Page 70 of The Woman

Leaning forward, I watch the scenery as we make our way up some sort of mountain. After a bit of winding, we come to a stop, and my eyes widen at the view I can see.

I almost don’t wait for Phoenix to open my door, and then I quickly push my way out when he does. Thankfully, apart from a few cars parked here, the area seems to be free of other people, though I’m surprised there aren’t hundreds of others taking in the same thing I am.

The sun hasn’t set yet, so the sky is painted in several different colors of orange, pink, purple, and blue as it slowly reaches the horizon. Many of the buildings have their lights on already, causing it to look like a sea of twinkle lights.

“This is beautiful,” I murmur, staring out at the view with wonder.

I can see the whole world from up here.

“Come on.” Phoenix places an arm around my waist and guides me to walk up a pathway to an even higher view.

We pass by a few young men on the trail, each of their gazes lingering on me until we’re out of view, and then come to a stop at an empty area.

“This place is called Twin Peaks. I haven’t been here in a few years, but I used to come up here often.” Phoenix sits on the ground and pulls me to sit between his legs. “You once asked if I liked what I do. I always knew that I’d be working for my family, but it wasn’t until one time I was up here, looking out at the city, taking in the different styles and designs of the buildings, that I truly wanted to do it. I wanted to create something that people would marvel at. Something that would stand out.”

I snuggle into his embrace, my eyes dancing from building to building, trying to see them through his eyes.

“I peeked at what you were working on the last day I was at your office. I think whatever it is will be amazing.”

It was nothing like the one I saw in his home office. That one was still good, but it looked quite square and plain compared to the one I saw at his workplace.

I feel his chest rise and fall against my back with a heavy sigh.

“What are we going to do with you?” he quietly questions after a moment.

It doesn’t sound like he’s actually asking me, so I don’t answer. Besides, I have no idea what to say.

This is the best type of life I could ever hope for. I was picked by a man who I enjoy being around more than anything. A man who makes me experience an array of feelings when I’m close to him and even when I’m not. A man who makes my heart beat faster at the mere sight of him. I don’t need to act when I’m around him except for when we’re in public. And he’s determined to keep my secret safe, keep me safe.

It really is the best-case scenario.

But of course, there is still a part of me that wants more. It’s a part that wonders what it’d be like to walk around on my own, or work somewhere like Phoenix.

What would it be like to have a real conversation with other men, or even casually with other WOUNs, not whispering behind closed doors?

What would it be like to have options in life?

But, that isn’t the life I was born into.

Sighing, I pluck a blade of grass from the ground and twist it in my fingers, then tilt my head to look up at him, noting the serene look on his face. He doesn’t seem stressed or concerned about how this is going to work. Perhaps his question had a different meaning.

Whatever the case, even if I had options, I’d still choose him.

“Do you feel like acting some more tonight?” he asks, still looking out at the city.

“Why?”

Those gray eyes with a mixture of dark and light turn to me, running over my face.

“We can watch the sunset and then head back into the city. I’ll take you to a bar where we can sit in privacy.”

My brows rise, lips curving into a smile. “Wow, you actually told me where we’d be going?”

“I can be generous sometimes.”

A soft chuckle leaves my lips, and I push against him playfully. “Well, you know I had planned on acting my whole life. What’s a few hours?”

His eyes snag onto my lips, looking at them with an intensity I’ve come to know from him. Dipping down, he goes to kiss me, but the sound of footsteps on the path nearby has my face turning blank and my smile empty. He pauses the second he sees the change.

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