Teasing Phoenix

PHOENIX

I had no plan on coming back to this place again after what happened in my life years ago, but after almost six years, here I am. I’m back. In fact, I even bought establishments and a house. I can’t stand staying at our old house—it only reminds of a tormenting past.

I was surprised to hear from my father’s lawyer that I was included in his Last Will. After what I did to him, he still considered me as a Williams. There’s still a part of me that still hated him for what he did to Mom, to my family, and to me. Hate is a strong word, but it did change my life.

After working for my brother’s company for four years, I started my own business for three months now. When I bought the new house in Hillside, I know I will be staying here for a long time.

I bought three establishments and made a few changes; from staffing, interior, foods, menus, and supplies. I’m surprised by the profits for three months. I guess I made the right decisions after all.

When I check my watch, it was time to go to the gym to release the tension in my muscles. I haven’t fucked anyone since I moved in here. I’m surprised at myself that I’m able to last this long without jerking myself off.

When I was in New York, I always get laid when going to a bar. There was always a willing woman for a one-night stand. I don’t like relationships since my college girlfriend for two years cheated on me to a hockey player. I guess she wanted a puck. I played football in college for three years until I injured my shoulder and lost my chance for NFL drafting.

The gym isn’t far from my house and the traffic here is not so bad, unlike in New York. I’m also planning on buying this one if the owner is interested in selling.

“Phoenix, are your ass ready to get kicked?”

I look and grin at Garrett already wears his gym gear. “Kick my ass? Or I’ll kick yours?”

Since I stopped playing football, I buried myself in kickboxing out of frustrations—it did help me a lot, but I never competed. I had already injured AC joint, and I’m not gonna add another injury to myself.

“Let’s start, shall we? Don’t you need a warm-up, Phoenix?” He smiles and helps me wrap the bandage around my hands.

Then I shake my head.

“Let’s start then,” he says, and I position myself.

He’s a kickboxing trainer. I’ve known him since we were just kids, and he never left this town. Now, he’s engaged to his girlfriend, Maya.

After a few tackles, punches, and kicks, I’m already sweating and catching my breath. My muscles ached, and I’m drained, but he doesn’t look exhausted at all.

He chuckles when I raise my hands up to give up.

“Fine, you just kicked my ass. You must be taking steroids. How come you’re not drained?”

He laughs. “Phoenix, you may be doing this for years, but this isn’t your job, and I do this for a living. But I’m impressed, you’re really good, man.”

“Thanks.”

“So, how’re your businesses? Are you planning on buying this one, too?” He motions his finger around.

“I’m interested in this place actually.” I remove my bandages.

“Good for you, man. Are you seeing someone?”

I look at him, creasing my brows. “Not interested. I have businesses to run, not looking for someone to ride on.”

He laughs. “Still brokenhearted Phoenix, I see. You never moved on.”

I shrug. “I moved on already since she cheated on me, but I never found someone worth my time.”

can grab a drink sometimes. How about dinner at our apartment? I’ll invite

And I wanna meet who made you a pussy-whipped.”

to meet you.”

“Thanks for tonight, Garrett!”

a shower, I change to a shirt and faded jeans. I head down to the parking area that only a few cars left. I place my gym bag inside the trunk and lock it.

someone leaning against the car who looks like crying. As I walk closer that’s when I take a good look.

okay, miss?”

jumps.

turns to look at

Fuck!

while staring at me with wide blue

Pain and surprise glint in those innocent blue eyes. Her nose is small but cute.

Fuck me!

With her red full lips hanging open, a small cut with a

lips, but I want to kill someone who hurt

blinks many times, then clears her throat. “Um, yeah, I’m okay. Just lost my way

are swollen and there is a cut and still bleeding.” I point

“Yeah, my asshole of an ex kissed me and bit

boils in my body, and I clench my jaw harder that my teeth will break at any moment.

I want to know who her ex is and punch him on the face till

how to treat a woman like you? Don’t you want to file a complaint?” I look at her with sympathy.

father hurt my mom flashes back in my head.

can’t drive anymore. So, because I’m stupid, I fell for his please and drove him home. He didn’t go out of my car, instead, he kissed me. When I pushed him away, he kissed me again and bit my lip. I threatened him that I would call the cops, but

I’ve ever seen with a little cleavage is peeking out from her two unbuttoned shirts. She looks younger and a foot shorter than me.

her car. “He’s really an asshole. I see you have bad tastes in men.”

She laughs.

jerks

I look at her when she sits beside me. I smell citrus with vanilla, maybe her shampoo, and she smells good.

huh?” she says, glancing at the

arches her neck, my mind instantly activates dirty thoughts. I want to run my tongue to the length of her neck, bite her earlobe, suck her jaw, and graze my teeth all the way

result of

maybe she notices

even

She bursts out laughing and wrinkles her nose. “Phoenix? Is that even a

I chuckle. “Yeah, Phoenix is really my name. Do you want proof? I can show you

She shakes her head, then she shakes my hand firmly.

soft, and it sends electricity to my entire body. My heartbeat races and my blood rushes through my veins,

shock to the intensity of our touch. She licks her lips and breaks her

choosing your name,” she says merrily while clasping

it tightens my chest. I feel disappointed. What the fuck is

what’s my

She stares at me and smiles.

eagle?”

I shake my head

“Owl.”

I shake my head again, and she

woman makes my heart flutter. Flutter? Oh shit! This never happened for a long long time,

“Falcon, sparrow,

I laugh more.

“Pigeon, dove, quail, penguin.”