Page 12 of He Will Come for Me

When we were in school, I always felt guilty because I knew he was supposed to be my enemy. I could never find anything to hate him for, though. Unlike my father, there had to be a reason I hated someone. With a sigh, I slam my book shut. Leaving the swing, I walk over to the window seat and gaze out at the lake.

My father hated the Stones because they were “new money” and just getting into the business. They didn’t respect him and his territory. So, I tried my best to stay away from Phoenix when I was in school. But I was always watching him. He was different from what I was used to. He was like a problem I needed to solve.

He tried to be who his father wanted him to be, but he also tried to be his own man. I’m sure his father expected him to take over the family business, but I remember him being vocal about never following in his father’s footsteps. Considering I’m now his prisoner, I don’t think it turned out that way.

“McKenzie?” I jump and turn around, coming face to face with the very person I can’t stop thinking about.

“Phoenix,” I reply. I have to get out of this house. “Can I go outside?” I ask him before he can say whatever he was going to say. He stares at me for a moment, then nods.

“Yes, but lunch is ready. Let’s eat and then we’ll go outside.” I don’t miss how he invited himself, but for now, I ignore it. Nodding once, I follow him out of the library and into the kitchen. I don’t want to go outside with him, but beggars can’t be choosers, and all that. When we get to the kitchen, Phillip makes our Pho and hands us chopsticks.

“Testing my fine motor skills?” I ask. Phillip winks at me before turning away. Phoenix has the audacity to snort. How very unlike him.

Phillip hands me a fork and a big spoon. “Just in case.”

I smile at him before sitting next to Phoenix. My hand isn’t shaking at all anymore, so I should be able to do this. I inhale and put the chopsticks between my fingers. I’m able to grab some noodles and meat and bring it to my mouth without dropping anything. It brings a relief I didn’t know I needed.

Closing my eyes, I savor the taste. “This is so good, Phillip.” I know I shouldn’t eat fast, but it’s difficult. Even with chopsticks. I’m tempted to bring the bowl to my lips and slurp it up. But I am a lady and that’s not how a lady eats.

Sucking in a breath, I force myself to slow down. This is the first time I’ve been able to have a real meal, and it’s probably the best meal in my life.

“I made a few egg rolls, too.” Phillip brings over two egg rolls. He hands one to Phoenix and the other to me. “Only one for now, since you’re just getting used to eating bigger meals.” I stare at them. I know I’m drooling, but I can’t help it. Taking a bite of the egg roll, I sigh.

“My goodness, Phillip. This is the best meal I’ve ever had.” He smiles brightly before returning to cleaning up. Glancing at Phoenix, I realize he’s watching me with an amused smile on his face. “Wow. I didn’t realize you knew how to smile.” The smile disappears quickly and I roll my eyes. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Just because I don’t like what you say doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say it.” I pause with my chopsticks in front of my face. Arching an eyebrow, I place the food in my mouth and chew thoughtfully.

“My father would disagree.”

“Your father is an asshole.”

Turning my head to look at him, I watch his profile as he eats. “I know you don’t like my father.”

He scoffs. “That’s putting it lightly.” I think back on anything my father could have done to him. He’s a hard man, but he’s my father. I shrug and sigh.

“I have mixed feelings about him. I love him, but there have been times I’ve hated him. So I understand why you feel the way you do.”

He shakes his head and pushes his bowl away. “Thanks, Phillip, that was delicious.” With that, he turns on his heel and makes his exit.

“You said I could go outside,” I call after him.

“I’ll send Rex to escort you.”

I scowl at his retreating back before turning to face Phillip. “I hate when he does that.” Phillip offers a sympathetic smile. “Who’s Rex?”

“I’m Phoenix’s head of security.” I nearly jump out of my seat at the booming voice behind me. Turning, I frown as I study him. He looks like a bulldog. Well, maybe not exactly like a bulldog.

“I’m not a babysitter,” he states.

Turning back toward my bowl, I lift one shoulder. “I’m not the one that requested you. So, you need to take that up with your boss. I’m perfectly capable of walking the grounds by myself.”

“No,” he says in a booming voice, and I jump again.

“Do you have to talk so loud? I’m right here.”

Phillips laughs. Rex growls. I huff and turn back to my bowl of soup and finish it. Sitting back after I’m finished, I sigh and wonder briefly how this trip outside is going to turn out.

“Thank you, Phillip. If there are leftovers, can I have that for dinner?” Phillip smiles at my compliment and nods.

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