Flame of the Phoenix: Hades' Carnival, Book 6 by N.J. Walters Page B

bedroom and padded to the other room. Her parents’ room. She placed one hand on the wall. She could almost feel the vibrations of her father’s anger. See her mother cowering in fear.
    Tilly leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. She raised her hands in front of her and concentrated. It took a bit of effort, but tiny flames ignited at her fingertips. Maybe she couldn’t burst into flames like Phoenix could, but he was a part of her, as she was a part of him.
    His possessiveness wasn’t to be feared. Tilly dropped the walls that surround her heart and barricaded her soul. Behind them, she found something she’d never thought she’d find—love.
    The past was just that—past. She was no longer a child. The only thing holding her back was a memory. Was she brave enough to take a chance on love, on her and Phoenix? Because she did love him. There was no point in lying to herself.
    Phoenix meant more to her than any man ever had. He’d become an important part of her life so gradually. He hadn’t forced his way in. He’d simply made a place for himself in her existing world.
    “You’re an idiot,” she told herself. Phoenix was ready to walk away from her because he thought that was what she wanted. She’d come to know him well. He was an immortal warrior. He didn’t play games and said exactly what he meant.
    Tilly pushed away from the wall and strode toward the bathroom. She didn’t bother to knock before she shoved the door open. Phoenix stood in the tiny shower, his back facing her. She knew he was aware of her. The tattoo on his back moved when he tensed.
    Slowly, he turned to look at her. There was no expression on his face.
    She knew she’d hurt him, but she would make that up to him. “I love you.” She blurted out the words she’d never said to any man.
    He slicked the water out of his face. “What did you say?” His voice was incredibly deep, the way it got when he was aroused. She glanced down at his cock. Yup, he was definitely aroused.
    “I said I love you.” She walked toward him, ignoring the water dripping on her and the floor. “I’ve never said that to another man.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I know I have issues with commitment, but I want to be with you.”
    “For how long?” He wasn’t making this easy on her.
    “For as long as we both want.”
    “I want forever.” He reached out, wrapped his muscular arm around her and dragged her into the tiny space. He pressed her back against the wall and loomed over her.
    He really was huge, but his large size always made her feel protected, not threatened. And that really said it all. She trusted Phoenix. And she loved him.
    She twined her arms around his neck. “I’d like forever too.” She couldn’t imagine a time she wouldn’t want him.
    A huge smile crossed his face. He lifted her and slid his cock into her slick pussy. Because of her arousal and the water, he fit easily. She gasped and gripped his shoulders. “I think it will take me forever to be sated,” he told her.
    Tilly smiled and deliberately clenched her pussy muscles around his shaft. He groaned and began to work his hips, pressing in and out. “I’m willing to try if you are,” she told him before she totally lost the ability to speak.
    A long time later, they were curled up in bed once again. She was half lying on Phoenix. She knew the space was cramped, but he hadn’t complained once. “I think I’m going to sell this place.”
    He tilted his head so he could see her face. “Are you sure?”
    She ran her fingers over his hard jaw. “Yes. It’s time. The past is over and done with. I’m looking forward to the future.”
    “That’s good.” One corner of his mouth kicked up. “And does this future include a bigger bed?”
    Tilly began to laugh. “It does. Let’s get dressed and drive back to the city.” She walked her fingers playfully over his chest. “I bet we can find a bed or two there.”
    He bolted from the bed with her