1. Phoenix

1

PHOENIX

I sit hunched over my laptop, the dim glow of the screen casting eerie shadows across the trailer. My fingers dance rapidly across the keys, encrypted messages flashing on the screen before me. The thrill of arranging these deals, the delicate web of deception, it’s an intoxicating game I’ve mastered.

Fuck, I need a new shipment soon. These small-town buyers are like starving wolves, always hungry for more. I smirk, knowing their desperation lines our pockets. A soft ping alerts me to a new message, coordinates for the next drop-off flickering on the screen. Perfect.

The creak of the trailer door rips me from my trance. I whip my head around, eyes narrowed, ready to strike at any threat. But it’s just Tyson barging in, as always.

“What do you want?” I snarl, my voice dripping with disdain. The man may be the ringmaster, but I’m pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Tyson doesn’t flinch, used to my acrid demeanor. “Need your help with something,” he states, his tone brooking no argument.

I lean back, feigning nonchalance as I study him. Tyson knows better than to disturb me during business hours. A smile plays across my lips while I ponder the possibilities. “Oh? And what makes you think I’m in a helpful mood?”

“You’re a fucking asshole, Phoenix. Get your ass to the engineer’s tent ASAP.”The venom in Tyson’s tone immediately sets me on edge.

I bristle at his words, a low growl rumbling in my chest. Who does he think he is, barging in here and barking orders? My fingers curl into fists, itching to lash out and put him in his place.

But I know better than to challenge Tyson directly. Grinding my teeth, I lock my desktop and push away from the desk, the trailer rocking with my abrupt movements. “This better be good,” I snarl, brushing past him toward the main tent.

The cloying scent of sawdust and grease assaults my senses as I stride inside, my boots kicking up dirt with each step. Lars, Gage, and Nash are already gathered, their expressions grim. Something has gone wrong.

“What’s the problem?” I demand, my eyes flicking between the three men. Lars is the first to speak up.

“We had a deal go south last night. The shipment never arrived at the drop point.” His jaw tightens. “We need to find out who fucked us over.”

My brow furrows as I process his words. A botched deal could spell disaster, unraveling the delicate web we’ve so carefully constructed. “Gimme the details,” I order, already mapping out a strategy.

Nash steps forward, fidgeting nervously. “The guys never arrived with the product. They stated they were ambushed on the way, and it’s all gone.”

“Not to worry,” I scoff, rolling my eyes at their panicked expressions. “I’ll get to the bottom of this clusterfuck.”

My fingers are already itching to dive back into the depths of the dark web, scouring every encrypted channel for whispers about our missing shipment. Tracing the digital footprints, unraveling this betrayal thread by thread, will be child’s play.

I turn on my heel, ready to retreat to my lair and get to work, but Tyson’s gruff voice stops me. “Hold up, Phoenix.”

Slowly, I pivot to face him, arching a brow. The smug bastard has his arms folded across his chest, studying me with an infuriatingly calm expression.

“You still want to be part of this team?” His words are laced with quiet menace. “Because your attitude has been getting worse lately.”

White-hot fury lances through me at the implication. How dare he question my commitment after everything I’ve done for this operation? My hands curl into fists, nails biting into my palms as I fight to keep my temper in check.

For a tense moment, I consider lashing out. But something in his steely gaze gives me pause. While Ty might be like an older brother to me, he won’t hesitate to cut me loose if I step out of line.

Grinding my teeth, I force myself to nod, the movement stiff and jerky. “I’m on the team,” I reply. “Now let me do my job and find these fuckers.”

Tyson holds my glare for a beat longer before nodding. “Good. Get it sorted, then.”

Without another word, I whirl around and stalk out of the tent, fists clenched at my sides. My rage simmers beneath the surface, a molten pit of fury.

I stomp back toward my trailer. The roiling fury within me threatens to boil over with each step.

As I round the corner, something catches my eye, freezing me in my tracks. There, amidst the chaotic swirl of the carnival, stands the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. The world shifts into hyper-focus, all the noise and chaos fading into a dull roar as I drink in every detail of her.

Chestnut hair cascades in soft waves over her shoulders, framing a heart-shaped face with delicate features. Her hazel eyes sparkle with warmth, instantly drawing me in like a moth to a flame. A radiant smile plays across her full lips as she laughs at something her friend says, the sound like a siren’s call luring me closer.

I can’t tear my gaze away, utterly transfixed. Every fiber of my being yearns to know her, to unravel the mysteries hidden behind that captivating smile. An ember of obsession ignites, a blazing hunger clawing at my insides.

She shifts slightly, and my breath catches in my throat as the carnival lights dance across her curves, highlighting the swell of her hips and the gentle flare of her waist. God, she’s exquisite. Flawless. Mine.

The possessive thought startles me, snapping me back to reality with a jolt. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’m not some lovestruck idiot who gets won over by a pretty face.

Yet even as I berate myself, I can’t look away. There’s something about her, an irresistible pull that has already sunk its hooks into me. A need to know everything about her consumes my thoughts, drowning out all reason.

Gritting my teeth, I tear my gaze away and continue stalking toward my trailer, my previous rage forgotten. I’ll find out who this girl is. I’ll study her routines, habits, likes, and dislikes. I’ll uncover every scrap of information until I’ve mapped out the intricate tapestry of her life.

Only then will this maddening obsession be sated. Only then will I decide if she’s worthy of my attention?

A smile curves my lips as I disappear into the shadows again. The game is afoot, and I always win—no matter the stakes.