Phoenix Rising Read Free Page A

streaks of red, and dressed in a soft white pullover and blue jeans. He wore no underwear or shoes. He was not in the least bit nervous. The police would ask questions, he would answer them, and they would go away.
They always did.
    A
MAN and woman in plainclothes stood when Talis appeared. Ammon remained near the door, arms folded across his chest, watching closely.
    Smiling, oozing the charm for which he was noted, Talis greeted the female first. She had clipped-back auburn hair, green eyes, and a beautiful face. “I am Talis.”
    She stuck out her hand for a shake. “Detective Rachel Wayland. Nice to meet you. I’m a fan.”
Talis shook her hand. “You’re coming to the concert Saturday?”
“Looking forward to it.”
He knew she was; he could tell by the pressure of her hand against his and the warmth in her lovely eyes. Talis then offered his hand to the male. “Hello.”
“Detective Gregory.”
He had lustrous black hair cut short, velvety brown eyes, and fair skin that showed the pale blue of beard shadow. Talis was drawn to him immediately. When he slid his hand into Talis’s, energy leaped from the detective to him in a surge so strong he nearly gasped. Gregory’s eyes widened in surprise, but whether it was because he felt something similar or was reacting to Talis’s startled expression, Talis did not know.
The energy spike was followed by a flood of heat that swept him head to groin. He held the man’s hand longer than he should have, and for a few seconds, it was allowed, and then Gregory pulled away, brow furrowed.
“Please… sit,” Talis said, leaving the couch to them and taking a side chair. This room boasted a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, a desk, plants, and original art on the walls. Talis usually felt comfortable there, but at the moment, he was anything but. He could not take his eyes off Gregory. “Are you also attending the concert?”
The detective glanced at Rachel, who glared back at him. “That hasn’t been decided yet.”
Talis didn’t know how to interpret their exchange; were they involved romantically? The thought brought him a moment of distress. If they were lovers, it would make things much more difficult. But not impossible.
“Please attend as my guests. You can watch the show backstage or from out in front.” He looked directly at Gregory as he spoke. “I suggest the latter, as the finale is… impressive.”
The detective gazed back without expression. “Rachel is going with a friend, but I will accept your invitation.”
Talis was relieved. Not involved, then. “Consider it settled. Ammon will give you details as to where and what time.” He gestured to his PA and then sat back, outwardly calm but inside tightly coiled with excitement. He had to exert harsh control over his body’s desire to shift, but years of practice enabled him to exercise rigid internal command. “And now you have questions to ask me.”
Rachel grinned. “You’re awfully polite for a famous rock star.”
Talis raised an eyebrow. “You would prefer me to swear and spit and behave rudely?”
“It’s what I expect from most people in your business, especially the successful ones. I’ve heard stories about them smashing shit in their hotel rooms and hitting on everyone they meet. You know, loutish acting out.”
“You expected me to be such an asshole?”
“I expected nothing, but I was prepared for it.”
“I hope I haven’t disappointed you.”
She laughed. “Not yet, but we’ve only just arrived.”
He saw it clearly: Rachel was an instigator, attempting to stir the waters while Gregory sat back and watched. Clever, and with Talis, ineffectual. “Why don’t you assume I am an educated, intelligent man who saves less savory behavior for the stage, where it belongs?”
“I’m liking you more and more, Talis.” Rachel crossed her legs in a manner that would, under any other circumstance, be considered seductive.
Talis knew he unconsciously encouraged licentious behavior in