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.”

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

I wanna

love to meet

for tonight, Garrett!”

head down to the parking area that only a few

I walk towards the driver seat, I notice someone leaning against the car who looks like crying. As I walk

okay, miss?”

jumps.

turns to look at me— Shit! She’s really crying.

Fuck!

looks messy while staring at me with wide blue eyes. Jesus, those eyes!

Her nose is small but cute. She has high cheekbones.

me!

full lips hanging open, a small cut with a trace of blood on her swollen lower lip catches my attention.

lips, but I want to kill someone who hurt her as well. I don’t notice my hands

yeah, I’m okay. Just lost my way while I’m uh, upset.” She smiles

a cut and still bleeding.” I point

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

I clench my jaw harder

to know who her ex is and punch him on the face till his eyes pop

he even become your boyfriend in the first place if he doesn’t know how to treat a woman like you?

father hurt my mom flashes back in my

called me from a frat party to pick him up and send him home because he’s drunk and 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

makes me suck a breath because she has the gorgeous tits 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.

at the hood of her car. “He’s really an asshole. I see you

laughs.

jerks

at her when she sits beside me. I smell citrus with vanilla, maybe her

“So, you come to this gym, huh?” she says, glancing at the building.

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 down to her collarbone.

the result of being celibate

She looks at me, maybe she notices me eye-fucking

and blink. “Yeah, two months ago.” I realize I don’t even introduce myself. “I’m Phoenix, by the way.”

nose. “Phoenix? Is that even a

my name. Do you want proof? I can show

she shakes

to my entire body. My heartbeat races and my blood rushes through

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

“Your mother is very clever in choosing your name,” she says merrily while clasping her hands together.

me anymore, and it tightens my chest. I feel disappointed. What the fuck

guess what’s my brother’s?”

me and smiles. Holy fuck! The

“Um, eagle?”

I shake my head

“Owl.”

I shake my head again, and she

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

“Falcon, sparrow,

I laugh more.

“Pigeon, dove, quail, penguin.”