“What?”
“Like one demon comes in and swaps out another and hopes that no one notices but everyone totally fucking does right from the start. Is that a thing for you guys?”
“What?”
Maybe this is the real Phoenix prancing around and saying things likecomplaisantandlet’s listen to Malek…
“I’m confused. Why are we stressing out about being complaisant to Malek?”
The bell chimes, ringing around the long corridor for several seconds as door after door closes.
And then I’m alone with Pod Phoenix.
“I don’t know what your plans are but I know Izzy isn’t going to put up with four bickering men for the next five years.” He stares me up and down for a second and I stare back dumbfounded until it clicks like a flip of a switch and then it’s all crystal clear.
Phoenix is making a fucking effort. For Izzy.
Holy demonic shit.
“So you’re trying to force a friendship with a guy you made sure hated you for a year straight?”
He nods.
Shit, this is not going to be as simple as his friendship fantasies are making it out to be.
“I’ll do whatever Malek asks. That’s not a big deal.” I shrug. “I like the guy, so it’s not really me you’re going to have to worry about. You know there’s someone else you’re going to really need a pep talk with, right?”
A small smile pulls at the corner of his lips and he nods, his arms folding across his chest like he’s already making a game plan.
“Saint will make an effort. If anything, he’s fantastic at faking kindness so it can’t be that hard for him,” he says.
We start walking down the quiet hall but I can tell there’s something else he has on the ‘Let’s Ambush Syko Agenda.’
“Parent’s day is Monday.”
Ah. There it is.
“I don’t have much family so it’s not something I mark my calendar for.” My teeth sink into my lower lip and I study the blank white walls as we walk.
Phoenix doesn’t pry into that statement and I’m more than happy he doesn’t.
“Same here. But unfortunately Saint does.”
Shit.
My gaze flicks to him but his forest green eyes never glance my way.
“I think I’ll just—” Disappear. Sink into the sand and never come up for air again. Avoid Saint’s dad like a Twilight movie marathon…
“No, you fucking won’t. Parent’s day means Saint’s family as well as Izzy’s will be here. And I know Saint wants her to meet Sister Tilly but his dad will never let her come alone. I do not want their families mingling. Tension might be high. If Tyrine Von Hunter fucking hurts Izzy’s dad I’ll kill him.” His jaw clamps closed hard and I get the feeling Phoenix would love an excuse to kill Saint’s dad.
He slams open the double doors and strides out into the morning sunlight. It casts across his pale skin, glimmering his fiery hair and his strong jawline and for a single second, I see what Saint sees in him.
Phoenix is this unmoveable, relentless force. Strong and determined.
Protective.
The type of demon who would force his way into heaven or destroy the foundations of hell if you asked him to.
