12. Phoenix

12

PHOENIX

I follow Ty into the lockup, apprehension mixing with anticipation. The smell of blood and fear hangs heavy in the air. This is the part I look forward to.

The men we left are barely alive, their blood painting the concrete floor. One is still suspended from the ceiling, his body limp, face bruised and swollen. The other is bent over the table. His back bowed, hands pierced by knives that pin him in place. They look pathetic and defeated.

“Let’s wake them up,” Ty suggests.

I grab the electro-shock device, the metal prongs glinting in the dim light. With a click, the device sparks to life, and I touch the prongs to the hanging man’s neck, delivering a jolt of electricity. His body spasms, eyes flying open, a guttural moan escaping his lips. We do the same to the other man, returning him to consciousness.

The men whimper, their fear palpable.

Ty moves closer. “You boys caused a lot of trouble. Now it’s time for the grand finale.”

I step forward, my gaze fixed on the man hanging from the ceiling. With a sadistic smile, I loosen the chains, relishing the way he whimpers as I free him.

He falls to the floor, kneeling before me like a penitent sinner. I place a hand on his head, pushing him down further, and say, “You’re going to wish you were dead by the time we’re done.”

The panic in their eyes is almost tangible. They try to squirm away, but their efforts are futile. Ty and I, we’re their masters now.

“Any last words before we et this party started?” I ask, my voice calm.

“Please, man, have mercy,” he begs.

With a cruel laugh, Ty moves toward the table.

I watch with a detached sense of pleasure as Ty moves with surgical precision, carving into their flesh with a blade. Their screams pierce the air, turning into bloody gurgles as the life slowly drains from them. It’s a symphony of agony, and I want to savor every moment.

One of the men, the one still pinned to the table, is still conscious, his eyes wide with terror as he stares at us.

The other man is limp, his eyes closed, breath rattling in his chest. Ty approaches him, a devilish smile on his face, and slices his throat, ending his misery.

I step forward, my heart pounding with anticipation. I want this moment to last forever. I take my time, drawing out the fear, relishing his desperation. With a swift motion, I end his life, silencing his screams.

We stand there, catching our breath. The acrid smell of blood fills the room .

“Let’s get rid of the evidence,” Ty says, breaking the silence.

Together, we wrap the bodies in bags, our movements efficient and practiced. We wipe down surfaces, leaving no trace of what transpired here. And then, we douse it in gasoline, the liquid pooling on the bloodstained floor.

Ty hands me a lighter, his eyes cold. With a flick of my wrist, I ignite the fuel, and the room erupts in flames, the fire consuming the evidence of our dark deeds.

We step back, watching as the fire devours the lockup, taking with it our secrets. The night swallows us as we walk away, our footsteps echoing on the pavement, the blaze lighting the way to our next destination.

The silence between us is heavy as we drive back to the carnival, the weight of our actions hanging over us like a storm cloud. But we both know this was necessary. And there will be more nights like this to come, more screams, and more blood. It’s the price we pay for our empire.

After washing the evidence of my afternoon activities away, I stand in the middle of the fairground. The carnival’s neon lights glow against the twilight sky as I pace restlessly, awaiting Tilly’s arrival. My heart thunders in my chest.

I catch a glimpse of her approaching figure, and my breath hitches. She’s here, just as I demanded.

As she draws nearer, I study her every movement, committing each detail to memory. The way her hair brown hair cascades over her shoulders, the slight curve of her lips, the sparkle in her hazel eyes—it’s all mesmerizing.

“Hey,” she greets me.

I nod in acknowledgment, struggling to find the words. In her presence, I’m rendered speechless.

“I’m here, as you requested,” she says.

“Shall we?” I gesture toward the carnival.

“Are you going to tell me your name?” she demands.

I smirk and lean toward her. “Why? Do you plan on screaming it all night long, sweetheart?”

I let out a low chuckle at Tilly’s embarrassed silence. How her cheeks flush and her gaze darts away adds to her allure.

“The name’s Phoenix,” I reveal, leaning in close enough for her to feel the warmth of my breath on her skin.

Her lips open slightly as she processes the information. “Phoenix...” she whispers.

Hearing my name fall from those luscious lips drives me fucking wild. The way it rolls off her tongue sends shivers racing down my spine.

Fuck. I ache to possess her fully—mind, body, and soul—to claim her as mine in every sense of the word. To brand her with my name, my essence, until she belongs to me and me alone.

Forcing myself to maintain composure, I trace the curve of her jaw with my fingertips. “That’s right. Phoenix. The name you’ll be crying out all night long.”

Her eyes widen, equal parts intrigued and apprehensive by my bold proclamation. But I can see the flicker of longing in those mesmerizing depths. They hold a silent plea for me to push her boundaries and awaken the primal desires that are simmering beneath the surface.

With a smirk, I lean in until our lips are a mere breath apart. “Say it again,” I demand.

“Phoenix...” she breathes, her voice laced with newfound boldness.

Before I can respond, she closes the distance between us, pressing her body against mine. The unexpected boldness of her action sends a jolt of lust right to my fucking dick.

“Phoenix,” she repeats.

A low growl rumbles in my throat as I yank her flush against me, claiming her mouth. She gasps, her body melting into mine as our lips move in a duel for dominance. My tongue plunders the depths of her mouth, tasting the intoxicating essence that is uniquely her.

One hand tangles in her hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss, while the other roams the luscious curves of her body. She whimpers against my lips, sending white-hot need through my veins.

Reluctantly, I break the kiss, both of us panting heavily. Tilly’s eyes are glazed with a haze of desire.

“Fuck, you’re driving me crazy, sweetheart,” I rasp, trailing scorching kisses along the slender column of her throat.

She shivers beneath my touch, her fingers digging into my shoulders as I nip at her racing pulse point. “Phoenix...”

“I can think of a better way to spend our time than standing around here,” I murmur against the sensitive hollow beneath her ear.

Pulling back, I brush a strand of hair from her flushed face, my thumb tracing the curve of her kiss-swollen lips. “How about we go for a ride on the Ferris wheel?”

I guide Tilly onto the Ferris wheel, my hand at the small of her back, reveling in how her eyes sparkle under the glowing lights of the carnival. As we settle into our seats, I pull her close, my hand sliding possessively onto her thigh.

The wheel begins to turn, lifting us into the night sky. I hold Tilly tighter, my hand gently stroking her soft skin. Her eyes flutter closed, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

I lean in, my lips brushing her ear. “Like that, do you, sweetheart?” I murmur, my thumb grazing the sensitive skin of her inner thigh.

She nods slightly, her breath quickening. “Mmm-hmm,” she replies.

My hand continues its lazy path up her thigh, my fingers inching dangerously higher.

Tilly moans, her body arching subtly toward me. “Phoenix,” she breathes, her hands clutching at my shoulders.

I chuckle low in my throat, the sound vibrating through her. “What’s wrong, Tilly? Don’t you like it?”

“I—yes,” she stammers, her cheeks flushing. “It’s just?—”

“Just what?” I nudge her chin with my fingers, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Tell me what you want.”

Her eyes search mine for a moment before she drops her gaze, a delicate pink tingeing her cheeks. “I want—” She hesitates.

I stroke her thigh again, a silent encouragement for her to voice her desires. “Tell me, Tilly,” I coax, my lips brushing her ear. “I’ll give you whatever you want.”

She takes a shaky breath, her eyes fluttering shut. “I want you to touch me,” she confesses. “Please.”

My heart pounds in my chest as my thumb grazes the satin fabric of her panties.

I lean in, my lips hovering over hers. “As you wish, baby,” I whisper, capturing her mouth in a kiss.

I shift closer, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. With one hand, I caress her cheek, my thumb gently tracing the outline of her lips. The other hand slips beneath the hem of her skirt, slowly, deliberately, my fingertips teasing the sensitive skin of her inner thigh.

Her breath hitches as my fingers dance closer to her core. I hear her soft whimper and know she’s aching for more.

“You like that, don’t you?” I murmur.

I slide my hand higher, my fingertips grazing the silken fabric covering her wet pussy. I feel the dampness that has gathered there, a testament to her arousal.

“Yes,” she breathes, her body tensing beneath my touch.

With gentle pressure, I stroke her through the fabric, my touch teasing. Her hips buck slightly.

“Fuck, you’re so wet, gorgeous,” I whisper.

I continue my torment, drawing lazy circles, enjoying how her breathing quickens. Her soft moans fill the air, music to my ears.

As her arousal builds, I quicken the pace of my touch, my fingers firm and relentless. She cries out my name, her nails clawing into my shoulders as she yields to the sensations.

“That’s it, baby, let me hear you,” I urge, my touch relentless as I edge her closer to the pinnacle.

Her breathing is ragged, and she arches toward me, pleading for release. But I’m not ready to let her crest yet.

With a final teasing stroke, I pull my hand away, leaving her hovering on the brink, breathless and wanting. She whimpers softly, her body trembling with unspent passion.

“Not yet, sweetheart,” I murmur, my lips curving into a mischievous smile. “I plan on making this last.”

Her eyes fly open, frustration and desire swirling in their hazel depths. “But I?—”

I silence her with a scorching kiss, my tongue tangling with hers, conveying all the things I long to do to her. Her taste, scent, and soft moans fuel the fire within me. But I’m not ready to surrender to it just yet.

I pull away slowly, my gaze holding hers captive. “Patience, Tilly,” I breathe, my thumb brushing her swollen lower lip. “The best is yet to come.”

Tilly whimpers softly, her body pressing against mine as if seeking solace from the very torment I inflict. I savor the way she melts into me, the aroma of her desire heightening my own.

“We’re about to stop,” I murmur, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “Wouldn’t want anyone to catch my hand on your sweet pussy, now would we?”

Her eyes widen at my bold words, a mortified yet intrigued expression flashing across her face. “Oh,” she breathes, her cheeks flaming red.

Leaning in, I capture her mouth in a searing kiss, tasting her shame and desire all at once. Our tongues tangle desperately, conveying the urgent need simmering between us.

As the Ferris wheel comes to a halt, I reluctantly pull away, smirking. “Come on,” I whisper, taking her hand and leading her from the ride. “Let’s find somewhere more private to continue this.”

I guide her through the carnival, my arm wrapped around her waist. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere pale compared to the electricity crackling between us.

Her eyes flicker across the various attractions, a mix of anticipation and nervousness reflected in her gaze. “Where are we going?” she asks, her voice laced with curiosity.

“You’ll see,” I reply mysteriously, a devious smile dancing on my lips.

We approach a secluded area of the carnival, where the crowd thins out, leaving us with a semblance of privacy. I stop in front of the bumper cars, an enigmatic glint in my eye.

“Here?” Tilly questions, a hint of confusion in her voice.

I nod, stepping closer so that our bodies are mere inches apart. “Here,” I confirm, my voice a low, seductive rumble. “But first, I need to collect something.”

With a wink, I stride toward the operator, requesting two cars be kept aside for us. The attendant complies with a knowing smile, recognizing a potential romance when he sees one.

When I return, Tilly’s eyes sparkle with anticipation. “What’s the plan?” she asks, her breath coming in short, eager gasps.

“Get in the car, gorgeous,” I instruct, my tone brooking no argument.

She obeys without hesitation, sliding into the bumper car. I climb into the adjacent vehicle, a mischievous glint in my eye.

I beckon to the attendant, and the ride comes to life. Our cars jolt forward, bumping into each other.

“So, where did you learn to hack?” she asks.

I chuckle. “You’re curious, aren’t you, Tilly? Always wanting to learn more.”

She shrugs, a playful smile on her lips. “Maybe I just want to know more about you.”

“Is that so?” I edge my car closer, our bumpers knocking together. “Well, then, I’ll give you a hint.”

Her eyes shine with excitement as she eagerly awaits my words.

“Let’s just say I learned the hard way,” I confess, my voice laced with pride and bitterness. “When you grow up in foster care, you do what you have to do to survive.”

Her expression softens, and she briefly touches my hand before pulling back as if unsure of the boundaries. “Foster care?” she echoes, her voice laced with surprise and a hint of sadness .

I nod, steering my car alongside hers. “It wasn’t all bad. I learned valuable skills—skills that have come in handy.”

A mischievous grin crosses her face. “Oh yeah? Like hacking into my computer and stalking me?”

“Guilty as charged.” I chuckle, bumping her car again. “But you have to admit, it paid off. After all, here we are.”

I pull Tilly close as we exit the bumper cars, the electricity crackling between us. Her eyes sparkle as I back her against the metal railing, my body pressing flush against hers.

“You drive me crazy,” I growl, tangling my fingers in her silken tresses. “Every look, every smile—fuck, even the way you breathe sends me over the edge.”

Her lips open with a soft gasp as I lean in. “Phoenix...” she breathes, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt.

I trail kisses along her jaw. “I want to hear you moan my name like a prayer on those pretty lips.”

“Phoenix,” she whimpers, her body arching against mine as my lips blaze a path down the slender column of her throat. “Please...”

The desperation in her voice ignites a primal hunger within me. Capturing her mouth in a searing kiss, I pour every ounce of my desire into it. She moans softly, her fingers threading through my hair.

I press her harder against the railing, one hand splaying across the small of her back while the other cups her jaw, angling her head to deepen the kiss.

Reluctantly, I break the kiss, both of us panting heavily. Her lips are swollen and glistening, her eyes glazed with a haze of want. Tracing the curve of her jaw with my thumb, I gaze at her with a heady mix of possession and reverence.

“You’re mine,” I rasp. “Every inch of this gorgeous body belongs to me.”

Before she can respond, I capture her mouth in another soul-searing kiss.

At that moment, the world around us fades away, leaving only the two of us locked in a passionate embrace, our bodies and souls intertwined in a primal dance as old as time.