Red Phoenix's Passion is for Lovers Collection (Boxed Set) Read Online Free

sensed that they were stepping into treacherous waters again. Both Kevin and Rachael looked lost as they stared at one another. What terrible past were these two trying to recover from?
    “Anyway,” Rachael said, attempting to sound cheerful. “I have been curious to meet you ever since Kevin mentioned you his first day of school.”
    Tessa glanced up at Kevin in surprise. He noticed me? His cheeks colored. There was no doubt his mother’s comment was something he’d rather keep secret, but Tess was glad to know it. It seemed both of them had a thing for each other.
    “Kevin is an interesting guy, Rachael.”
    He gave Tessa a sarcastic look. “Using the word interesting to describe a person is usually meant as a hidden insult.”
    Tessa threw it back at him. “No hidden insult here, buddy. It’s right in your face.”
    Rachael burst out in a belly laugh. “Oh, I like your sense of humor, Tesse. Most people treat Kevin like he is made of glass.” When Kevin cleared his throat, his mother stuttered, “Um, well… Anyway, do you have any pets, dear?”
    Tessa spent the afternoon learning superficial things about Kevin. Even though he was a senior, he was already nineteen. She had to assume the burns had something to do with it. Kevin used to like the color black, but recently changed it to green—no explanation given. His favorite food was steak and potatoes, and his favorite band was Green Day.
    Tessa tried to share about herself without sounding conceited. However, it was hard not to when Rachael peppered her with questions and seemed interested in everything she said. Once, while Rachael was going on about what a good baseball player Kevin had been in middle school, Tessa snuck a peek at him. She looked longingly at his lips and wondered again what it would feel to kiss them. When Kevin caught her staring, she blushed and turned her attention back on his mother.
    Tessa eventually forced herself to leave because of the ton of homework she still had to do. Kevin offered to drive her home, but she declined. “I could use the fresh air.”
    She hefted her heavy backpack on her shoulder and headed out. Her home was in the opposite direction from his house, naturally.

Day 7

    T his time when Kevin came into the classroom, Tessa said loud enough for everyone to hear, “Hey, Kevin.”
    He glanced at her warily and answered, “Hey.”
    It wasn’t much of a response, but maybe he was still worried about Brian. Tessa realized too late that Kevin might end up with another black eye. She turned around and saw that Brian and Samantha were giving her ugly looks. Oh well, their stares weren’t going to kill her, although she could feel the heat of them on her back all through class.
    Nothing happened in Mr. Steele’s class, but she didn’t try to talk to Kevin afterwards because she was afraid of causing trouble for him. At lunch, Tessa sat down next to a group of nerdy guys who seemed friendly enough. “Hi, guys.” They made room for her. Soon, however, Brian stood behind Tess. The entire table became silent.
    “We need to talk.”
    She glanced at Brian dismissively. “No, we don’t.”
    Samantha sidled up next to him. “Yes, we do.”
    Everyone sat there in awkward silence for several minutes. The pressure was unbearable. Tessa finally relented. “Fine. Where do you want to talk?”
    “Outside,” Sam said.
    Tessa followed the two out of the lunchroom and into the courtyard, fighting the sick feeling in her gut. Sam wasn’t her friend anymore and Brian never had been.
    “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Samantha accused, as soon as the door closed behind them.
    “What? What am I doing?”
    Brian got in her face and snapped, “Don’t play stupid. We see what you’re doing with the Freak. It’s embarrassing.”
    “I’m not doing anything,” she answered, backing away from him.
    “Bullshit! I told you not to go near him,” Sam shrieked.
    “What does this have to do with you? This is my