Ashes to Phoenix: A Love Reborn

e triumphant. "See? He' ll alwa

r torn dress a symbol of her shredded dignity, the cool night air a cruel kiss on her expose

rude to her at a party. Julian had calmly, but firmly, escorted the man o

e. Or maybe he had

idn't bother calling a car. The long walk through the city streets

hen a dark van screeched to a halt b

er?" one of

rk alley. The stench of garbage filled her nostrils. One man slam

breath hot and foul. "Estelle Murphy s

A scarred-up bitch like y

fessionals, their blows precise and brutal, meant to hurt but not to kill. They t

them said, spitting near he

art. With a groan, she pulled out her phone. Her hands were shaking so badly it took three tries

ook her statement. She played them the recording of the thugs mentio

uises and bandages, when Julian finally showed up.

. I just heard.

ying to take her hand

authority. "I' ve cut off her credit cards and sent her to our f

her, expect

le?" Ember asked,

ng to do with this. It was all Jeanette. S

rength she didn' t know she had. "The men who attacked me. They said

e, his movements sharp and commanding. The charming, immature boy w

I have enough to deal with? My sister is a mess, the press is having a fiel

he word was a s

discussion. "I' ve already spoken to the police. The report has been w

e was protecting his world, and she wa

ang. The screen lit up

voice, loud enough for Ember to hear. "I' m

antly back to being her protector, her hero.

nd started f

she had ever asked him for anything. Her voice was

to her. For a single, heart-stoppin

. "Ember, I have to go. Estelle is terrified. You'

l

ehind him, the sound ec

h through the grime on her cheek. Then another. Soon, she was cry

telle. And now, finally,