After what Axel said about Harkin being alive, I’ve done some digging and he’s right, there’s no death certificate. I’ve tried calling Sam, but Freya said he’s gone with Dax dealing with the new nightclub they’re opening.

Since he should be back tonight, I’m going to get to the bottom of this. My mind is running a million miles a minute, so I don’t hear her soft footfalls enter the space until she’s right behind me.

“Hey, handsome,” my firebird says as she pads up to me and wraps her arms around my neck. “I was thinking…” she tapers off, and I turn to regard her fully.

“Okay?” I regard her with curiosity.

“Let’s go to New York for the weekend. I don’t have classes tomorrow, and you’re not starting your new contract till Monday.” I was waiting for this, but the commission I’ve just been given will keep me here in Chicago for at least another three months, which will take us to Thanksgiving.

“Maybe we can go for the holidays?” I suggest, and her expression falls for a moment before she ponders the idea. Placing my index finger under her chin, I tilt her head up so those gemstone eyes meet mine. “Besides, we have missed time to catch up on.”

“Christmas it is then.” She smiles, settling beside me on the sofa. “I think we should look at visiting Sam and Freya as well. Perhaps we can surprise Theia and Dax,” she continues talking, planning in her head.

“Sounds good. I think we can set up a family dinner. We’ve not had all the Wolfe kids in one home for years. Come here.” Pulling her into my lap, she settles into my arms like she’s been made to fit there.

Her body curls into me, and I swear to God, she purrs. “See that was exactly what I was thinking. A reunion of sorts. As long as you and Samael can be civil to each other,” she smiles. Her fingers trace the ink that adorns my skin, trailing soft circles and lines over the patterns. “Let’s do something now? You’re not busy.”

“Like?” I quiz her, inhaling the sweet scent of her perfume.

“Let’s go to the lake and get a small boat or something. Or… I don’t know.” A pout from her beautiful lips is enough to have me lifting her in my arms and stalking toward the bedroom.

“I know what you need, Firebird. You need to fly.” Setting her down, I gaze into those deep emerald eyes and cup her face in my hands. “Get dressed, but I want you bare underneath.” With a soft kiss, I leave her to get ready while I pull out my phone and tap out a message to a friend I know can help me with what I need. I’ve made some connections in Chicago since moving here, and what I have in mind will be perfect if he agrees.

I don’t have to wait long for the response I want. He’s working today and he’s happy to assist with my request. Shoving my phone back into my pocket, I head into the living room.

Moments later, she comes bounding into the living room dressed in a pair of jean shorts and the Phoenix tank top I made for her. With my art selling so well, I’ve branched out and created a line of clothing for her dance classes. The small firebird logo is branded on them with her company name—Risen from the Ashes.

“I’m ready!” she announces playfully, a smile wide on her beautiful face as she regards me shyly. I love her submissiveness, but I also love her fire. When she allows me to care for her, I’m happiest, but when I see her fly, it fills my heart. As if both parts of her make me whole.

“Let’s go.” I grab the keys to the Jeep, and we head out to the garage. I open the passenger door for her and she slips in without another question. The sky is clear, and I’m looking forward to seeing her reaction to what I have planned. I had to make a couple of phone calls, and luckily, my friend was working today, or this would have all gone to shit.

Once I’m inside the car, she turns to me with that inquisitive gaze, but I don’t glance at her. Instead, I start the engine and pull out onto the road. It’s almost midday, and the streets are busy with lunchtime traffic. Instead of heading into the town center, I turn toward the Observation Deck. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the city because of the views. A small smile plays on my lips and the anticipation has my heart rate skyrocketing.

“Are you going to ignore me the whole time?” she quips and her full lips look good enough to eat with that shimmery lip gloss she loves to wear. When I finally cut a quick peek at her, I chuckle. Her bottom lip is pushed out into the sexiest little pout I’ve ever seen.

“Not all the time, Phoenix. Soon you’ll be begging me to ignore you.” With a wink, I turn into the parking lot and turn off the engine.

“We’re sightseeing?” She peers out the window up at the skyscraper. I ignore her once again, and I know she’s going to be fuming, which is exactly how I want her. We head through the entrance and out toward the elevator that will take us up to the deck. As we step into the empty car, I grip her hips and tug her against me, her back to my front. Her body immediately nestles where I need her, at my crotch. Her delectable ass wiggles, and I know she’s doing it to taunt me. If only she knew what I have in store for her.

“This is a surprise, sweetheart, so I need you to stop pushing your sexy little ass against my cock or you’ll get fucked before we reach our destination,” I murmur in her ear, reveling in the shudder that runs through her. She doesn’t have time to respond because we reach the deck, and Miles steps up to greet me. I shake his hand and offer a smile. “Good to see you, man.”

“Glad I could help,” he responds, ushering us into the space I’ve booked. It’s not large, so I’ve asked him to keep it empty until we arrive, so I can get the spot I want. He exits with a grin and a shake of his head. I haven’t told him what I have planned, but with my girl right up against me, I’m sure he can figure it out.

Once we’re alone, I walk her over to the window overlooking the city. With this view, you can see for miles, and I know it will be one experience she’ll never forget.

“This is gorgeous, Kael, but I don’t understand.” She pivots in my arms and peers up at me. Her long red hair flowing behind her like a river of fire.

“Turn and look out the window. What do you see?” Her gaze rakes over the view and she’s silent for a while. Not long after we’ve gotten into position, the elevator opens and a few tourists enter behind us. We’re in the corner, looking out at Lake Michigan, and I know she’s concentrating on the buildings in the distance and the water that glistens under the sunlight.

Even though she’s silent, I can feel the tension and anticipation radiating off her. That’s when I know it’s time. “Tell me, Phoenix?” I whisper in her ear, eliciting another shiver through her small frame.

“Well, just the—” Her words are halted when I tease my way down her belly. My fingertips skirting over the material of her top. When I reach my destination, her body stills and her breathing quickens. Her chest rising and falling. My two digits find their way between her legs, and I stroke her slick heat. “Kael.” My name falls in a hiss from her lips. The people beside us don’t notice her trembling hand as she grips the barrier, her knuckles turning white.

I’m aware of the people now filing into the area from the elevators. The small group of tourists is too interested in the view to bother with the two of us. And that is exactly why I chose this place to tease my little bird.

“Yes, baby? I thought you wanted to soar.” I whisper my lips over the shell of her ear then, grazing the lobe with my teeth, biting gently while I tease her clit. “You’ll be quiet, won’t you? I mean, you don’t want everyone to know you’re about to come all over my fingers. Do you?” The question sends her spiraling, and I immediately dip two fingers into her pussy, relishing the tightness around my fingers.

“Kael, I… I…” Her words are a whisper. The pulse of her body is the only evidence she’s about to unravel in public with my fingers inside her.

“That’s my Firebird. Soar for me, baby. Fly and explode,” I coax, cooing in her ear, and she does. Obeying me, she finds her release and soaks my hand with the sticky sweetness I’m about to savor from each digit. I wait a while until her body is still before I pull my fingers away from her heat.

Her scent is sweet—intoxicating—and I bring my fingers to her lips.

“Taste it, baby.” Her tongue flicks out, licking her arousal, and I turn her around, not caring that there are people around us and crash my mouth on hers. Our lips mold together as our teeth clash and tongues fight for more, for dominance, but I win. I always do because she submits, allowing me to devour her.

I own her. Her body. Her heart. Her soul. Our kiss deepens, and I want to climb inside her. I want to be the only thing she thinks about, morning, noon, and night. I want her to ache when I’m not around, like I do when she’s at work.

Before I get carried away, I break the kiss and take in her swollen lips. She’s beautiful. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are shining with desire, with the need to have me fill her up. “I’m taking you home now,” I vow. Because the only thing I can think about is fucking her until she can’t move.