Phoenix (The Colton Cousins Book 1)

by Rebecca Rennick

  In the middle of my room, with her naked in front of me, I lick my lips. Pausing to appreciate her body and her art before skimming the pad of my thumb along with the vines. Brushing against the underside of each breast, admiring her.

  “This is beautiful. Why didn’t you tell me you had a matching piece? And a nipple piercing? That was a pleasant surprise.”

  “Girl’s gotta keep a bit of mystery to her, doesn’t she?” She says sheepishly, her shy but sensual smile exposing her playful side I know all too fucking well.

  “She does indeed.” I lean closer to her, brushing the sweat-damp hair out of her face. She’s still wearing her high heels, and it was the most erotic thing feeling them press into my backside. I’ve fucked girls with their shoes on before, but it was never a turn-on. With Clover, everything seems to be a goddamn turn-on, and I can feel myself getting hard again. Reaching down, I slip off the used condom and toss it in the small trash can by my bedside table.

  “I’m going to need to fuck you again, sweet cheeks.” Grabbing onto her ass with both hands to emphasize my unhealthy obsession with her posterior. Her eyes close halfway, and she bites down hard on her bottom lip.

  “I’m getting hard just thinking about being inside you again,” I whisper in her ear. Her hands are roaming all over my body and studying every inch of me. I could just stand here and let her touch me and get off.

  “How do you want me?” She asks quietly into my chest. Fuck, this girl is my dream woman, and I didn’t even know it. Quiet yet softly seductive, with temptation dripping from everything she says and does. Not to mention strong-willed and stubborn. Only making me want her more.

  “Every way.” Tossing her onto the bed, that’s exactly what I do. I take her in every way I’ve fantasized, and a few I think she fantasized about because she guides me to the position she wants.

  Two hours and a few more condoms later, we are both spent, sweaty, and panting, laying on my disheveled bed. I really hope Beau didn’t come home during all that because we were not quiet, and Clover called out my name loudly on every orgasm. I love it when she screams my name. Once or twice she called Phoenix instead of Nix, and I found I don’t dislike it.

  I’m finally starting to come down from my last orgasm high when I feel the bed shift next to me. Clover stands up and starts to look around the floor of the destroyed room.

  “What are you doing?” Leaning up on my elbows, I watch her sifting through clothing on the floor.

  “Getting dressed.”

  “Why?”

  “To go back to my room because we’re done.” Her movements are quick and awkward, but she doesn’t stop rummaging.

  What the fuck? Is she seriously trying to fuck and run with me? No fucking way, she’s not going anywhere. Reaching out, I grab her wrist as she passes by my side of the bed, pulling her down. Trapping her under my upper body to make sure she doesn’t try to run away again. Pressing her back into the mattress with my naked body.

  “You’re not going anywhere, little chipmunk.”

  “I’m not?” She looks worried but hopeful as she stares up at me. Doe eyes blinking wildly.

  “No. Not now that I have you.” Softly pressing my lips into hers, I kiss her tenderly, lovingly even. Coaxing her with my mouth to stay. She doesn’t argue and relaxes under me.

  Rolling onto my back, I pull her onto my chest and hold her close. Her naked body presses against mine, and she rests her head on my chest. I breathe in deeply and relax, giving in to my sex exhaustion and enjoying the feel of her close to me. Swirling her fingers in a pattern only she knows on my chest, just like I did that night. She freaked out after the pool incident. Thank fuck she doesn’t hate me for that.

  I tighten my hold on her, making sure she’s still here. She is. Her fingers run along my sleeve tattoo—the one with all the Biomech and bright colors.

  “Your tattoos are beautiful.” Her voice is soft and quiet as she continues to study them.

  “Thank you.”

  “Did you draw them?”

  “I did.”

  “Who tattooed them?”

  “My mentor. A few on my leg I let Arrow tattoo.”

  “Why don’t you have any on your chest?”

  Her question is one I’ve heard before. Most people assume I would be covered head to toe by now. But my tattoos are special, meaningful. I can’t just get anything tattooed on my chest. Not over the heart, that hasn’t felt anything for anyone but family for years, until now.

  “Never found the right design to put there.” As soon as I say the words, I realize that’s not true. I have found the right design and just hadn’t realized till this moment. Clover’s honeybee sunflower girl and all the sad surreal beauty of her—I want it tattooed right on my chest where she lays her head. I’d never been so sure of a tattoo design before.

  I wonder if I should ask her if I can or just do it? Would she appreciate being asked or surprised with it? I’ll wait for now, so I won’t say anything just yet.

  “Does it have to be something you’ve drawn, or can it be art from someone else?” She asks reluctantly, still swirling her fingers across my skin.

  “No. It doesn’t have to be my art. If it’s something I truly admire or appeals to me, it can be drawn by someone else.” I can feel the smile that spreads across her lips against my skin. Maybe surprising her with it would be a good idea.

  She doesn’t say anything more and in that position is how we fall asleep to one another’s breathing wrapped in each other’s arms. I’ve never slept better.

  Chapter 29

  Phoenix

  S oft thick hair twines through my fingers as I wake up to the sight of Clover’s naked body sprawled completely over mine. She’s sleeping on me like her own personal fucking mattress. And I am more than okay with that. Her vibrant red hair is spread out over my chest, and her slender arms are wrapped around my waist. One leg slid in between mine with her hips pressing into me. I don’t want to ruin the sight with a boner, but it’s morning and my morning wood is almost at full salute, waking up to her on top of me.

  Just don’t fucking move, Nix, and you’ll be fine. She hasn’t noticed yet.

  Watching her, I realize I’m breaking all my rules for this chipmunk-sized woman. I never let women stay the night after sex, but I want Clover to stay in my bed with me. Even though she tried to run away. We are going to have to have a talk about that. Now that I’ve had her, I can’t go back; all I fucking want is her. And if that’s going to happen, then she can’t be running away after every time we fuck. She’s mine now, whether she knows it or not. And I’m just as much hers. I’m not sure how the fuck I’m supposed to feel about that. I know that I like the sound of it, but it also scares the piss out of me. Please, don’t let me fuck this up.

  Untangling my fingers from her hair, I run them through it as best I can with all the sex head she has going on. Finally touching her, having her, claiming her as mine calms me through to my soul. Feeling at peace and happy, even. I’d never thought I wasn’t happy before, but right now. At this moment, I know I’ve never been fucking happy, till now. Because this is true happiness, waking up to Clover wrapped around me. Quiet and comfortable. Although my body is relaxed, my heart beats in my chest like a war drum watching her.

  My hair petting eventually wakes her up, and she groggily rubs her face and looks around until she sees me and realizes where she’s at. Her half-awake eyes pop open upon seeing me.

  “Good morning, sunshine,” I say. Her cheeks flush a pretty pink under those freckles as she also notices our naked bodies pressed together.

  “Oh. Good morning.” She tries to slide off of me, but I don’t let her. Locking my arms around her, keeping her right where she is.

  “I’m sorry. I broke your rule,” She says, averting her eyes from mine.

  “What rule is that?”

  “No women stay the night in your room.” Her voice is ashamed and broken.

  What the hell? How dare she feel bad abou
t this.

  “Oh, that rule. That rule expired yesterday.” Her eyes shoot up to mine, confusion and optimism swimming in those baby blues.

  “It did?”

  “Yup. I don’t really need that rule anymore. Besides, you technically have been breaking it for the past couple of months living here.”

  “True. But I thought you still had the rule about the women you slept with.”

  “I haven’t slept with a woman in months, Clover. You’re the only one in my bed now.”

  “Oh.”

  She averts her gaze again down to my chest, trying not to look me in the eye, mindlessly fiddling with her fingers on my chest.

  “Clover, look at me.” I coax her gently to look at me. Gradually, she does. “You’re the only woman I want in my bed. And I want you to spend the night with me every time you’re in it.”

  “Oh, ok.” She looks surprised and, honestly, I don’t blame her. I never thought those words would come out of my mouth either. But there you have it. I only want Clover, and now she knows it.

  Pulling her up to meet my lips, I raise my head, kissing her tenderly to bring my point home. She’s reluctant at first, but melts into my touch in moments. Cupping my cheek with one hand, she leisurely kisses me—small seductive kisses mixed with long passionate ones.

  Yeah, I’ve definitely fallen hard for Clover Jones, my little chipmunk, and I’m actually so fucking okay with that.

  Separating her lips from mine, Clover rolls over onto the bed at my side, propping herself up on one elbow. Her red hair is crazy, and her makeup from last night is smeared on her cheeks, but she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Looking at the clock, she speaks.

  “We should get up. It’s already past noon.” Using the opportunity as I turn to look at the clock, the slippery little chipmunk scurries out of my bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she looks for her clothes on the floor.

  “Why so shy? You weren’t last night,” I tease her as I sit up and move to the edge of the bed, sitting and watching her. I remain completely naked as I watch her searching for her clothes. She finds her shoes and dress, but not her underwear. Apparently not wanting to put her dress back on for the ten-foot walk of shame to her room, she grabs one of my dress shirts lying on the floor and, turning her back to me, drops the sheet. I ogle her curves openly, getting a wonderful view of her sweet ass as the midday sunshine streams in. Remembering the feel of it in my hands and the taste when I kissed and licked each cheek last night.

  Hurriedly, she slips into my extra-large shirt that hangs almost to her knees. She looks absolutely fucking edible in my clothing.

  “Well, that was last night, and this is now,” She answers my question that I forgot I had even asked. I ignore her newfound shyness, wrap my arms around her waist from behind, and lean down to kiss her neck. My full rock-hard erection presses into her back—she shutters at my touch when my lips meet the sensitive crease of her neck.

  “You don’t have to run away from me, sweet cheeks.”

  “I’m not running away. I’m just getting up and ready for the day.”

  Chapter 30

  Clover

  I am totally running away. Although I want to climb on Nix and repeat many of the naughty things we did last night, I honestly don’t know how to behave around him right now. He’s so sweet and honest, and here I am, trying to flee his bed. I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me or why I’m acting this way. Maybe because I’ve seen his man-whore ways up close and personal and don’t really want to be on the receiving end of the inevitable. I don’t know. All I know is that I have been falling for Nix for weeks, and last night was the most mind-blowing sex I’ve ever had. But I also know he’s not a relationship guy and won’t ever want more from me other than sex.

  To protect my stupid, fragile heart, I just went into self-preservation mode. Runaway before he can throw you away. Because I know he will. He always throws away women. That’s part of why I fought getting involved with him for so long. Last night I was just so angry and horny, and he was so seductive and sexy as all hell. It just all happened so fast.

  I had tried to make a quick escape last night, but Nix wouldn’t let me. Not that I’m complaining, I didn’t really want to leave last night. I was just trying to protect my heart, that I knew I had already given to him. But he had other plans. Cuddling with me and holding me so tenderly, I couldn’t help but fall asleep in his arms.

  But now, I need to go before I get in even deeper. I’ve already been sucked into his charm and good looks. He says he wants only me, but I know that won’t last for long. One night is all he ever wants with a woman. I’m just trying to make it easier for both of us.

  Turning in his arms to face him, he’s still completely naked and already hard. No matter how much I want to let my hands slip down and stroke his beautifully long thick cock, I restrain myself. The look in his eyes is wanting and soft.

  “I should really go take a shower before Beau gets up if he’s not up already.” I give him the best smile I can muster. He looks sad that I’m trying to leave. Why?

  “Oh yeah, okay.” His grip around me loosens, and I slip-free, heading to the door. I stop a few feet away.

  “If you happen to find my underwear, you know where to find me.”

  “If I find your underwear, sweet cheeks, I’m keeping them as a reminder of my first time inside your sweet pussy.” He grins mischievously at me. I can’t help but smile for real. He’s so crass but sweet at the same time. I don’t know how he fucking does that. Or how to respond to it. I really can’t, so with a blush on my cheeks, I make my way to the door.

  “Okay, well, I’ll see you later. Bye,” Awkwardly, I sneak out of his room and down to my own. Hoping the whole way Beau doesn’t walk out and see me doing my walk of shame in Nix’s shirt.

  Back in my room, I plant myself face-down on my bed, not believing all that has happened in the past twenty-four hours. The soreness between my legs is all the reminder I need. I’m going to be sore for days. It’s worth it, though, or so I hope.

  How do I act around Nix now? Do I just act like nothing happened? I don’t know that I’ll be able to do that. Guess I’ll just play it by ear.

  This is so much more complicated than before.

  ***

  For the next couple of days, I’m too big of a chicken-shit to be around Nix because I’m afraid he’ll act like nothing happened, and it meant nothing. So, I play the disappearing act. Hiding in my room and running out to the door, avoiding conversation and being alone with him.

  Tonight, I’m behind the bar when Braxton walks in and sits himself down right in front of me.

  “Hi there,” A friendly yet mischievous grin spreads across his lips.

  “Hey. What can I getcha?” I give him my generic work smile, trying not to be too polite. Keeping all Nix’s warnings at the forefront of my mind.

  “Whiskey neat.”

  “Of course.” I avert my eyes and pour his whiskey, placing the glass in front of him. He grabs my hand around the glass before I can pull it away. Looking at him, he’s not smiling anymore.

  “So, the other night at the club. I saw you there.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes. I also saw Phoenix carrying you out.”

  “Oh well, you see…” I try thinking up a believable lie about why Nix would have been carrying me like a caveman out of the club.

  “I rolled my ankle in my heels, and Nix was nice enough to carry me out and drive me home.”

  “He did, did he?” Braxton doesn’t seem to like my answer, so I try to lay it on thicker. Sliding my hand out from under his as I speak.

  “Yes, he did. He was very helpful. Since we’re roommates, it makes it easier too since he was going to the same place I was.”

  “I’m so glad he could be of assistance to you.” His sly smile is back.

  He was of assistance to me, all right. Quite a few times that night, but I keep that to myself. Especially since I don
’t exactly know where we stand now after that night of still feeling it three days later sex.

  “Yes, he was.”

  “Perhaps I could convince you to come out with me to the club some night? Say, this Friday?”

  Shit, shit, shit. How do I tell him no without him getting angry or upset? Think Clover, think.

  “I don’t think that would be such a good idea.”

  “Really? Why is that?”

  “You’re a Shaw, so I don’t think it would be wise of me to get in the middle of your business with the Colton’s since I work for Faust. I don’t want to cause any problems.” He nods but doesn’t seem to be buying my lie. Too bad because I’m still going to say no, no matter what he says, to try and convince me.

  “Is that the only reason?” He lifts an eyebrow at me, daring me to deny him.

  “There also seems to be some tension between you and Phoenix, and I just really don’t want to get in the middle of it and cause any issues.”

  “So, it’s because of Phoenix?”

  Yes.

  “No. Not completely. I just feel awkward is all because of your business with the Colton’s.” All his questions and pressing are starting to fluster me, and I really wish someone will interrupt us like now.

  “You don’t have to worry about that, Clover. You can go out with whoever you like. We don’t have any rules against it.”

  “I can also politely decline whoever I please for whatever reason I choose.” Dammit, I was trying hard to filter my thoughts. But his arrogant ass is pushing it, and he needs to understand that when a woman says no, she means no.

  “True. So, you’ve made up your mind then?”