Touched by a Phoenix (5 page)

His voice was so calm and subdued. He didn’t try to defend his actions or give her some elaborate story. He simply answered her question. His hands and gaze were both steady. She watched his eyes—they were so passionate and intense, telling her more than his words ever could. Nothing in his actions, past or present, led her to believe he would do anything less than give the project everything he was.

If she had learned nothing else over the past few months, challenge him and you would get more than you bargained for. He was a perfectionist and if you told him it couldn’t be done, he would be the one person to prove you wrong. She enjoyed learning that about him. It had been fun to bait him and watch him bite. A soft smiled crossed her lips. She knew he would keep his promise.

She nodded, “I will approve the contracts and send them to Robert this evening.”

His heart skipped a beat, much like a schoolboy gaining the teacher’s approval. He wasn’t sure why her approval was important, but it was. He wanted her respect, even more than he wanted her father’s respect. Perhaps because she would take over for her father in a year and become his boss. Although if he truly thought about it, technically she was already his boss. He scanned her face. No, being his boss had nothing to do with it. Alexandria was exquisite. She messed with his senses the day they collided and nothing had changed since. It was difficult to think when she was around.

Her eyes haunted him. They were so clear, showed every emotion. She did not hide behind a mask like most women. However, just below the surface she kept a secret, a secret that prevented her from allowing anyone to get close.

Brad had always appreciated his ability to read people but never more so than when he met Alexandria. She had beheaded him a few times the first month or so, before he learned how to read her. However, once he had learned, he found that if you kept a watchful eye and remained vigilant, you always knew exactly where you stood with Alexandria. Still, she did an exceptional job at hiding behind veiled lashes.

He had seen her eyes soften with love when she spoke with her father and blaze with hot embers when she was angry. He was positive they would blaze with fire underneath his expert hands, becoming so intense when filled with passion that she might consume her lover. He immediately shook his head. She had perfected the look of exasperation—
mostly with him
, he thought. Nevertheless, and most of all, he enjoyed watching her eyes dance with delight whenever she challenged him.

He came to crave her challenges. She had a magnificent way of listening with genuine interest. She listened intently, all the way to her eyes and asked all the right questions, letting him answer them himself. She seemed to know exactly how to make a condition just hard enough to push him to be his very best. He had accomplished more in the last four months than he had in the last eight years.

He cocked his head. He was sure she had no idea how devastatingly and dangerously enchanting she was. A man could drown in those eyes.

“I am curious. How were you able to convince Phillip to purchase a company that works with biotechnology and microchips?”

“Alexandria, we didn’t just buy technology. We bought three of the most intelligent people in the world of technology. The business is a bonus.”

“Are you admitting there are three people on this planet more gifted than you?”

“No, I’m the only one smart enough to buy them and take AAS into the next century.”

“And exactly how do you plan to do that?”

“By making significant changes to the drone.”

“Brad, this is my father’s company you are playing with. How can I be sure you won’t destroy all he has worked for?”

“Alexandria, I have a major investment in AAS, as well. It is in my best interest to ensure the project’s success.”

“What investment?”

“That’s between your father and me.”

“Brad, I’m telling you, if you hurt him, I will cut your balls off.”

The coldness in her eyes told him she was dead serious. Protecting her father and his company was her primary mission in life. Instinctively he squeezed his legs together as a chill ran down his spine. He could imagine the kind of pain she would inflict, cutting his balls off with a dull and perhaps very hot knife.

Her candor shocked him. Typically, he had a magnetic way with people, which afforded him great powers of persuasion, and the ability to manipulate almost any situation to his advantage. This woman was the one exception. When she was in her professional demeanor, she was cold and calculating. Anyone who tried to pull the wool over Alexandria’s eyes would be in for a very rude awaking but on the rare occasion when Alexandria stepped out of her lawyering mentality, she was warm and pleasant. She loved and doted on Phillip. It was obvious that she would do anything for her father.

“Alexandria, I have no intentions of hurting you, your father, or AAS. After all, AAS is my future too.”

She was far too inquisitive and this line of questioning made him uncomfortable. Wanting to change the subject, Brad raised a hand to gain the attention of the waiter.

“May we have the check, please?”

“What, no dessert?” She eyed him suspiciously.

“Oh sorry, I had hoped to get away from the steak knife lying on your plate,” he tried to sound convincing.

She laughed. “So how was your steak?” she asked.

“Delicious, and yours?” he questioned as he handed the waiter his credit card.

“Perfect.”

Chapter Two

T
he smooth glassy
surface of the ocean was peaceful.

Alexandria strolled further than he had originally planned, but it was a nice evening and she was lovely to look at, so he let her walk. They strolled along the boardwalk in quiet contentedness until she found the perfect little spot to lean on the rail. She had guided them to Embarcadero Marina Park and was deep in thought as she peered out over the bay towards Coronado Island.

Brad studied Alexandria hoping to make some sense out of the elusive creature who refused to fall under his spell. This trip would be his last opportunity to win her over so he decided to put his boyish charm to the test.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

“My parents took me to the island the summer before they passed away,” she mused softly.

He stood confused, not exactly sure what to say for a moment. “Alexandria, I don’t understand. I’ve met your parents.”

Without stirring, she simply explained, “My parents died in an automobile accident. Phillip and Catherine have raised me since I was nine.”

The sadness in her voice nearly broke his heart. “Alexandria, I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea.”

“There’s no way you could have known. Phillip and my dad were best friends, since childhood. Phillip and Catherine have been a part of my life since I was born. When the accident occurred, it was the only natural course of action,” she finished quietly.

“Alexandria, I…,” his words trailed off. He didn’t know what to say. Was that why she was so standoffish? Why she simply kept everyone at arm’s length?

“It was a long time ago.” She took a deep breath before continuing, “Let’s not spoil the walk back with sadness.”

In a single moment, everything changed. She opened up just a little and allowed him in. She gave him a glimpse of who she was beneath her controlled exterior. Something deep within him wanted to comfort her.

The wind gently blew her hair across her face. He tentatively reached up to tuck a wayward strand behind her ear, the heel of his hand brushing her cheek. He heard a sharp in-take of breath as he gazed into the most beautiful golden eyes he had ever seen. A deep yearning to kiss her overwhelmed him.

“We’d better take cover,” he observed as cold droplets of rain began to fall, hitting his face. He glanced toward the heavens where dark clouds hung low and heavy with moisture. “I don’t think we’re going to make it back to the hotel.”

It was too late. The heavens opened and the rain was unleashed. Brad took Alexandria’s hand; she pulled against his powerful hold to remove her heels. They ran hand-in-hand like children as they made their way towards the closest shelter, laughter filling the air. They were drenched by the time they reached the gazebo.

Alexandria turned to watch the rain and to calm her ragged breathing. She told herself that running caused her erratic heartbeat but she knew better. Brad’s hand had done more than lead her to the shelter. It stirred something—something deep within her soul.

He stood behind her, drinking in the sight of her rain-soaked skin. Her beauty astounded him; the wetness of her skin glistened under the soft light in the gazebo. Her dress clung to every luscious curve. Curves he had tried desperately to block from his thoughts for months. Even with her back to him, he could imagine the water running in tiny rivulets between her breasts.

He stepped closer. “You’re cold; here let me keep you warm until the rain stops.”

She jumped at his touch, then stood frozen, yet did not pull away. The simple truth—she didn’t want to break free. She struggled to breathe as his arms pulled her against his chest. His warm body pressed against her back. She was finally safe.

Brad stood perfectly still. He sensed she was afraid and although he didn’t understand why, he thought better of any movement that might startle her. He assumed she had been married before because of the different last names, but now he wasn’t sure what to think.

Desire to comfort her overwhelmed him. He dipped his head and whispered against her ear, “Easy, I’m not going to hurt you.” He loosened his grip just a little, reassuring her. Her body quivered at his warm breath against her ear. With every soft breath, he felt her relax just a little.

Oh Lord, his touch was so warm and comforting. She felt safe with his arms wrapped around her. He was driving her dark past away to a place that she no longer recognized, making her think that a future was possible. Her pulse quickened at his touch. His lips had barely brushed her neck just below her ear when he whispered to her, sending intoxicating waves crashing through her body. Goosebumps rose on her arms.

He wasn’t sure how long they stood under the gazebo, but he realized holding her like this was soothing to his soul. She began to shiver. “Alexandria, are you cold?” he asked as he turned her to face him.

“I’m fine.” She backed away quickly, all too quickly.

“Nonsense,” he nearly strangled on the rest of his words, seeing that sheer panic had engulfed her delicate features. Her eyes changed to a dark brown, reminding him of a scared little fawn. He racked his brain—he hadn’t done anything that would have caused that kind of fear. What was wrong with her?

“Alexandria, talk to me.” He reached for her but she drew away so quickly that it startled him. Something was definitely wrong. He couldn’t have offended her. He hadn’t done anything….

“The rain is letting up.” She turned and walked away. His words had broken the magical spell. Her stomach turned, shock and shame setting in. She had reacted to his touch in ways she didn’t understand.

A heavy silence hung in the air, like the haze of smoke after a battle as they walked through the mist.

As the elevator reached Brad’s floor, Alexis spoke up, “Thank you for a lovely evening.”

“You’re welcome, Alexandria,” Brad responded tenderly.

Alexis peeled her wet clothes off and stepped into the hot shower. The water mixed with tears as they streamed down her face. The memories of the dreadful night caused convulsions to rack her body. She began to scrub furiously at her skin until it burned. Her mind screamed—
noooo!
It was starting all over again; she felt his hands on her body, felt him slam into her. She heard her own cries, begging him to stop. She had no idea how long she had been in the shower, but her skin felt as though someone had poured gasoline on it. She had been trying to wash away the shame for ten years; the results were always the same. Numbness consumed her as she collapsed on the bed. Sleep would not come easily tonight, if at all, and if it did, the nightmares would begin again.

She woke drenched in sweat; her sweet dream had turned into a nightmare. Love turned to hatred; she was alone. She climbed out of bed and changed into dry PJs. The clock showed 3:48 AM. The open wounds equated to the depths of hell unleashing the demons haunting her dreams, sleep meant torture. She made a pot of coffee and opened the balcony doors. The rain had cleared, leaving behind a beautiful sky filled with stars. The moon shimmered softly across the smooth water. The boardwalk was now masked in shadows as she sank down in the chair.

A soft breeze blew, brushing gently across her neck. She shivered. His warm breath had caressed her neck like that earlier this evening. For the first time in a longtime, she had felt safe. Brad was the type of man she had dreamed she would marry someday—strong, confident, and loving. Have children with, build a life with, and grow old with, but that was before—before
he
had stolen her life.

Two separate worlds came crashing together, her hopes and dreams versus her fear. No longer was Alexis able to hide her pain; the tears begin to fall, one at a time until they became a river of many. Tears for the loss of her parents, tears for the loss of her virginity, and tears for the love she feared she would never have.

She desperately tried to push the past back into its dark recesses, the hiding place she had built, but a new and deeper longing had been awakened. She searched the heavens. “Mom, I miss you so much. I wish you were here…I need you.”

The alarm clock sounded. Alexis extracted herself from the chair and headed to the shower, dazed and tired. Slowly she pulled herself together when she realized she was supposed to meet Brad downstairs for breakfast.

Brad stood and pulled her chair out for her as she approached the table. Instantly, he noticed her distant gaze and puffy eyes.

“Alexandria, is everything all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she replied in a hushed tone.

“Alexandria, you are not fine. It doesn’t appear that you slept at all.”

“Brad, I will be fine.”

Concerned that perhaps somehow he had overstepped his boundaries last night, he laid his hand atop hers. “Alexandria, if I did anything last night to offend you, I am deeply sorry.”

She withdrew her hand quickly and placed it in her lap. “Brad, it has nothing to do with you.”

He studied her eyes for a moment. She was hiding something, some pain—a pain that ran deep. He wisely chose to leave it alone, at least for now. “All right, but if you want to talk, I’m here.”

“What time do we need to leave for the office?”

“Whenever you are ready.”

“I am ready.”

“But you didn’t eat.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Alexandria remained quiet and withdrawn for the rest of the day as they went over one detail after another. This was not like her, not at all. Typically, she was deep in the weeds when it came to the purchase agreements, wanting to know every little detail, but not today. He glanced at her often, concerned with her silence. He had never seen her like this; her eyes always sparkled, especially when she was angry. This was not Alexandria; her eyes were cold and empty.

He felt bad, but wasn’t exactly sure why. He thought back to his childhood, this feeling—it felt a little like when he had been about six and had ignored house rules. He had played ball in the house and broken a lamp. Nan found him sitting on the floor trying to glue the pieces back together. However, he hadn’t broken anything this time, so why did he feel as if he had?

After work, they rode back to the hotel in silence. She refused to talk to him about it, brushing his apology aside as if it were nothing. He didn’t think he was the cause of her ill mood. He didn’t know what was wrong, but he knew she was trying desperately to repair something deep inside.

Her spirits improved little by little with each passing day, but she was not her normal witty self. By Thursday, he was sure she hadn’t been sleeping, and he knew she had not eaten—at least not with him.

Alexis entered the restaurant Friday morning; a soft smile graced her delicate features. Brad sensed she had slept better. Her eyes were brighter and her smile was a little warmer.

“Good morning.” Brad beamed a brilliant smile at her.

“Morning,” she replied in a slightly more chipper tone. “How’s the coffee?”

“Not bad, you look refreshed this morning. I take it you slept well last night?”

“Yes, but I had some work to do.”

“Work…the hard part’s done or at least it will be later this morning.”

“Personal.”

“Oh, okay.”

She ordered French toast with strawberries for breakfast; it was the first time he had seen her eat since Sunday evening. He ordered his usual ham and cheese omelet. As they ate, a slightly awkward but not uncomfortable silence filled the air.