Page 123 of Phantom
Ben scowls. “I’m looking into it. No doubt traffickers like the Chatelains, but we’ll keep our shadows on the lookout and our own wits about us.”
“Yes, we will.” My eyes flicker to Scarlett, then to the bench where our mother and Ben’s whole world sits. “We have to. For their sakes.”
Ben gives me a nod before clearing his throat and facing Scarlett directly. “I owe you an apology. I’m protective of my brother, as you can understand. But I should’ve known from the way you two lit up the stage last week that you were for him. I’m sorry for doubting your intentions.”
An understanding smile lifts Scarlett’s lips. “You’re forgiven.”
“Thank you. And be good to him. I think you’re the only one who can bring the Phantom out into the light.” He returns her grin before joining the others.
I follow him and kiss my mother goodbye. When I’m finished, I meet Scarlett’s moonlight eyes and see the wheels in her head still turning from Ben’s comment.
“Ready to go?”
She nods before stating her off-topic reply as if she’s asking a question. “We should go on a vacation after I graduate.”
I jolt back with a chuckle as I lead her toward the gate. “Yeah? What sparked that idea?”
She shrugs. “Your brother says I need to bring the Phantom out into the light. What better way than to travel the world and capture yourownpictures to hang in your apartment?”
My lips quirk up. “I like the sound of that.”
Prosthetics these days can be impressively discreet. I only refused to get them because of my stubborn vendetta. But now that the Chatelains are gone, so is the source of all my shame. I’ve avenged my family and my injuries. New Orleans is ours, and the world is at our feet, why not enjoy it for once?
When we’re about to leave the cemetery through the hidden gate, she suddenly stops and stands in front of me. Sincerity sparkles in her eyes as she reaches up to cup the bare side of my face.
“You’re a good man, Sol.”
Pride puffs my chest but I try to play it off with a smirk before a faux-serious scowl takes over that side.
“But I’m yourdémon de la musique. The feared Phantom of the French Quarter. You should be afraid of me,ma jolie petite muse.”
A brilliant smile flashes across her face. “And you’re my Sol. I could never be afraid of the darkness that loves my own.”
Her declaration lodges emotion in my throat, and I have to swallow past it before I kiss her on the forehead. My promise comes out in a rough whisper.
“I am yours,ma belle muse.”
“And I’m yours, my Sol.”
Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
Scarlett
The view from box five is completely different from the theater stage. I have to admit, I love this one a lot more, despite the fact my very own demon of music keeps distracting me, not even letting me enjoy the show. Or maybe I love it so muchbecauseof the way he’s distracting me.
I’m sitting just inside the shadows of the box watching the Bordeaux Conservatory performRoméo et Juliette, with my thighs spread wide and my legs draped over my brand-new fiancé’s shoulders. He doesn’t bother with the mask or the navy prosthetic when it’s just the two of us and I love looking at his face while he drives me wild. The dim lights flicker over his scars and the clear acrylic eye, making them shine iridescent, like the diamond he just slipped on my finger without asking.
“You’re mine, ma jolie petite muse. My mark etched into your skin promises me forever, but this ring will tell the world.”
“I’m yours,”I’d replied, right before he lifted the skirt of my black satin dress and swirled his tongue through the arousal already flooding my core. Not wearing panties was absolutely the right decision. All the sneaky touches he’d given me throughout the show so far had built up my desire, and I was more than willing and ready.
The diamond skull glitters on my ring finger as I clutch the armrests and sink lower into the velvet cushion. I’m chasing that peak, trying not to make any sudden movements or show my pleasure. If Sol figures out I’m coming this way, he’ll stop. He swore earlier that my first orgasm of the night will be on his cock, not his tongue, but if I have my way…
The orchestra strikes up and I allow myself a little moan that can’t be heard over the melody, but my demon leaves my center and stands immediately, making me groan in frustration.
He picks me up and sets me on his thighs so I’m facing the stage before he unzips himself. His hard length brushes against my ass as it pops out from its confines. I lift myself up on the armrest and slide my soaked entrance over his cock until he grabs my upper thighs and pushes all the way into me in one swift stroke.
