Page 24 of Phoenix's Redemption

He brushed a strand of hair from my face. "Not really. These past weeks have shown me a lot, Soph. I don't have to prove myself. I can stay focused on what matters." His green eyes held mine, conveying a truth that reached right into my chest.

"On who matters," he added softly before leaning in to kiss me.

The world narrowed down to the brush of his lips against mine. There was more to Liam than at first glance. He was made up of layers shaped by past regrets and a determination to rise above them. He wasn't just the fighter in the ring. He was a man fighting for a better future. And part of loving him was understanding that drive.

I let him kiss me, the taste of him sweet and addictive. Then I pulled back. There was a flash of surprise in his eyes.

"I know you, Liam.” I steadied my voice to match the conviction inside of me. "MMA is part of you. You'rerepresenting Fury Combat in a tournament. So go there and win."

His jaw clenched slightly, the familiar determination flaring up. He didn't move away. "I don't want to go without my trainer."

A smile found its way onto my lips, knowing what this meant, what he was really saying. "Let me get cleaned up, and I'll meet you there."

"Deal."

"Go on," I urged, nudging him toward the door. “I’ll catch up."

I expected Liam to head for the door. Instead, he lingered, holding my hand.

"I'm sorry," he spoke, regret lacing his voice. "I could've been more open about my past."

I leaned into him, feeling the solid strength of his chest against my cheek. "I'm sorry, too. I hid how I felt about you because I was chasing after a criminal. Then I ran out on you yesterday."

"It's all in the past. Let's leave it behind and see what's ahead."

We kissed again. The kiss spoke of new beginnings. As much as I wanted to live in this moment, I knew there was something else he needed to face. Without me as a distraction.

I gave him a playful push. "Your tournament is what’s ahead. Get out of here so you won't be late."

"Yes, ma'am.” A half-smile played on his lips as he backed away. With a last affectionate glance, Liam strode outside.

I turned to the wreckage of my potted plant. The soil was scattered, leaves bent and broken, but the roots were still intact. With careful hands, I began to restore order.

Once done, I stood back, dusting off my hands before retrieving my phone. A couple rings, and Grace’s voice filtered through. “Hello.”

"Hey, sis, are you with Dad?”

“We just got back from his checkup. The doctor cleared him to exercise and travel. We want to come see you.”

My heart swelled with happiness and love for my father and his gentle strength. “That’s the best news. Can you put me on speaker so Dad can hear?”

"Okay, you're on," she replied, her tone shifting to one of concern. “What’s going on, Sophie?”

I congratulated my dad on his health progress first before sharing my news. "Daddy, Grace, it's over. Jack Thornton is in custody again. He'll be behind bars for many, many years."

There was a pause before my sister spoke. "Sophie, what all happened in Sunridge? Are you okay?”

"I'm safe. Everything is okay. I'll tell you more when you and dad visit.”

"Love you, kiddo," Dad's voice crackled through the speakerphone.

I pressed the phone tighter against my ear. Tears welled up. "I love you too, Daddy." My voice trembled, betraying the emotions I was trying to navigate.

Grace chimed in then, her voice soft. "You've done so much for all of us. Go and enjoy yourself. You deserve to be happy, too."

I smiled through the tears, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I'm going to listen to my little sister for once. Today I have a tournament to watch and I'm already late."

Ending the call, I pocketed the phone and let out a long breath. The morning air felt fresh against my skin. The sun's rays were gentle and reassuring. I'd been living in the shadowof vengeance and protection for so long, but now, it was time to step into the light.

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