Phoenix Rising: Issue #2 (Pretty Boy Rock)

by S R Watson

  “I agree. I’ve never really had an occasion to wear her out,” I say, giving my dress an identity. “I’m going to pair it with my nude stilettos.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Harlow

  “I wish I owned a dress like that,” Lily admits. “I’m going to go with my black sequin strapless tube dress with silver pumps.” She holds the dress up, and I nod my head in agreement.

  “That will be super hot on you.”

  “Thanks. I’m going for sexy, not slutty.” She grins. My sentiments exactly.

  “Same,” I agree.

  I use the shower first after laying my dress on the bed. When I come out, I get the shock of my life. I let out a deafening scream, and then the tears start. I can’t help it. Irelyn is standing in the center of the bedroom, and from the looks of it, she’s dressed for the party. She’s wearing an electric blue bandage dress and looks fabulous.

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” I say, giving her the tightest hug ever. Lily stands off to the side, just smiling.

  “Oh my gosh, how rude of me? Irelyn, you remember Lily, right?”

  “Of course. We had a chance to get reacquainted while you were in the shower, too.” Lily walks up to me and hugs me too before going to take her shower. I turn my attention back to Irelyn.

  “What are you doing here? How did you know where we’d be?” I fire so many questions at her. “Why didn’t you return my calls? I was worried about you!”

  “Slow down, chica,” she giggles. “One question at a time. Phoenix called me. He said he got my number from your phone. He knew you were missing me and wanted me to join you guys for a weekend. He paid and arranged for everything. He sent a car to pick me up from the airport.”

  That is seriously the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Phoenix went to great lengths to set up a surprise visit from my best friend, and I couldn’t be happier. Shit like this makes it even more difficult to move on from him.

  “I’ll have to thank him later. Gosh, I still can’t believe he set all of this up.”

  “Yeah, I couldn’t either. I figured you guys must have made amends. That boy sincerely cares for you,” she says. I quickly fill her about Ivy and Melissa even though he told me he didn’t have sex with her. “Regardless of his bed partners, you still have his heart, Harlow. I can tell that just from my conversations with him during our planning to get me here. Not saying that you two need to be together or that he’s going to change his manwhoring. I’m just saying, at the root of it all, he’s definitely still in love with you. Denial is a powerful thing.” She winks.

  “You found time to talk to him. Why didn’t you return my messages?” I ask, pinching her.

  “Ouch!” she shrieks, rubbing her arm before laughing. “Okay, I deserved that.”

  “Damn straight. That and then some,” I laugh with her.

  “To be honest, I was busy with the start of classes and trying not to miss my best friend. When Phoenix reached out to me, I knew if I talked with you, I would let it slip. You know how hard it is for me to keep shit from you, and that’s just regular shit. This was huge, and I didn’t want to ruin it.”

  “I had to hold a lot of crap in. I had nobody to rant to. I finally shared my feelings with Lily today, so it was nice to get it all out with someone I can trust.” Irelyn gives me a fake frown. “Stop it. You’re still my bestie. You just weren’t around when I needed to unload all this emotional turmoil. I feel like I was on a damn roller coaster that I couldn’t get off.”

  “It’s barely been two weeks,” she argues.

  “Yup. Plenty of time for shit to hit the fan. Did you know that Sevyn is here?”

  “Shut the fuck up? Really? Why?” She pulls me down on the bed. Apparently, she didn’t get my message about that. “Oh, my God. You have been dealing with a lot if he’s here. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, and I’m glad you had Lily to talk to.” My goal wasn’t to make her feel bad.

  “It’s okay, Irelyn. He had some business he needed to work through with Phoenix, from what I can gather. They sat me down and explained the reasoning for what they did, and we’re okay now.”

  “What was it? Why did they switch in and out at the lake house? Because for the life of me, I can’t understand why he would need to keep the fact that he had a twin from you.”

  “I can’t tell you that. Phoenix shared some things with me in confidence that I can’t share. Just know the reasoning was legitimate, and I forgave them.”

  “Well, that’s all I need to know. Then I forgive them too. Phoenix had already somewhat redeemed himself with me when he showed how intent he was on getting me here to be with you for a weekend.” She wipes away the new tears that have leaked from my eyes. “None of that. Let’s get you ready, so I can meet some of the celebrity hunks.”

  “What about Michael?” Is she already done with him?

  “Meh. He’s moving too slow. He hasn’t made me his, so I’m free to do whatever I please.” She smiles. Michael is an idiot. Irelyn doesn’t give options for more. She’s not a woman whore because she doesn’t sleep with all of the men she dates. She’s just very picky, and it’s hard for them to keep her interest. She gets bored easily. So if she was willing to have more with Michael, it means she really liked him. Guys can be so dense sometimes.

  “His loss,” I say, shaking my head. “He better hope that one of these celebrity guys don’t snatch you up this weekend.”

  “Yup. Now let me do your hair. You know I love that fucking dress on you. This is the perfect time for her to make her debut,” she says about the dress. “I know exactly the hairstyle for this.” Irelyn does my makeup first. Lily comes out and asks for hers to be done next. Irelyn agrees, but she first does her magic on me. After she finishes my makeup, she puts my hair in a low chignon. I almost don’t recognize myself. I look and feel beautiful. I’m ready for the party now. It’s amazing the confidence you can get from looking the best you’ve ever looked and having your best friend by your side.

  Now nightfall, we finally head into the house where the party is in full swing. It’s mostly out back and under the covered lanai. Rock music seems to come from every direction and the waitstaff walking around with drinks are plentiful. There are also a few open bars scattered around the perimeter. We lose Lily almost instantly because she ditches our asses to find her man. I swear those two can’t be separated from each other for any considerable amount of time. It’s just Irelyn and me until the drummer from Wild Silence asks her to have a drink with him at the bar. I think his name is Jack. She looks over at me, unsure because she doesn’t want to leave me alone. She’s not my babysitter, so I tell her to go and that we will meet up later. She hesitantly leaves with Jack. I grab a drink from the next waiter guy who passes. I have no idea what the hell it is, but it’s brown and nasty as shit. I gulp it down anyway because whatever it is, it’s strong, and I need my buzz back. Now that I’m standing alone, I’m not so confident.

  I consider going to the bar and just people watching, but strong arms wrap around my waist from behind.

  “Hmmm, wearing red again, I see.” I don’t have to look over my shoulder to know it’s Phoenix. “Did you wear this for me, Harlow?” I look around nervously because we are out in the open. People can see us. I try to pull away, but he pulls me closer to him.

  “Someone will see us,” I comment nervously.

  “Maybe,” he agrees. “Come with me then,” he urges. I can smell the heady scent of whiskey.

  “What if I don’t want to?” I challenge. He rubs his hardened cock against my ass, and I squeeze my legs together. There go those damn vagina butterflies again. Logically, I know what will happen if I follow him, yet at this moment, I ache for him. I ache for the inevitable.

  “Your choice, princess. We can stay right here and let the whole party watch me,” he says, twirling a lock of hair that has escaped my chignon.

  “Watch you do what?” I ask breathily. The way he calls me princess is so damn hot. He
hasn’t called me that in a while, and I realize I’ve missed it. My skin is heated, and wetness coats my panties, just from his proximity and thinking about what he wants to do to me—just from him calling me princess.

  “Do you really want to find out?” I turn my head slightly to look at him and shake my head. He winks at me. That wink has to be the sexiest thing ever. He’s toying with me again, and I’m letting him. “Thought so. Follow me, babe.”

  He lets me go and walks in the opposite direction into the house. I wait a few seconds before I follow his lead, careful not to be obvious. From this view, I can admire how fucking hot he is without fear of being caught staring. He wears his jeans well. Nice muscular legs and the perfect ass. His band T-shirt is so simple, yet the package that is not so hidden through the fabric makes you want to trace every line of defined goodness. His body truly is a work of perfection.

  While following him up the winding staircase and into one of the bedroom suites, I already know that I will be giving in to my desires. Tomorrow he will go back to being off-limits, but tonight I want him. My thoughts are interrupted by the slam of the door and my back being pushed against it.

  “So, princess, you purposely ignored my little warning earlier about seeing you in red.” He raises both of my arms above my head and secures them with one hand. “This fucking dress is so damn sinful—a tease to my cock. I couldn’t even focus on the party. The moment I saw you, I knew you had worn it for me. Admit it.” He runs a finger through the keyhole of my dress.

  “Phoenix…yes,” I admit.

  “Yes, what?” he pushes.

  “Yes, sir,” I correct. He growls, and the mood in the room changes.

  “That is not what I meant, Harlow,” he says. That fucking delicious rasp of his is back. I know the tone well. I recognize what it means. His alter ego—the Dom—has been turned on. It’s a shame that he suppresses this side of himself, but I’m seeing it now. He let’s go of my hands, seemingly unsure of how to proceed. He runs a hand through his hair. I’ve never done this before, so I don’t know what the hell I’m doing or if it’s even a real thing, but I have to try. If this is the only night I will allow myself to have him, I want all of him. I want the side that he hides from everybody else.

  I slowly take off my heels and put them to the side. Next, I undress until only my panties are left. He watches me with rapt attention—waiting to see what I will do next. His heart is beating wildly against my chest, and my nerves are threatening to unleash the alcohol I drank. Still, I push forward. Tonight I give him all of me in exchange for all of him. Careful not to look him in the eyes, I drop to my knees and then sit back on my heels. I bow my head and hope that he accepts my submission.

  “Holy fuck me,” he swears. “Harlow, what are you doing?” he asks in disbelief. His rasp of authority is overshadowed with concern. The high pitch of his voice right now is not right. With my eyes closed and head still bowed, I can’t see his reaction, but I can sense him slipping away from giving me what I want. I allow my mind to wander to the first time he shared his real self with me. I distinctly remember the tone of his voice, the strength of his touch, and how special he made me feel that he was sharing a side of himself with me that he didn’t show other people.

  “Harlow?” He addresses me again, but I remain mute. I allow myself to slip further and further into that memory. “Goddamn, Harlow, answer me.” A euphoric feeling moves through my body, and I feel like I’m floating. Then I hear it. He’s back.

  “Harlow! Look at me now!”

  I lift my head until my eyes find his. Light filters through the curtains from the moon, but I don’t miss the intensity in his stare.

  “Yes, sir,” I finally say.

  He levels his gaze on me. “Remember you asked for this,” he warns. “You better be fucking ready,” he growls.

  “Sir. Yes, sir,” I repeat. I hear the ominous sound of the door locking. He walks away from me to turn on a lamp by the bed. There is already whiskey there, so he had to have been in here prior. I watch as he pours himself a drink and takes a few hefty swallows before pulling his shirt over his head. I’m still half-naked, on my knees in the center of the room. I won’t move from this spot until he tells me to, though. My eyes narrow as he removes his shoes and socks. Jeans and bare fucking feet again. Sweet Jesus.

  “Get over here.” Those three words are music to my ears. “Stop,” he commands when I’m a little more than an arm’s length away from him. “Move your arms and let me see your beautiful fucking tits.”

  “I…” The words die on my lips. His eyebrows arch in question. He doesn’t want to hear my excuses or deal with my insecurities. I was much bolder when all the lights were off. I hadn’t even realized that I had subconsciously crossed my arms to hide my breasts. I slowly lower my arms and hear him inhale a sharp breath. I stare at the floor as a feeling of vulnerability crosses over me.

  “Look at me, Harlow,” he commands. I look at him and watch as he sits on the bed and leans back against the headboard. “You wanted to play, so play we shall. You’ve awakened my demons, so tonight I’ll let you get reacquainted with them,” he promises.

  “Yes, sir,” I say simply. I don’t trust myself to say much more than that. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. If this is our last time together like this, I don’t want him holding anything back.

  “This is your last chance to grab that fucking dick tease you call a dress and run as far as you can, Harlow,” he warns a little too calmly. “You’re about to unleash something you better be ready for because I have no plans of letting you leave this room without a thorough look at the shit I’m into.” The ache that intensifies between my legs answers for me. I want it all. I want him to show me.

  “I’m not running, sir,” I insist. “Show me.” His wicked smile ensures me that I’ve sealed my fate. He pulls a remote of some kind from the nightstand next to the bed. With the push of a few buttons, The Weeknd’s “Wicked Games” filters through the speakers around the room. A few notes and lyrics pass with us just staring at each other.

  “Strip for me,” he commands. I begin to take off my panties, but he stops me. “No. Strip for me, as in perform for me. Show me how much you want my cock.” I swallow the lump in my throat. If this is my test, I don’t plan to fail.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Phoenix

  I tried not to want her. I mean, I really fucking tried. Then today at the pool, my dick decided not to listen. Although she has a body made for sin, there’s more to it than that. It’s everything about her—her fucking existence. The more I try to deny my need to have her, the more she consumes my every thought. I couldn’t even accept the advances Melissa was throwing my way because it wouldn’t have been fair to her. I couldn’t lead her on. I was so sure that I would find a piece of ass tonight to fuck my desire for her from my system until I laid eyes on her. I couldn’t help myself. She had the only pussy I was interested in tonight, so here we are. I didn’t expect her to submit. I didn’t fucking expect her to awaken the part of me that I try so hard to suppress. She’s only gotten a small taste of the fucked-up shit I’m into, but tonight I will not hold back.

  I only worry that she doesn’t fully comprehend what she’s awakened, but she will. She will experience all facets of me tonight. Maybe after she runs from the sick shit I enjoy, I can finally move on. First, I will break down her inhibitions. Once those walls come down, I will show her what’s on the other side. I tell her to strip and watch as she struggles with the task. Her natural instinct is to hide, yet she wants to please me.

  The music is slow and climactic. The lyrics are so fitting for this moment, for this dance I have her giving me. She slowly lowers her panties down her legs and then removes them one leg at a time. Her clean-shaven pussy makes my cock jump. She turns her back to me as she lets her hips sway to the music. I suspect not having to look at me gives her the confidence she needs to keep dancing. That’s okay for now since I’m enjoying the view. The round curve of h
er ass has me wanting to end her little performance right now and just bury my dick deep inside her pussy.

  “Turn around,” I tell her after I’ve had enough of just seeing the back of her. I need to look in her eyes because my dick is urging me to move this along. I refill my glass with Jameson, but it’s not for me. I take the glass and join her where she stands. “Open.” I rub the glass along the seam of her lips, and she opens her mouth for me. Her face frowns on the first sip but improves with each subsequent sip of the whiskey. Her features relax, and her eyelids become hooded. I take the last of it remaining in the glass into my mouth, but then I find her lips and make her open for me again. Our tongues dance as the liquor is transferred from my mouth to hers. It burns so good while I try to consume the taste of her.

  “Hmmm,” she purrs. Her hooded lids lower even farther when I trail kisses from her neck to her pebbled nipples. I think she’s ready. I let my hand travel south until my fingers are slipping through her wetness.

  She moves against my fingers, but I remove them. When she comes for the first time tonight, it will be on my dick and not my fingers. I lift her slowly and watch her eyes widen with surprise when she finds herself over my head—her dripping pussy in my direct line of vision. I put her legs over my shoulders and walk her to the nearest wall. When I’m sure she can’t squirm too much, I bury my face between her legs. Her essence smells so damn sweet. I should have at least unzipped my jeans to give my dick room to throb. Too late now. My first tentative lick has her throwing her head back against the wall.

  “Hold on, baby.” I twirl my tongue around her clit, teasing it, worshipping it. Harlow wriggles in my arms, trying to get away from my cunnilingus. I get a tighter grip on her ass and push my face deeper. I suck on her clit with even more determination and watch as her eyes begin to roll back.