She said she was ready.
But I already knew.
The way she kissed me—slow, sure, like she was claiming me right back—told me everything I needed. She wasn’t just my Phoenix. She was rising. Stronger. Fiercer. Mine.
And now?
Now it was my turn to show her what that meant. I didn’t rush her. Didn’t need to.
She was already there, standing in the fire with me. And I’d burn for her. Hell, I’d burn with her if that’s what it took.
My fingers traced the curve of her jaw, slow like that kiss, reverent like a prayer. “You feel that?” I whispered, voice low, gravel-edged. “That’s what it means to be wanted. Not just touched. Not just tolerated. Claimed.”
Liam never saw her. Not like this. Not like I do.
He saw a girl he could mold. I see a woman who bends for no one—and still chose me.
“You’r
