Phoenix: Book One of The Stardust Series by Autumn Reed, Julia Clarke

Chase’s face was full of
concern. I sighed. “I just wanted to go out to the deck for some fresh air.”
    I was shocked when Knox
lifted me into his arms rather than acting as a crutch like Chase had. Out of
instinct, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on for the short walk to
the deck. Chase moved to open the sliding door; the cool, fresh air was
soothing and I felt somewhat calmer.
    Held close to Knox, I
was reminded of last night in the woods. A wave of heat washed over me despite
the cooler air outside. Looking toward the deck, I coughed. “Sorry I threw dirt
at your face. Are you okay?”
    He grunted and shrugged
his shoulders. “I’ve had worse things done to me.” I wondered what others had
tried but imagined most opponents were eventually conquered by Knox. He was too
strong and too formidable to face many serious threats. He continued, “I was a
little surprised, but I can’t say I blame you; having a stranger approach you
in the woods at night is kind of intimidating.”
    I grinned. “Yeah. Any
more of you guys going to come out of the woodwork?”
    Knox said, “Not today.”
But based on his dry tone, I really couldn’t tell whether he was serious.
    He carefully set me
down on the wooden lounge chair. “Thank you for sharing your story, Haley.” I
was surprised, but he continued before I could open my mouth, “Ask us more
questions and we’ll tell you as much as we can. But, the more we know, the
better chance we have of finding your dad.”
    For someone who looked
so tough, he had been exceedingly gentle. His manner of speaking also varied
widely, sometimes seeming gruff and impatient, and then at other times he could
be so caring and insightful. Thinking through last night and this morning, I
couldn’t help but be intrigued by the dichotomy.
    Knox headed toward the
house but turned when he had reached the door frame. “Did you know where you
were headed last night? Did you have a destination in mind?”
    I nodded. “Highway 89.”
    He ran his fingers
through his hair, and I was mesmerized by the array of golden strands glinting
in the sun. “I figured as much. Did you even have a map?”
    I shook my head then
tapped the side of my head with my index finger. He shook his head, grinning.
Although I barely knew him, I sensed that he was impressed. “Let us know when
you want to come in.”
    Lounging on the deck, I
had a nice view of the forest. I inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh, crisp air
and the sounds of birds chattering pleasantly as they flitted from branch to
branch. Although it was still slightly cool out, the sun was shining, and I was
comfortable in my borrowed sweat pants and long-sleeve T-shirt. Occasionally a
breeze whispered through the trees making the branches sway and creak, their
leaves rustling.
    Forcing myself to
believe that Dad had to be safe, I debated what to do. Knox, Chase and Ethan
hadn’t really given me a reason to doubt them so much, and it was obvious to
everyone, including me, that I needed their help. And while I still wasn’t sure
who the guys were working for, they at least seemed to be on my side. Could I
trust that they really were?

 
    The Boardwalk
     
    “Monopoly, Uno, or
Checkers?” Chase looked at me expectantly, holding up the three classic games.
Their loose plastic pawns rattled gently against each other and the box.
Surprised by the question, I didn’t immediately respond. “Please, Haley,” he
implored. “I’m so bored, and I love games.”
    His adorable smile was
too much to resist, especially with his dimple. And the idea of passing the
afternoon with a game was infinitely more appealing than continuing to stare
out the window and worry about my uncertain future. “Monopoly,” I finally
suggested, smiling back at him.
    “Yes! I love Monopoly.
I always pick the battleship. What piece do you want?” He started laying out
the game pieces on the table.
    I laughed at his
enthusiasm, considering my choices. “I’ve always wanted