Phoenix Love

the fireplace. She's been sleeping propped up, a mountain of fluffy pillows behind her, and the IV was gone, so she snuggled in. Pulling the navy blue comforter up u

arents and Beryl. Her mother had taught her that things like fire needed to be respected. If you handled the

was almost a sweet smell and now that the odor of her blood wasn't covering it, it came off stronger than before. The more she basked

lds. Jet black hair trimmed neatly, though his five o'clock shadow had begun to show. She wondered what it would feel like to sit on his lap, wrapped in his hu

hot. How long had he been watching her? She

?" Raina met his gaze

rter is the softest thing I've ever touched!" She snuggled in

ain?" Silken was the word she'd use to desc

e. I've h

like some? The doctor left some with me before he left for the day." He

and opened it, taking a deep drink. He handed her a few white

that, how's your appetite?" R

ould

alright?" He'd placed his over hand on her back to steady her and the concern she saw on his face was real. Why did he care so much

" She

ed her to the door. Offering his arm, she took it gratefully. Who needs a crutch when you have a st

urprised her every time she saw something new. It was always the nicest, or the biggest, she'd ever

ids. He sat her down at the counter and began digging around the fridge, pulling out ingredients. She was too busy marveling at the crystal light fixtures to pay much attention to wha

me feel lonely." He said, a

aking hold of the large sandwich. R

She's gotten accustomed to harsh reprimands when she asked most questions. His response was almost as

" She mumbled,

ght to it. It was as delicious as it smelled and was soon gone. Fin

amazing." Her compl

his sleeves. Another surprise. She came over to the sink and started rinsing what he'd washed. He raised a

e you. She's been here since yesterday morning. I went to check on her earlier, but Laura

her sister. The thirteen year old could be difficult

ed horses. After they lost their parents, the only thing Be

y." Raina

own at her. "The grooms took to her immediately. She helped with the chore

oom

that care fo

idn't cause a

so I was happy to let her learn to care for them. Beryl w

t trip made her tired. She crawled back under the covers and rolled over to look up

ave if yo

able with him around.

, if you'd like." She smiled back and nodded. His velvety voic