Page 32 of Phoenix Rising
A smile lifted the side of my mouth. Not wanting to ruin the rest of the night, I paused, hoping we could have this conversation later. But I should have known better. My men wouldn’t let my reaction to our date pass without comment.
So when Luka cleared his throat, I admitted the truth.
“About my act of rebellion, which turned out to be more than I could’ve ever hoped. And how happy I am, despite the occasional fainting spell.”
Rather than lightening the mood, Burton’s brow furrowed and Luka frowned.
Ever the insightful man, Luka said, “You took one look at us, despite the romantic music in the background and how we waited in anticipation for you to come home so we could surprise you, and thought we were going to break up with you.”
It wasn’t a question.
“Yes,” I choked out, clearing my throat before continuing, “both of you, standing side-by-side, the image of perfection and?—”
Thankful for the rise in volume which cut off my hurtful words; the loud voices, clanging cutlery, a corner table with a group of people laughing, and the pianist hitting a crescendo on a piece I haven’t heard before.
It also drowned out Burton’s loud curse. The nearest table noticed his outburst, but they went back to their food with a passing look at the easy-going man. Luka squeezed his shoulder and as Burton closed his eyes and breathed deep, my entire being froze.
I’ve seen Burton tired, hungry, and angry on my behalf, but it gutted me that my insecurities caused him torment.
“Sorry—”
My words died in my throat as Burton’s green eyes flashed. My teeth clicked shut, and I swallowed at the serious expression on his face.
“Do you want to know the truth, Petal?”
A shaky breath sighed out of me at his usual endearment, and I nodded.
Burton reached for my hand and linked our fingers together while Luka rubbed a hand along my shoulders.
“The suits, the date, and everything we planned tonight came about because I realized not too long ago that I can’t keep my emotions locked away any longer. I’m thrilled about how open we are in our relationship and that others can see how happy we are together. But I also realized that I’ve held myself back, all because I hadn’t yet told you two what was in my heart.”
Luka nodded. “I’m nothing but practical, and I realized holding back was detrimental to all three of us. But this is no way a signal or pressure for you to fall for us at the same time. B and I talked about it, and we realized it was time to let you know.”
My next question rushed out on a breath. “What?”
“I’m in love with you, Phoenix,” Burton’s voice was steady, unflinching.
Luka nodded, his eyes welling with unshed tears. “Yes, Sunshine, I love you, too, and I can’t believe I kept it inside this long.”
For the rest of my life, I can never describe the sheer joy rushing through me at their words. But instead of beaming at them like I wanted, tears poured from my eyes and I launched myself at Burton’s chest and held on as the emotions washed over me.
Luka covered both of us with his bigger form. I felt his warmth surrounding us, and for several minutes, I poured out my happiness through tears.
“Ah, Sunshine.”
“I…” I hoped I wasn’t ruining Burton’s suit as I cried into it.
I opened my mouth, hoping words formed, but as I tried to express them, I hiccuped.
Luka pressed a napkin into my hand and as I tried to catch my breath, I wiped my face and disregarded how blotchy and red it would be from my outburst.
“Happy…” I hiccuped again. “Happy tears, I promise.”
“Oh, okay,” Burton said.
“You’re okay with this?” I asked in disbelief.
“No! You’re crying and that’s never okay. Even if you try to justify it.”
