Chapter 19: Tangled in the Game
861 Words
The morning after the firestorm that had erupted at the masquerade party was marked by a cold, almost eerie calm. Ashira lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling like a vortex. Last night, she had danced with danger and kissed a man she had promised herself she’d never fall for again. The worst part? Her heart hadn’t listened. It had leaped at the touch of Phoenix’s lips, mourned when he pulled away, and now, it beat erratically just remembering his scent, the way his hand had cupped her jaw, the gravel in his voice as he whispered her name.
She turned over with a frustrated groan. "Get out of my head," she muttered, but it was no use. Phoenix wasn’t just in her head—he was tangled up in her very soul.
A knock echoed through the door, pulling her back to reality. Ashira wrapped a robe around herself and opened it to find Mona, her best friend, with a raised eyebrow and two mugs of steaming coffee in hand.
"Good morning, Miss Drama Queen," Mona teased as she handed her a cup. "Spill. I saw the way he kissed you. You were gone."
Ashira sighed, walking back to her bed and sitting down, the cup warming her fingers. "It was a moment. That’s all."
Mona sat beside her, kicking off her shoes. "Don’t lie to me, Riri. That wasn’t just a moment. That was a whole movie scene. You still love him."
Ashira didn’t respond. Her silence was loud enough.
Mona leaned back, folding her arms. "And you think you can keep dancing around this? Girl, you better be careful before you burn."
Ashira looked at her. "I’m already burning."
---
Later that afternoon, Phoenix stood on the rooftop of the Blackthorn building, cigarette dangling between his fingers. He hadn’t smoked in years, but something about the past twenty-four hours had dragged old habits out of hiding. His phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: Meet me at the docks tonight. Midnight. Come alone.
He stared at the message, brows furrowing. There was no signature, no clue, but he could guess who it was. Mateo. The snake was still slithering in the shadows, and if Phoenix didn’t end this now, Ashira would be caught in the crossfire.
He flicked the cigarette over the edge and walked away.
---
By nightfall, Ashira had made her way to The Velvet Lounge. She didn’t know why she was there—maybe it was to distract herself or maybe, deep down, she was hoping he’d be there.
As she entered, her eyes scanned the dimly lit space. A live jazz band played softly in the corner, couples danced lazily, and in a private booth toward the back, she spotted a familiar figure.
Elijah.
She hesitated, then walked over.
"Ashira," Elijah said with a warm smile. "Didn’t expect to see you here tonight."
She slid into the booth. "Same. Thought you were laying low."
He chuckled. "Laying low is a luxury I can’t afford. Not with Phoenix spiraling."
That caught her attention. "What do you mean, spiraling?"
Elijah leaned forward. "You think last night was just about a kiss? No. Mateo’s back. Phoenix got a message today. He’s going to the docks alone."
Her blood ran cold. "Why wouldn’t he tell me?"
Elijah raised an eyebrow. "You really need to ask? He’s protecting you. That’s what he’s always done. Even when it cost him everything."
Ashira shot up from her seat, grabbing her purse. "Then I’m going to stop him."
---
The docks were cold and deserted when Phoenix arrived. A lone figure stood under a flickering lamppost. Phoenix stepped out of his car and walked toward him.
"Mateo," he said coldly.
"Phoenix," Mateo replied with a smirk. "Still as dramatic as ever."
Phoenix’s jaw clenched. "Why now?"
Mateo shrugged. "You took everything from me. The territory. The girl. Now I’m taking it back."
Phoenix pulled his gun. "You come near Ashira, I’ll kill you."
Mateo laughed. "Already did, didn’t you? You think she forgave you, but deep down, you know she’s just biding her time. Waiting to see who hurts her less. You or me."
The moment shattered as a car screeched in the distance. Ashira burst onto the scene, breathless.
"Phoenix!"
Both men turned to her, stunned.
"You shouldn’t be here!" Phoenix growled.
"Neither should you!" she shouted back.
Mateo raised his gun.
Phoenix reacted first.
A shot rang out. Then silence.
Ashira screamed.
Mateo collapsed to the ground, blood soaking through his shirt.
Phoenix stood over him, chest heaving. "No one touches her. No one."
Ashira ran to him, tears streaming down her face. "You could’ve died!"
Phoenix looked at her, his eyes glassy. "I would’ve. For you."
---
Back at his apartment, Phoenix lay on the couch, bruised but alive. Ashira sat beside him, her hand in his.
"You scare me," she whispered.
"I scare myself."
They sat in silence for a long time. Then, she said the one thing they’d both been too afraid to admit.
"I still love you, Phoenix. Even if it kills me."
He pulled her close, resting his forehead against hers.
"Then we’ll burn together."
- Writer
