And it wasn’t some power play. It wasn’t him testing me, or manipulating me, or playing one of his endless games. He wanted it. He wantedme.
My cheeks ache from the smile tugging at them. I flop back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling like maybe if I stop looking at him, I’ll stop grinning like an idiot. Spoiler: it doesn’t work.
I roll out of bed, feet hitting the cold floorboards, and the sight of my phone catches me.
The screen is lit up with missed calls. All from Silas.
My throat tightens. For a second, I almost reach for it, thumb twitching over muscle memory. I used to call him for everything. Big things, little things, didn’t matter—Silas was always my first point of contact. My anchor.
I just stare. Thinking of Phoenix’s face in the car. Because after last night, after the way he looked at Phoenix, after the things he said… I can’t. Silas hurt him. Hurt me. And Phoenix isn’t some monster I need protecting from—he’s the one Iwant to protect.
So I flip the phone face down and walk away.
The smell of coffee fills the apartment in minutes. I grab Nix’s ridiculous black mug with the gold crown that readsKING CAP, because of course he would have a cringy mug like that—and bring it back carefully.
Phoenix hasn’t moved much. He’s a lump under the sheets, face buried in his pillow, but when I set the mug down, I lean close. “Rise and shine, Cap.”
He groans, voice muffled. “Five more hours.”
I roll my eyes. “Not how it works. I brought you coffee.”
He shifts, peeking out from under his arm. His eyes flick to the mug, then up at me, and he smirks. “You trying to bribe me awake?”
“Maybe.” I shove his shoulder. “Drink it before I do.”
He sits up, groaning like he’s been hit by a truck. When he finally gets the mug in his hands, he sighs after the first sip. “Mm. You remembered.”
“Of course.” I grin. “Too much sugar and mostly cream. Your royal morning elixir.”
His laugh is hoarse, scratchy, but real. He sets the mug down, leans back against the headboard, and I finally get a full look at him.
He’s a mess. Dark circles under his eyes, bruises speckled across his chest and hips, lips still swollen.
“You look like hell,” I blurt.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” His smirk curves lazy, dangerous. “Can’t imagine why.”
I snort. “You’re really that tired?”
“Mm.” He shifts, tilting his head with mock seriousness. “Might have something to do with the way you didn’t prep me properly for yourmonster cock.Left me sore.”
Blood rushes to my face so fast I’m dizzy. “Jesus, Phoenix?—”
He barks a laugh, tipping his head back. “Oh, God. That look. Lee, you’re priceless.”
I groan into my hands. “I hate you.”
“No, you don’t. Youloveme.” His grin is wolfish. He sets the mug aside and leans in, voice dropping low at my ear. “Say it. Say you love that you broke me in.”
My ears are on fire. “I’m not saying that.”
He nips at my jaw, murmuring, “You wrecked me. You should be proud.”
“You’re impossible.”
“You’re eating this up.” His smirk presses against my cheek. “Besides, you’re walking around like you just won the damn lottery. Don’t think I didn’t notice.”
I shove his chest. “Shut up.”
