20. Chapter 20 Damon

Chapter 20 Damon

T he phone's shrill ring tore through my sleep like a serrated blade. I fumbled for it, heart already pounding with a primal, instinctive fear. There was only one person who'd call at this ungodly hour, only one voice I both craved and dreaded hearing.

"Phoenix?" Her name was a prayer on my lips, a desperate invocation.

"Damon," she choked out, her voice raw and shattered. "I need you. I need you, please. I can't...I can't do this alone. Not anymore."

Ice flooded my veins. "I'm on my way, baby. Just hold on. I'm coming."

I was out the door before the call even ended, my heart a war drum in my chest. The streets of Miami blurred past as I pushed my bike to its limits, every cell in my body screaming to get to her, to shield her from whatever fresh hell had broken loose.

When I burst through her apartment door, the sight that greeted me damn near brought me to my knees.

Phoenix, my fierce, unbreakable phoenix, was curled into a ball on the floor. Her flame-red hair was a tangled mess, her face streaked with mascara and tears. She looked up at me with eyes so full of pain and betrayal that it physically hurt to meet her gaze.

"He killed her," she whispered, her voice cracking on the words. "My father...he killed my mother. I saw it. The video...oh God, Damon. He murdered her."

I crossed the room in three long strides, gathering her into my arms. She came willingly, desperately, her fingers clawing at my shirt as she buried her face in my chest. I held her tight, trying to pour every ounce of love and strength I possessed into that embrace.

"I've got you," I murmured into her hair, rocking her gently. "I'm here, baby. I'm right here."

She sobbed against me, her whole body shaking with the force of her grief. I let her cry, knowing there were no words that could ease this kind of pain. All I could do was be there, a solid presence to anchor her as the storm raged.

When her tears finally slowed, I pulled back just enough to cup her face in my hands. "Tell me what you need, Phoenix. Anything, everything. It's yours."

She met my gaze, her eyes red-rimmed but blazing with a desperate, feverish light. "Make me forget," she whispered. "Just for a little while. Make me feel something other than this...this emptiness."

I hesitated for a heartbeat, searching her face. "Are you sure? Phoenix, I don't want to take advantage-"

She cut me off with a bruising kiss, her lips crashing against mine with a hunger that stole my breath. "Please," she breathed against my mouth. "I need you, Damon. I need to feel alive."

That was all it took. I swept her into my arms, carrying her to the bedroom with a reverence that belied the urgency thrumming through my veins. I laid her out on the bed like an offering, drinking in the sight of her - all pale skin and tumbled crimson curls against the stark white sheets.

"You're so fucking beautiful," I rasped, my voice rough with emotion and desire. "So strong, so brave. My warrior queen."

I undressed her slowly, reverently, pressing kisses to each inch of skin as it was revealed. When she was finally bare before me, I took a moment to just look at her. To memorize every curve, every freckle, every scar that told the story of her survival.

"Damon," she whimpered, reaching for me. "Please. I need to feel you."

I shed my own clothes in record time, covering her body with mine. The first slide of skin on skin was electric, drawing matching groans from both of us. I kissed her deeply, pouring every ounce of love and devotion I possessed into the press of my lips, the stroke of my tongue.

My hands roamed her body, relearning every dip and valley, every spot that made her gasp and arch beneath me. When I finally slid into her, it felt like coming home. Like two broken pieces finally slotting back into place.

We moved together in perfect synchronicity, our bodies speaking a language older than time. I worshipped her with lips and hands and the reverent roll of my hips, determined to drive every thought from her head but this - us, together, whole and unbroken.

When she finally came apart beneath me, her nails raking down my back and my name a broken cry on her lips, I followed her over the edge. We clung to each other in the aftermath, our hearts pounding in tandem as we fought to catch our breath.

"I love you," I murmured, pressing kisses to her tear-stained cheeks, her fluttering eyelids. "I love you so fucking much, Phoenix. We're going to get through this. Together. "

She nodded, burying her face in the crook of my neck. "I love you, too," she whispered. "Thank you for being here. For not running when things got ugly."

I tightened my arms around her, as if I could somehow shield her from the pain that awaited in the harsh light of day. "I'm not going anywhere, baby. Not now, not ever. You're stuck with me."

We fell asleep like that, tangled together in a cocoon of warmth and safety. For a few precious hours, the world outside ceased to exist. There was only us, only this - two battered souls finding solace in each other's arms.

Morning came too soon, dragging with it the harsh reality of what lay ahead. I woke before Phoenix, carefully extricating myself from her grip to pad to the kitchen. If we were going to face this shitstorm, we needed fuel.

I was halfway through whipping up enough food to feed a small army when Phoenix stumbled in, wrapped in one of my t-shirts and looking adorably rumpled.

"Jesus, Damon," she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Are you cooking for the homeless or something?"

I grinned, pulling her in for a quick kiss. "More like an army, firebird. I, uh...I may have called in the cavalry."

Her brow furrowed in confusion, but before she could ask, there was a knock at the door. I tensed, my protective instincts kicking into overdrive. "I've got it," I told her, pressing another kiss to her forehead. "You focus on caffeinating, yeah?"

I opened the door to find Rafe leaning against the wall, his usual cocky smirk replaced by a look of grim determination.

"Took you long enough, Cross," he said, pushing off the wall. "I was starting to think you'd chickened out."

I rolled my eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. Ever since Rafe had shown me that damning video of Storm and Cyrus, he'd been an unlikely but steadfast ally. It still felt weird sometimes, working with the guy I'd considered my nemesis for so long. But if there was one thing I'd learned in this fucked-up business, it was that the enemy of my enemy could become a powerful friend.

"In your dreams, Vega," I shot back, stepping aside to let him in. "You know the drill. Phoenix is still processing everything, so try not to be your usual charming self, yeah?"

Rafe's expression softened slightly. "How is she holding up?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "As well as can be expected, I guess. It's a lot to take in."

He nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Well, that's why we're here, right? To make sure that bastard pays for what he's done."

The apartment quickly filled with our mismatched crew. Zane, Jax, and Ty rolled in like a leather-clad tsunami, bringing with them an energy that crackled through the air. Talia wasn't far behind, her eyes sharp and assessing as she took in the gathering.

"Alright, bitches," she announced, clapping her hands together. "Let's take down a murderous music mogul, shall we?"

Phoenix managed a weak smile at her friend's bravado. I could see the toll the last 24 hours had taken on her – the dark circles under her eyes, the slight tremor in her hands as she clutched her coffee mug. But there was steel in her spine, a fire in her gaze that told me she was far from broken.

"First things first," Rafe said, pulling out his phone. "I've got my contact at the DA's office on standby. We present them with the video evidence and Marcus's testimony, they'll move fast. Cyrus won't know what hit him."

Jax piped up, his fingers flying over his laptop keyboard. "I've been digging into Rowe & Wade's financials. There's some seriously shady shit going on – embezzlement, money laundering, you name it. We can bury him on the financial crimes alone if the murder charge somehow doesn't stick."

I felt a swell of pride in my chest. My boys, my brothers – they'd stepped up without hesitation, putting their considerable talents to work for Phoenix's cause. It was a far cry from the days when we were just a bunch of fuck-ups playing dive bars and dreaming of making it big.

"What about security?" Zane asked, ever the pragmatist. "Cyrus isn't just going to roll over and take this. He's got to have some kind of contingency plan."

"Leave that to me," Ty grinned, cracking his knuckles. "I've still got some friends in low places. We'll make sure nobody interferes when it's time to drop the hammer."

I turned to Phoenix, who'd been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the exchange. "What do you think, firebird? This is your show. We move when you say the word."

She took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the room. "I think... I think it's time to end this. Once and for all." Her voice grew stronger with each word, that familiar spark of determination blazing to life in her eyes. "Let's go get the bastard."

A chorus of agreement rose from the group. We spent the next hour hashing out the final details of our plan, each person falling into their assigned role with a precision that would have made a military strategist proud.

As the others filed out to get into position, I pulled Phoenix aside. "You sure you're ready for this?" I asked softly, searching her face for any hint of doubt .

She nodded, squaring her shoulders. "I have to be. I owe it to my mom, to myself... to finally put this to rest."

I cupped her face in my hands, overwhelmed by the strength and beauty of the woman before me. "I love you," I said fiercely. "No matter what happens in there, no matter what ugly truths come to light – that will never change. You hear me?"

Phoenix's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but her smile was radiant. "I love you, too," she whispered, stretching up to press a soft kiss to my lips. "Thank you for being my rock through all of this."

I grinned, letting my forehead rest against hers for a moment. "Always, firebird. Now let's go raise some hell."

The ride to Rowe & Wade Records was tense, the air in the car thick with anticipation. Phoenix sat beside me in the passenger seat, her fingers drumming a restless rhythm on her thigh. In the rearview mirror, I could see Rafe's car following close behind, with Talia and the boys bringing up the rear.

As we pulled into the parking garage, my phone buzzed with a text from Ty. "Security's been neutralized. You're clear to move in."

I relayed the message to the others, and we moved as one toward the elevators. The lobby was suspiciously empty as we strode through, our footsteps echoing off the marble floors. Whatever Ty had done to clear our path, it had been thorough.

We rode up to the executive floor in silence, the tension ratcheting up with each passing floor. When the doors finally dinged open, Phoenix took a deep, steadying breath.

"Ready?" I asked softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

She nodded, her jaw set with determination. "Let's finish this."

We moved down the hallway as a unit, Phoenix and I in the lead with the others fanning out behind us. When we reached Cyrus's office, she hesitated for just a moment before squaring her shoulders and throwing open the door.

As we entered Cyrus's office, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Phoenix's hand trembled in mine, but her spine was steel. This was her moment of reckoning, and I'd be damned if I let anyone take it from her.

Cyrus looked up, his face a mask of practiced concern that made my stomach turn. "Phoenix, sweetheart. What's this all about?"

"Cut the bullshit," I snarled, unable to hold back. "We know what you did, you murdering piece of shit."

Cyrus's eyes flashed with a cold fury that sent chills down my spine. In that moment, I saw the monster behind the polished facade. "I'd watch your tone, boy. You have no idea who you're dealing with."

"Oh, I think we do," Phoenix said, her voice steady despite the slight tremor I could feel running through her body. "We have the video, Cyrus. We know you killed Mom."

The color drained from Cyrus's face, his carefully cultivated mask cracking at the edges. For a moment, raw panic flashed in his eyes. But then, like a switch being flipped, his demeanor changed. A cruel smile spread across his face, and I felt Phoenix tense beside me.

"Well, well," he drawled, leaning back in his chair. "It seems my little girl has finally grown a backbone. Took you long enough."

Phoenix flinched as if she'd been slapped, and I had to physically restrain myself from lunging across the desk and wrapping my hands around Cyrus's throat.

"Why?" Phoenix choked out, tears welling in her eyes. "She loved you. We were a family."

Cyrus laughed, the sound harsh and mocking. "Love? Family? Wake up, Phoenix. This is business. Your mother was going to ruin everything I'd built. I couldn't let that happen."

"You're a monster," I spat, disgust roiling in my gut.

Cyrus's eyes locked on mine, cold and calculating. "And you're a junkie who got lucky. Do you really think you can protect her? That you won't drag her down into the gutter with you?"

His words hit like a sucker punch, dredging up all my deepest insecurities. But before I could react, Phoenix stepped forward, her voice ringing out clear and strong.

"He already has protected me. From you. From myself. Damon is twice the man you'll ever be."

Pride swelled in my chest, and I squeezed her hand, a silent promise. Whatever came next, we'd face it together.

Cyrus's face contorted with rage. He lunged forward, his hand raised as if to strike Phoenix. I moved without thinking, throwing myself between them. "Touch her and die," I growled, every muscle in my body coiled and ready to strike.

But before things could escalate further, the office door burst open. Police flooded in, weapons drawn. "Cyrus Rowe, you're under arrest for the murder of Olivia Fitzgerald-Rowe."

Time seemed to slow as they cuffed him, reading him his rights. Cyrus didn't struggle, but the look he gave Phoenix as they led him away was pure venom. "This isn't over," he hissed. "You'll regret this, I promise you."

As the door closed behind him, Phoenix sagged against me, the adrenaline clearly draining from her system. I scooped her into my arms, cradling her against my chest. "I've got you, firebird," I murmured into her hair. "It's over. You're safe."

She looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Is it really? What if he was right? What if I'm not strong enough for this?"

I cupped her face in my hands, pouring every ounce of love and conviction I possessed into my gaze. "Listen to me, Phoenix. You are the strongest person I know. You just stood up to your worst nightmare and came out on top. You're a fucking warrior queen, and I am in awe of you."

A watery laugh escaped her lips. "A warrior queen, huh?"

"Damn straight," I grinned, pressing a fierce kiss to her forehead. "And this king is honored to stand by your side."

As we made our way out of the office, past the gawking employees and flashing cameras, I felt a shift in the air. This wasn't just an ending - it was a beginning. The start of something new, something ours.

Phoenix and Damon against the world. Let the bastards try to take us down. We'd rise from the ashes every fucking time, stronger than ever.

The drive back to Phoenix's place was a blur of adrenaline comedown and stunned silence. I kept one hand on the wheel, the other firmly entwined with Phoenix's. Every few minutes, I'd squeeze her fingers, a silent reminder. I'm here. We did it. We're okay.

Back at the apartment, our misfit family was waiting. Talia launched herself at Phoenix the second we walked through the door, enveloping her in a fierce hug. The guys crowded around, a protective circle of leather and attitude.

"So," Rafe drawled, breaking the tension. "I hear we just took down the biggest asshole in the music industry. I don't know about you fuckers, but I think that calls for a drink."

A ripple of laughter went through the group. I felt Phoenix relax against me, some of the rigid tension finally leaving her body.

As Rafe poured drinks and the others fell into excited chatter, I pulled Phoenix aside. "You okay, firebird?" I murmured, searching her face for any signs of distress.

She took a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine with a clarity that took my breath away. "I'm... I don't know what I am, honestly," she admitted. "It doesn't feel real yet."

I cupped her face in my hands, my thumbs stroking gently over her cheekbones. "It's real, baby. We did it. You did it. You faced down your demons and came out swinging."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "We did it," she corrected softly. "I couldn't have done any of this without you, Damon."

I grinned, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "That's what family's for, firebird. To have your back when the shit hits the fan."

We rejoined the others, accepting glasses of amber liquid from Rafe. As I looked around the room at these people who'd become more than just friends or bandmates, I felt a swell of emotion in my chest.

"I'd like to propose a toast," I said, raising my glass. The chatter died down as everyone turned to me. "To family - the ones we're born with, and the ones we choose. To taking down the bad guys and rebuilding something better from the ashes."

"To Phoenix," Talia added, her eyes shining with pride as she looked at her best friend. "The baddest bitch I know, who faced her worst nightmare and came out stronger than ever."

"To Coffin Cargo," Zane chimed in, grinning at me and the boys. "For proving that a bunch of fuck-ups from the wrong side of the tracks can make it big without selling their souls."

"To new beginnings," Phoenix said softly, her gaze locked with mine. "And to love that burns brighter than any darkness."

We clinked glasses, the sound ringing out like a promise. As the liquor burned down my throat, I felt a sense of possibility unfurling in my chest. The road ahead wouldn't be easy - we had a lot of work to do to reshape Rowe & Wade, to heal from the traumas of the past. But for the first time in a long time, I was excited for the future .

As the night wore on and our friends slowly trickled out, I found Phoenix on the balcony. She was wrapped in a blanket, staring out at the glittering Miami skyline with a faraway look in her eyes.

"Penny for your thoughts, firebird," I said softly, coming up behind her to wrap my arms around her waist.

She leaned back against me, letting out a shaky breath. "I just... I can't believe it's really over. That he's gone, that we actually did it."

I pressed a kiss to the side of her neck, breathing in the familiar scent of her skin. "Believe it, baby. You're free. We both are."

Phoenix turned in my arms, her eyes searching for mine. "So... what happens now? With us, I mean."

I smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Now? Now we build something beautiful from the ashes. Together. If that's what you want."

Her answering smile was like the sun breaking through storm clouds. "It's all I want," she murmured, stretching up to capture my lips in a kiss that tasted of hope and new beginnings.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms with the city spread out before us, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Phoenix and Damon, the firebird and the rock star. Two broken souls who'd found their missing pieces in each other.

"I love you," I whispered against her lips. "More than I've ever loved anything in this fucked-up world."

"I love you, too," she breathed, her fingers tangling in my hair. "Thank you for not giving up on me. For believing in us, even when I couldn't."

I pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, letting her see the depth of emotion swirling in my eyes. "I'll never give up on you, Phoenix. On us. You're it for me, baby. The endgame, the happily ever after, the whole goddamn fairy tale."

She laughed, the sound light and free in a way I'd never heard before. "Who knew Damon Cross was such a romantic at heart?"

I grinned, nipping playfully at her lower lip. "Only for you, firebird. Only ever for you."

As we made our way back inside, toward the bedroom and the promise of a future stretching out before us, I felt a song stirring in my chest. A melody of hope and redemption, of love that burns brighter than any darkness.

And I knew, with bone-deep certainty, that this was just the beginning of our story. The first chords of a symphony that would resonate for years to come.

Phoenix and Damon, rising from the ashes. Stronger together than we ever were apart.

It was a hell of a song. And I couldn't wait to sing it to the world.