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Phoenix

T hree weeks. That's all that has passed since our lockdown at our dad's place. Wow, that still feels strange to say— our dad.

So much has changed in such a short time, but it doesn't scare me like I thought it would. Everything that's changed in our lives since Mom's passing has been both strange and exciting. Raven would probably say differently, but I think even she's starting to enjoy our new life here in Phoenix. Since she started working again, she seems less irritated; I've even seen her smile a few times. It feels like we're exactly where we're meant to be.

Dad stayed true to his word and foot the bill for my nursing program and the necessary expenses. He even helped us find a place of our own. Rae was about to give up the search when he told us a rental recently became available—a cozy three-bedroom a neighborhood over. It's perfect. And it just so happens to be right next door to Raptor.

What are the chances?

Speaking of Raptor . . .

Things between us have gotten interesting. Every time we're in the same vicinity, it seems we gravitate toward one another. We talk and flirt and exchange steamy glances, but he hasn't made a move. Neither have I, but I'm paranoid that if I do, he'll turn me down. He's not the kind of guy that usually goes for a girl like me. It's an anomaly, a textbook case of opposites attract—good girl falls for bad boy. Yeah, how often does that pan out?

I shrug away the thought and resume packing my things for the move. Our new landlord has been communicating with us through Dad and sent word that the new house was ready for us whenever we wanted. They must be friends or acquaintances, at least. There's no way we would have found out about the place before it hit the market otherwise.

Raven has her suspicions, not that I blame her—I still can't believe it. The rent, the location, and everything else seem too good to be true. Maybe Dad negotiated a deal for us, or the owner agreed to a friends and family discount. Either way, I'm stoked to be getting more space to myself. Space that's a lot closer to a certain tattooed biker who may or may not want to jump my bones.

I'm really hoping it's the former.

My hands freeze as I let my mind ponder the possibilities. The things he must be capable of . . . The ink I haven't yet seen . . . My skin burns at the thought.

"You okay there, Nix?" My sister's voice startles me and I find her leaning against the door of the room we've been sharing.

I shake my head while she stands there, appraising me. "Yeah," I tell her with a cracking voice, "I'm great."

Her lips quirk as if she can read my mind. "You need help with anything?"

"I'm about done."

"Okay," she nods, pushing away from the doorway. "Let me know when you're ready. I'll send Raptor up to carry your boxes to the van." She punctuates her words with a suggestive eye wiggle, laughing when I throw a pillow at her face. It's great to hear her laughter again.

Raven stopped laughing and smiling for a long time after Mom died. Hearing her now makes me think we made the right choice moving here, giving ourselves a fresh start. Part of me wonders if Jesse has something to do with her improved mood. Since she started working with him at the bar, Rae has been happier. It warms my heart to see her old self shining through again. I've missed that.

As I tape up the last of my boxes, I hear heavy footsteps approaching. I feel him before I see him. His intense stare bores into me like fire, warming me from the inside out. When our eyes meet, Raptor paralyzes me with a dazzling smile. "Raven said you could use a hand with your boxes."

I gulp, trying to ignore the feelings stirring inside me. "Yeah, thanks," I manage as my cheeks flush pink.

I watch as he picks up the first box, noting the way each muscle ripples in his arms with the weight. Why is that so sexy? Raptor's arms flex as he moves, making his tattoos dance. The breath in my chest catches, and my head starts to spin. What is this man doing to me?

"I'll come back for more in a minute," he tells me as he walks through the door.

Was it me, or did it seem like the more he was talking about wasn't just my belongings? The thought sends my head into a tailspin as images of his strong muscles flash through my mind. Oh, what those arms must be capable of . . . I bet it would hardly take any effort for him to pick me up and push me up against—

"Phoenix?" My name falls from his lips, silky and smooth, startling me into reality.

As if I couldn't do anything more embarrassing, my reaction makes me stumble over a pile of boxes, sending me crashing to the floor. Dammit. Why me?

Instantly, Raptor appears at my side, helping me sit up. "Shit, Phoenix, are you okay?" he asks, running his hands over my head and arms, searching for wounds. It feels incredible—him having his hands on me, him fussing over me. It's almost enough to make me forget my embarrassment. Almost.

I give him a shy smile, trying to hide my shame. "I'm fine, really. Just clumsy."

He gives me another once over as he helps me to my feet. "Does anything hurt?"

My pride and my bruised ego. "I'm okay. Promise."

His hands are still on me, holding me steady when three sets of thundering footsteps bound into the room. The club's president, vice president, and my sister file in, wearing various masks of concern.

"What happened?"

"We heard a crash."

"You okay, Nix?"

Oh, good. More witnesses to my humiliation.

As if things couldn't get worse, the second Dad enters the room, Raptor drops his hands and puts a noticeable distance between us. I try not to let my disappointment show as I face the three newcomers. "I'm fine, just tripped. No biggie."

A flood of relief washes over my father's face, a stark contrast to the annoyance of his VP, who shakes his head and promptly leaves the room. The only one who didn't react dramatically was Raven. She's used to my clumsy ways and surveys the room with mild amusement.

Dad turns to Raptor, who's now avoiding eye contact with me. "Finish moving these boxes. I don't want her falling over anything and getting hurt." Raptor responds with a curt nod before grabbing another box and disappearing. The room feels a lot cooler without him.

When I turn my attention back to my dad, he approaches me slowly. The look he's wearing is indecipherable. Is it pain, fear, anger? I can't tell. "Please be more careful," he says. "I don't want anything to happen to you."

His gaze lands on Raven. "Either of you."

True to her nature, Raven responds with a heavy eye roll, but she holds her tongue. "We'll be careful. I promise," I tell him with a small smile.

Accepting that, he nods, clearing his throat as he turns for the door. Worry flashes on his face, and it looks like he's about to say something else. As soon as the worry appears, he masks it and leaves the room. For a moment outside, he pauses, looking back at me and Raven. He's concerned about more than just my clumsiness; that much is certain.

His eyes find Raven's, and for a second, something passes between them. Some sort of understanding that I can't fathom. Then, he disappears. "What was that about?" I wonder aloud.

Raven's eyes widen too much to be innocent as she shrugs. "No clue." I don't buy it. She knows something. I can feel it.

"Let's get these hazards out of here before you break a leg," she teases, moving to pick up one of the boxes. There's something forced in her voice. It's not like her to keep things from me, but I know she is. She and Dad know something I don't. It's something bad enough to put fear in his eyes and silence my sister—a difficult task on its own. Whatever it is, whatever they're hiding from me, I'll figure it out one way or another.