Chapter 9

Chapter

Nine

ANI

When we enter Olympus Manor, Phoenix lets out a deep breath, his eyes close for a moment too long, and then he says, “Before you head to your room, I want you to come upstairs to the attic with me. I want to show you something.”

I inhale deeply and follow him into his attic, all too aware of how awful the exchange between us was only one night ago. It feels like a lifetime has already passed us by since I snuck up on him.

I was afraid of him. Afraid of the unknown. But now…

I’m not.

The darkness swallows us whole the second we step in the stairway. It’s like I’m standing on the edge of a precipice, not knowing what’s next. He’s taking me to his special place. He’s showing me a part of him that he keeps hidden from others. I’m not taking this trip up the stairs flippantly.

My heart is pounding, my palms sweaty. Phoenix’s power and influence within these walls is palpable. Deep down, I know that once I take this step, there’s no turning back. It’s a scary thought, but also strangely liberating.

He’s letting me inside his lair.

I take in the shadows of the attic, feeling a strange hunger for something I can’t quite explain. I stand still, allowing my eyes to adjust to the room’s deep gloom. As they do, I’m surprised by the vastness of the space before me. Now that I’m truly taking the time to absorb everything rather than fleeing so quickly, I see more. This is no ordinary attic; it’s an entire world kept hidden away from prying eyes.

The walls are lined with ancient artifacts of the Godwin family, mysterious boxes, and stacks of books that reach all the way to the ceiling. The air is thick with age, knowledge, and Phoenix Godwin.

I turn to find Phoenix standing silently in the corner—watching me as if his presence is some sort of guardian angel protecting this place from intruders. His eyes burn into mine as if he can sense every thought running through my head, and he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

But I don’t even know what I’m thinking. Chaos is swirling inside my mind.

He remains still and silent until eventually taking a seat at the station of monitors and control board and motions for me to do the same. He studies me intently as I shift in my chair, unsure of what he expects. I take in all the security footage of Medusa Enterprises and feel like a fly on the wall. I see everything within the building. Every room. Every crack. People are moving about and have no idea that I can see what they are doing.

“This is what I do,” he says in a low voice. “I watch.”

I nod slowly, still trying to comprehend the gravity of his words. “Every day? Up here by yourself?”

“Yes.”

I turn my attention back to the monitors, and as I watch, I quickly develop a newfound respect for Phoenix and his work. He has Post-it notes about someone being suspicious, and there are notebooks full of paragraphs on people he’s keeping a close eye on. He’s an excellent observer and a master of detail, and I begin to understand why he values secrecy and security so highly. This is his family’s company, and he takes it seriously.

“But why not do this in Seattle? At Medusa?” I ask.

“I like it here. I do have a penthouse in Seattle, and sometimes go when I’m truly needed in the office by my sister. But my choice is to remain here, if possible.”

“Does anyone know you are up here?”

“Those that matter do.”

His hand brushes mine. His large, broad shoulders crowd my space as he leans to flip a switch. Every time he touches me, electricity courses through me.

At first, I’m not sure if Phoenix notices my reaction. But after a few times, it’s obvious he does. He always pulls away quickly and apologetically, but the spark between us continues to grow.

“I wanted to bring you up here to show you I’m turning off the camera in your room. I want you to see me do it so you know for a fact that I won’t invade your privacy any longer.” He turns a switch, and I see the guest room come up on the screen.

“How do I know you won’t just turn it back on?” I challenge.

“My word is everything. I detest liars more than anything in this world. If I say something to you, I honor that. I’d never lie.” With that, he flips off the camera, and the screen goes black.

Phoenix rises and makes his way to the open window allowing the sea air inside. I follow him so I can take in the view of the waves crashing against the cliff below.

“It’s the best view in the entire house,” he says.

The Salish Sea is beautiful, twinkling underneath the sunlight peeking out from the storm clouds. Olympus Manor sits on a cliff, but from this angle, it almost feels as if we are floating over the sea. I’m getting a glimpse of what being a God feels like. We are in Olympus staring down at the mortals below.

“It’s beautiful outside, and the rain has stopped. We should go for a walk,” I suggest.

“I don’t like going outside. I rarely leave the attic.” His eyes focus on the large willow tree balancing on the edge of the cliff.

I widen my eyes and turn my body to fully face him. Having to tilt my head back far so I can look into his eyes, I say, “But you went outside today.”

“For you. I did it for you,” is all he says.

Remembering how sweaty and agitated he got, it all makes sense now.

“You never leave?” I’m still not truly processing what he’s telling me.

“Not unless I have to.”

“Why?”

He shrugs. “Stuck.”

He looks down at me, possibly waiting for me to judge him, which I don’t. We all have our demons, and if this is his, I’ve seen worse.

“Thank you,” I whisper. Our bodies are so close, but neither of us is taking a step back to make space.

“For what? ”

“For pushing past your boundaries for me. I don’t take that act lightly.”

Phoenix reaches out and takes my hand in his. His touch feels electric, like a wave of heat that washes over me. His gaze is intense, and he doesn’t say a word. Instead, he leans closer, lowers his head, and lightly brushes his lips against mine.

He tastes sweet, like honey, and his kiss sends a jolt of pleasure through my body. The kiss lingers for a few moments before he pulls away, leaving me wanting more.

I’m desperate for more of his touch, so I stand on my tiptoes and wrap my arms around his neck and pull him close. Our kiss deepens, and the heat radiates from his body.

His hands wander over my curves, exploring every inch of my skin. He moves his lips down to my neck and lightly nibbles my earlobe. I press myself against him and let out a soft moan of pleasure. He brings his hands further down my body, causing my skin to tingle with anticipation.

My breath is coming in shallow gasps as he stares into my eyes, and he begins to caress my body with slow, gentle strokes. He moves down my neck and over my chest, exploring every inch of me and driving me wild with desire. With each touch, my heart races faster, and I long for more.

His hands wander lower, tracing circles around my navel with his fingers before he reaches my waist. His touch is gentle but firm, stroking my skin and setting my nerve endings aflame. I’m lost in sensation as he slides his hands up and down my body, exploring every curve and driving me to the brink of pleasure.

Finally, we pull away, leaving me breathless and aching for more. He looks into my eyes and strokes my cheek gently. My heart is pounding, and a warmth spreads through my body. The connection between us is undeniable, but I’m not sure we should continue.

What does it mean if we do?

What does it mean if we don’t?

“I should probably settle into my room,” I murmur, trying to regain my composure.

My words hang in the air between us, but he doesn’t move away. He leans in closer, his breath tickling my face. He brushes his lips against mine in a soft kiss, my skin burning at the contact.

He nods slowly, but his eyes never leave mine. He leans in and brushes another gentle kiss against my lips, sending a thrill through me. It’s only fleeting, but it’s enough to make my knees weak.

“Let me know if you need anything,” he whispers, barely an inch away from my mouth.

Reluctantly, I break away and head to the stairway as I try my best to ignore how this man behind me makes me feel.