Page 47 of Phoenix


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It took Wren a full minute to turn in my direction. When she lifted her head, I could tell she was still debating what she needed or if she even wanted anything else from me.

“So what now?” I asked.

“I paid for you. An entire weekend and that’s what I’m going get. Take me somewhere for a nice dinner.”

I crossed my arms and grinned. “I think I have the perfect place. But Wren,” I told her as I walked closer. “Just remember that for this weekend, you belong to me.”

CHAPTER8

Wren

Phoenix’s words resonated in my mind, filthy images continually sending electric signals all the way down to my toes.

Fate.

My mother had never believed in fate. She’d told me more than once that I had to claw my way into or out of a situation to get what I wanted. That’s what she’d done with my father. She’d set her sights on marrying him and she wouldn’t back away until he’d shoved a ring on her finger, one worth millions. She’d come from the wrong side of town, her family poor, but she was beautiful and had won several beauty contests when she was growing up. Her incredible good looks and blonde hair became a commodity for the highest bidder. Imagine how she’d felt when her two daughters weren’t so picture perfect.

I’d hated how she’d treated Cammie when she was given the news about my sister’s cancer. That had put the final wedge between me and my mother. Selfish bitch that she was.

I’d been guessing about their affairs, but it had been obvious I was right. I honestly wasn’t certain whether it angered or saddened me. It was another reason I would never allow myself to fall in love. As soon as I thought the words, I glanced at Phoenix, still wondering why he considered Riggs dead. However, I knew there were dirty little secrets hiding in everyone’s home.

As I studied the road, I noticed he wasn’t driving toward the city.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“A place I enjoy.”

“And you’re not going to tell me.”

“Nope.”

Sighing, I shifted in my seat. “I am sorry I treated your job as…” I couldn’t find the right words.

“A lowly job on the totem pole of life?” Phoenix asked.

“You just don’t know my father.”

“And I have no intention of getting to know him.”

“I don’t blame you.” I hated the awkward silence between us. Not that he was a big talker. “Where are you from?”

“Missoula.”

“Your parents are still here?” I don’t know why I was pushing him. Maybe I needed to know his family was as fucked up as mine.

He took a deep breath before answering. “They’re in Texas.”

“Oh. They’rethatWentworth family, the one who owns half of the state.”

Chuckling, Phoenix glanced into the rearview mirror before making a turn. “My father has made it a point to purchase as much real estate as possible in the state as well as a few others.”

“Why are you a smokejumper?”

“Do you mean why do something so lowly?”

I felt heat rising on my face. “That’s not what I meant, and I know what you said about needing to face the beast. You are rich, powerful. Why not follow in your father’s footsteps? Land development. Right?”

As he slowed down, the darkness didn’t prevent me from seeing an ornate sign on the side of the road. Raging Thunder Ranch.

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