartment is tense. Phoenix grips the steering wheel a little tighter than usual, jaw tense, tapping his fingers against it in rhythm with the traffic. Every so often, he glances at me, eyebrows furrowed, like he’s calculating how much of himself to show.
“You’re nervous,” I say softly, reaching out to place a hand on his knee.
He stiffens, but only slightly. “I’m not nervous. Just… aware of the stakes.”
I squeeze his leg. “You look good, though.”
He shoots me a sideways glance, faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Yeah?”
“Yes. Stunning. Way better than a T-shirt and joggers.” I bite back a grin, watching him relax a little under my words.
“Better not be lying,” he murmurs, shaking his head and tugging at the hem of his button-up shirt.
I smile, letting him feel it, letting the warmth of my hand remind him he’s not alone in this. “I’m not. You’re… you’re perfect.”
He exhales, leaning back in his seat, finally allowing a small laugh. “You say the damnedest things when I need them most.”
We pull up outside Silas’ building, the familiar urban hum wrapping around us. Phoenix’s hand tightens on mine for a heartbeat, and I give a reassuring squeeze. “It’s going to be fine. Just… be yourself. That’s all he needs to see.”
Phoenix nods slowly but doesn’t release my hand until we’re inside the lobby. Once we hit the elevator, he fidgets again, eyes scanning the buttons, hands moving over each other. I brush my thumb against the back of his hand, hoping my touch is enough to ground him.
“You’re calm on the outside,” I murmur, “but I can feel you buzzing.”
He lets out a breathy laugh. “You feel everything, huh?”
“You should already know that by now,” I say, leaning closer, letting my forehead brush his.
The elevator dings, and we step out onto Silas’ floor. Phoenix straightens, visibly trying to settle into a composed version of himself shirt tucked in just right, sleeves buttoned, hair tamed. He’s beautiful. Stunningly so. And I can feel the pull in my chest, a familiar mix of awe and desire.
The moment we knock and the door opens, the tension is immediate. Silas is standing there, arms crossed, eyebrows slightly raised. The wary look in his eyes is unmistakable. He’s sizing Phoenix up, maybe even suspecting the danger I always feel when Phoenix is near.
“Leander,” Silas says first, voice steady but guarded. “You’ve… brought the captain.”
“Yes,” I reply, trying to keep my voice neutral. “I wanted you to meet Phoenix again. This time as my boyfriend.”
