Phoenix Fallen Read Online Free PDF Page B

from this slow, downward spiral to an out-of-control slide.
    He gripped the edge of the cabinet, looking down at the familiar strength of his own big hands and feeling so absurdly weak it made him sick.
    He hated this feeling, he hated this life that wasn't a life at all. More than ever, he wished he'd obeyed that demented voice back in Louisiana, the one that still called to him every night from his dreams.
    That merry laugh that had followed him as he ran through the swamp, dancing through the ringing screams of his family dying.
    "We're all having such a good, ol' time here. Don't ya wanna come in out of the dark, boy? Come on!
    "Olly olly oxen free!"

Chapter 4
     
     
    Sunday night Rissa felt Jules enter the club before she saw him. His presence tickled like a warm breath behind her ear. She turned and there he was. The suit was gray tonight. The tie the same red as her hair. She smiled. Rissa was sure he had no idea he kept matching his attire to her colors, but however unconsciously, it pleased her. Her damn vanity was showing again.
    He may act all hands-off, but Jules wasn't entirely immune to her charms. She looked at him, remembering that kiss in the woods with a shiver.
    Rissa worked through the set, having fun with the crowd. Anticipating Jules' arrival she'd had Benny put two Lady Day songs on their playlist for the night and her encore was a rendition of Don't Explain that had him smiling at her in grudging admiration when she took her bows to heavy applause.
    On her way to Jules' table to say hello, a man cut her off. Tall and blond, he guided her to the bar while she shot Jules an apologetic look over one shoulder.
    The man's name was George Lunden. He made a point of telling her so, about ten times. He was an A&R rep and he loved her sound. She was amazing.
    Georgie was effusive and annoying as hell, throwing around talk of studio time and a sweet record deal. Rissa bounced from one heel to the other, finally flashing a bit of fang at him in an attempt to shut him up and make her retreat.
    It didn't work, he only paused for breath and continued with an even bigger smile. Then Jules tapped him on the shoulder.
    "I don't think the lady is interested, mister."
    "Well, listen here—" Georgie turned and almost swallowed his tongue. His head craned way, way back as Jules slowly folded his arms over his formidable chest. Rissa heard Georgie's gulp and suppressed a giggle.
    Jules nodded at the door encouragingly and off the man went without another word. Rissa laughed as she signaled Len for her usual whisky.
    "Does that always work?"
    "Always." Jules unfolded his arms and leaned against the bar, the menace slipping from him like a discarded glove.
    "Oh, come on. Somebody has surely had the balls to stand up to you once or twice."
    He waved a hand as he slid onto the bar stool next to her. "It's been so long, I forget."
    "Ha. You're full of it, Jules Gentry."
    "Not as full of it as he was. But if you prefer his company to mine…"
    "Don't you dare!" Rissa put a hand on his shoulder as he pretended to get up, the play of heavy muscles under soft wool making her inhale softly.
    For a second she wished the fabric between them away, imagining the heat of his skin against hers, the way his body would look if she stripped him down. All dark, chiseled perfection.
    Her fingers tightened on him and in a haze she lifted her chin to see Jules watching her.
    His rich brown eyes, which had been dancing, had gone still. She took a breath and turned away, reaching for her drink. Cursing the desire licking its way between her thighs, hot and slow. What the hell was wrong with her? He must think she was no better than a damn cat in heat.
    Jules settled back in his seat and reached for his drink. She didn't notice the faint tremor in his hand.
     
    “He was right, by the way. But then, you sound amazing every night.”
    Rissa gave him a bemused smile, trying to clear her head. “Was that a compliment, Mr. Gentry?”
    He tossed back