Page 36 of Ruse
He obeys, this time without hesitation or a smartass remark. Instead, he places a soft kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering a moment too long. “Admit it to yourself, you want this just as bad as I do. Because I already know it’s the truth, you just need to accept the fact that we,” he lowers his mouth and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Are going to happen.”
ChapterTwelve
PHOENIX
The events of yesterday continue to circle tirelessly in my mind. I can’t sleep, can’t shut off these vivid visions of Maverick standing between my legs, my blood staining the white fabric of his t-shirt, while he tended to my wound, gentle and careful not to hurt me. It was not only bizarre and out of the norm for him, but it confused the hell out of me.How could someone who has done nothing but provoke and anger me, suddenly be so concerned with my well-being?
The answer is simple; he wasn’t. This must be all part of the scheme he’s concocted to ruin me. I know he’s given me no reason to be so suspicious, but there is something about him I can’t quite figure out, and that means I don’t trust him.
I came straight home after school, promising Dee, I’d meet her and Olly for dinner after a shower and some much-needed R and R, mainly because I was hoping to run into Maverick. I’ve been so confused since last night, after everything he said to me, and need to clear the air. I’m determined to confront him and see what kind of mind games he’s playing. It makes no sense for him to act this way in front of others when he clearly loves to remind me he’s not innocent and I should be wary around him. His mother nearly caught us making out for God sakes, and that is not the kind of added drama I need in my life.
However, to my disappointment, Maverick wasn’t home and by the looks of it, wouldn’t be home for some time. I gave up on looking for my stepbrother and focused on getting ready to go out to dinner with my friends.
“Phoenix,” my father calls out as I pass his study on the way to the front door. I groan aloud, frustrated and in no mood to deal with him today. Ignoring him and hoping he lets it go, I continue on my way. “Phoenix please, I need to speak with you.”
“I’m on my way out, Austin, maybe tomorrow,” I snap back, brushing him off and not bothering to turn and look at him. He knows I’m headed out since I’ve not only changed out of my earlier outfit and into a blue strapless dress and done my hair and makeup, but my keys are jingling in my hand as I walk by.
“Not tonight,” he says matter of fact. That gets my attention, and I immediately turn and glare at him. He’s not used to me being so dismissive since we rarely speak, yet lately he’s had some stick up his ass when it comes tomendingour relationship. I call bullshit.
“Excuse me?”
My father steps out from under the doorway and stalks over to me, anxiously running a hand through his perfectly styled hair as he struggles to come up with an explanation. “I know things may have been different these last few weeks Daphne, and I have been gone, but that ends today.” He clears his throat and straightens his back, his posture suddenly impeccable as he tries to come off authoritative and in control. It’s laughable almost, but I humor him mainly because I’m still in shock. “I made a promise to Daphne that I would be spending more time with you and your brother, so like I said in the beginning, family dinners are now mandatory. And the first one, since you missed the last one, will be tonight. Text your friends and let them know you won't be going.”
Hysterical laughter erupts from within me as I double over, unable to control it. Austin is clearly not amused which only adds to the humor of it. “You're kidding me, right?” I ask after my fit of laughter. “There are so many things wrong with what you’ve just said, the first being how you promised your mistress you’d spend more time with your children instead of wanting to spend it. Sorry dad, but I don’t need a parent that feels forced to spend any time with me. Save it for someone who gives a shit. I’ve never needed you and I sure as hell won't start now.”
Fury rages within his marbled eyes and consumes the stoic expression he so desperately tries to keep in place. Tugging on the collar of his pristinely ironed button up, he clears his throat with as much restraint as he can possibly show. “Watch your tone Phoenix, and might I remind you Daphne is my wife, it’s about time you come to accept that.”
I scoff, rolling my eyes and refusing to meet his stare. “Seeing as you two eloped, I’ll take your word for it dad.” Without waiting for his response, I turn and head straight for the front door not stopping for anyone or anything in my way.
“That’s not what I meant, Phoenix. It is time you and your brother…” The sound of his voice is muted by the shriek that leaves me the moment I come crashing into a rock-hard body that’s crossed in my path. Maverick’s muscular hands come around me, long fingers digging into my waist as he keeps me from falling back on my ass. Heat instantly travels through me, electrifying and immobilizing.
“Woah there sis, where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“Out.” I whine, pushing away from him but he doesn't fully release me.What is it with him always catching me when I’m about to fall?It is infuriating, yet as much as a small, and I mean minuscule, part of my subconscious enjoys the sound of that, I need to squash the little bitch before she gets any other barbaric ideas in her head.
“But you’ll miss dinner,” Maverick mocks, his tone of voice completely fake and full of sarcasm. He’s smirking at me, aware of my reaction to having his hands on me once again. As much as I want to hide it, I know the arousal is painted over my face like a permanent mask.
Behind me, I hear my father loudly clear his throat, an almost growl-like sound leaving him. “She has plans.” Suddenly his chest is pressed against my back, glaring at the way Maverick’s hands are still on me, and must be clearly going through mid-life crisis with how hot and cold he’s being.
I half turn in his direction, catching his gaze flick back and forth between my stepbrother and me. “I thought I wasn’t allowed?” I tease, calling him out on his bullshit mood change.
“It would be a shame to make your friends wait, we’ll continue this conversation tomorrow.” It’s comical really. Just a second ago he was against me leaving and now I shouldn’t keep my friends waiting? In front of me Maverick chuckles, finally releasing his hold, and I immediately miss his touch.
That’s when everything becomes crystal clear. Austin’s decision didn’t suddenly change for my benefit, the answer is simple, and frankly hilarious. He doesn’t want me near Maverick. Funny how he’s the one who brought him into our house. It’s clear in the way his eyes flicked back and forth between us just a moment ago, and his grueling scowl shows his dislike.Interesting.
It shouldn’t be, and I shouldn’t be so adamant to play with fire, mainly because how prone I am to get burned by the flames, but this is too good an opportunity to pass up. Austin wants me out of the house now that Maverick will stay for dinner, and that just makes me want to stay to spite him.
I turn completely toward my father, my back now to Maverick, and it’s almost as if I can sense his heated gaze travel down my body. “Don't worry daddy,” I purr, making the vein of his forehead protrude more than usual. It’s vibrating angrily on his forehead, his jaw ticking, and eye practically twitching with ire. “I can always see my friends another time. Wouldn’t want to miss a family dinner, given we're soclose.” I purposefully take a step back and press my ass against Maverick, his hand coming out to grip my hip, quietly groaning in my ear.
At this point my father is livid, but he doesn’t dare admit what he fears. How would it look to throw out his suspicions with no tangible proof? Instead, he turns and walks away from us, slamming the door of his study, the crystal chandelier above my head, vibrating from the force of it.
“You’re playing with fire Phoenix,” Maverick whispers, digging his fingers deeper into my flesh. My father’s gone yet he hasn’t taken his hands off me, or worse, I haven’t asked him to.
Instead, I stand frozen in place, incredibly aware of his erection pressing into my ass and remember I’m wearing a dress that’s way too short, one I wasn’t planning on him seeing me in. Not after what happened between us the last time he saw me in a revealing dress, this one not much more modest than the other.
Hot breath tickles my neck as his fingers sensually trail over my skin, up my forearms, and around my shoulder, leaving goosebumps in their wake. God, I’m trying so hard not to tremble against him, my arousal pooling in my thong, making me terribly uncomfortable. I need to toughen up, to stand my ground and push back letting him know that as much as I may want this, I’m determined to not let it happen.
Moving away from him, I turn to face him head on, no longer feeling his touch makes me relax a little, until I look up into two deep and daunting pools, the clearest shades of blue and gray swirled together. I inhale a sharp breath. “It’s in my nature Maverick. I’ve never been reckless, always cautious, and careful, but that’s not who I am. It’s not what I was meant to be, and I’m just now figuring that out.”
