When Phoenix got home, his father was waiting “Where have you been all night?” Phoenix laughed “The last time you waited up for me I was fifteen.” Webster growled, “And out with some girl you met.” Phoenix shrugged as he took off his coat. Webster shook his head “Maxwell stopped by looking for you wanted to invite you to dinner tomorrow night, I lied and said you were with Tanner and Will.” Phoenix chuckled “Thanks.” Webster stood up from his desk “Thanks, are you kidding me, were you with Zeta?” Phoenix nodded “Yes.” Webster sighed “Did you take her innocence?” Phoenix rolled his eyes “No pops we didn’t have sex.” Webster didn’t look convinced “If you had, would you tell me?” Phoenix shrugged “No, but don’t worry.” Webster ran his hands through his hair “When do you plan on seeing her again?” Phoenix smiled at the thought “I’m picking her up at ten O’clock; I thought I’d take her to breakfast then see where it goes from there.” Webster nodded “You received two letters today, one from Phineas and another one from that girl.” Phoenix nodded “Zudora’s sister Kami.” Webster handed them to him “You might want to end that if you and Zeta are planning on having a future.” Phoenix nodded “It’s not like that dad, she’s just a friend.” Webster shook his head “To you maybe, but to her, it might be more.” Phoenix nodded “I’ll deal with it.” Webster shrugged “Well, go get some sleep, don’t worry about work I’ll take care of it, and I’ll make sure Joey is here by ten to chaperone you two.” Phoenix nodded “Thanks, pop.” Walking out Phoenix was all smiles Zeta still fresh in his mind as he went to get a few hours of sleep before seeing her again. Reaching his room, he opened his letters to find Phineas excited over a piece of land for sale, a plantation perfect for sugar cane that bordered his own. It was clear he wanted him to think about buying it and Phoenix was willing to look into it. Kami’s letter was simple like they usually were like a child would write, “My dearest Phoenix, Phineas says it won’t be long until you arrive and I’m looking forward to seeing you. I turned Seventeen today and Zudora says I’ll make a fine wife someday. Yours always Kami.” Phoenix sighed realizing he would have to write back and tell them all about Zeta and hope Kami would understand. The next morning Zeta woke early got dressed and took Apollo and Artemis out for their morning walk. The park was crowded with men and women dressed to impress and it seemed to Zeta as if all eyes were on her and the boys. Whispers followed her every step as she left the park and started walking down the sidewalk Apollo on one side and Artemis on the other. Knowing she only had a few days until the Wilcox Ball Zeta figured she should head to her dressmaker Miss Lane’s to see if it was even possible to find a gown in time. One that would suit her because there was no way she would attend dressed like every other woman in town, it was her way or no way at all. She had to admit she wished Phoenix was walking at her side at least then she wouldn’t feel as if any minute she’d be snatched up and burned at the stake for Witchcraft, Augusto Steels daughter or not she was not and did not feel welcome by any means. Arriving at Miss Lane’s dress shop Zeta left Apollo and Artemis at the door and walked in. Miss Lane was helping a customer when she saw Zeta she smiled big. “Your father warned me you might be stopping by.” Zeta happily started looking through fabric “Is it too late to find a gown for the Wilcox Ball?” The two women Miss Lane was helping giggled as they whispered to each other; Zeta had already had enough for one morning “Did I say something amusing?” Both women stopped one giving Zeta a haughty smile “We were just wondering what desperate man would ask you to the Ball, or do you plan to come with your father again and get so drunk you basically have to be carried out the back door by your brothers.” Zeta stepped forward wearing a glare “You two must think I’ll let you talk to me like that and I won’t. I don’t pride myself on being a lady I have no problem dragging you both outside and mangling those pretty faces of yours.” Both women looked shocked “How dare you threaten us.” Zeta laughed “Threaten, I was just letting you know what’s going to happen in the next minute if you don’t get the fuck out of my face.” Both women looked at Miss Lane then walked toward the door, Zeta called out to them “By the way Phoenix Prescott has asked me to the Ball so if I get drunk it will be him taking me home.” One woman looked at the other then back at Zeta, “Phoenix Prescott asked you?” Zeta nodded “Does that shock you?” The woman looked hurt “When I asked him to accompany me last month he said he wouldn’t have time and hated going to those kinds of things.” Zeta shrugged then turned to walk away listening as one woman consoled the other “Don’t worry Thelma he’s probably only taking her as a favor to Augusto or one of his sons.” Zeta turned “Excuse me a favor, Phoenix and I are courting if you must know, he’s with me because he wants to be, the Steel family doesn’t play favors.” As soon as the women left Zeta approached Miss Lane “A favor can you believe that?” Miss Lane sighed “A lot of women have tried to get with Phoenix, he has never seemed interested in settling down or finding a wife not that it keeps them from hounding him day and night about it. Trust me Zeta that will not be the last confrontation like that you’ll have. Just wait until the Ball you’ll have to keep a close eye on him, they’ll all be trying to get him alone and as far away from you as possible.” Zeta shrugged “So how about that gown?” Miss Lane smiled “Your father came to me yesterday so I started putting together some ideas. I have this beautiful dark purple fabric that will match your eyes perfectly, there’s a new style my sister sent me from overseas that will fit you perfectly. It’s sexy, seductive and will show off all your better features.” Pulling out a drawing Zeta giggled with excitement “Can that be made in time?” Miss Lane laughed “I started it last night and my assistant is helping me make it. No one else will have anything that compares to it, Phoenix won’t know what hit him, either will anyone else.” Zeta chuckled then looked at the clock “Alright thank you let me know when I need to come back for the fitting, it’s getting late and I’m supposed to meet Phoenix at ten so I need to get going, thank you so much this means a lot to me.” Miss Lane smiled big “I’ll let you know when I need you.” When Zeta walked outside a group of people had gathered and were staring at Apollo and Artemis, rolling her eyes she walked away and they followed. By the time she returned to her apartment she was beyond pissed off, if she had to hear one more person remark on her or her dogs she thought she might scream. Smith sat out front readying her coach and as she got closer she saw that Phoenix and a small boy were also waiting. “Zeta honey you look upset.” Zeta shrugged trying to put on a smile, “Have I ever told you how much I hate people.” Phoenix laughed as he took her hand “Bad morning?” Zeta shook her head “You have no idea” Phoenix smiled as he turned to Joey “Zeta this is Joey he will be our chaperone, and Joey this is Miss Zeta Steel.” Joey looked nervous as he bowed in front of her, “Nice to meet you Miss Steel, I’ll try not to get in your and Mr. Prescott’s way.” Zeta smiled as she sent Apollo and Artemis to sit up front with Smith then let Phoenix help her into the coach followed by Joey and himself. “Alright honey what happened?” Zeta shrugged “Took the boys for a walk and had everyone in town watching me like a hawk, whispering and giggling behind me. Then I went to Miss Lanes dress shop about a gown and came across two women hell bent on making me angry. When I asked them what was so amusing they asked me who was desperate enough to ask me to the Ball or was it as a favor to my father. I threatened them with bodily harm then told them I would be attending with you and that might not have been the best idea.” Phoenix frowned “And why is that?” Zeta shrugged “I guess one of the women had asked you and you had said you didn’t have time and that you didn’t like to go to those types of things.” Phoenix laughed “Sounds like me.” Zeta turned in the seat to face him wanting very much to touch him and be held in his arms; looking into his eyes she tried to convey that. Reaching out he caressed her hand wanting to pull her up into his lap and kiss her passionately. “Are you hungry?” Zeta nodded “Yes, where are we going?” Phoenix shrugged “I was planning on the Chamberlains club, have you ever been there?” Zeta smiled “No but it sounds good to me.” Coming to a stop Phoenix jumped out first then help Zeta out. “Joey you stay with Smith.” Joey nodded “Yes Sir.” Walking in all eyes turned to them Phoenix laughed “I guess we should get used to this.” Zeta looked around as they were shown to a booth in the corner, the closer they sat the more looks they got. Phoenix laughed “I guess I’ll only get to be close to you at night honey since were watched so closely everywhere else.” Zeta agreed as she looked around at their eager audience “Speaking of last night, it’s all I can seem to think about.” Phoenix smiled “Does that mean you won’t mind if I come by tonight?” Zeta laughed getting everyone's attention “You damn well better or I may come to you.” Phoenix smiled then got serious “Your brother came by my house last night while I was at your house, when I returned this morning my father was waiting and wanting to know if I had been with you.” Zeta listened intently “And?” Phoenix shrugged “I told him I was.” Zeta frowned “Why.” Phoenix shrugged “He already knew, he asked if we had sex I told him no.” Zeta looked a little relieved “Did he believe you?” Phoenix shrugged “I doubt it, but what can he do?” During their meal, Phoenix and Zeta talked and laughed occasional holding hands and when not being watched kissed, neither had ever felt this way about another person so it was new to both of them. “What other plans do you have for today?” Phoenix smiled “The ship I plan to sail on is in Port I was thinking of going aboard and seeing how much cabin space I’ll have for my voyage. Since I plan to be on board for so long, I thought it would be a good idea to be well informed.” Zeta nodded “Would you like some company, if not I understand?” Phoenix chuckled “I’d rather not let you out of my sight since you’ll only be here a few days, I wouldn’t want any other men thinking you’re available or anything.” Zeta laughed “As if that would happen.” After their meal they headed to the docks, Phoenix met with the Captain leaving Zeta and Apollo and Artemis on the deck surrounded by deck hands, each one watching her like she was a treasure to be had. “Well hello beautiful.” Zeta smiled at the man approaching her “Hello.” Getting closer licking his lips Zeta held out her hand “I’d keep my distance if I were you.” The man turned to his friends and laughed “Why is that, Phoenix won’t be back on deck for a good twenty minutes.” Zeta laughed as Apollo and Artemis stepped forward teeth showing, hair standing on end causing the man to back away quickly. Hearing laughter behind him he turned to find Phoenix watching them “Twenty minutes you say if I were you Mr. D I’d worry more about me than those dogs when it comes to Zeta.” Mr. D put his hands up in the air in defeat causing the other men to laugh “No harm just looking is all.” Phoenix shook his head then looked at Joey “Watch the dogs, Zeta come with me I’ll show you the cabin.” Joey shrugged then stood by the dogs petting them as Zeta followed Phoenix below. “The ship is big it must fit a large amount of men.” Phoenix nodded as he opened his cabin door “Yes I’m sure, and the cabins are spacious as well.” Shutting the door behind him Phoenix had Zeta up against the wall in seconds taking her mouth in a hot passion filled kiss. Lifting her up into his arms he buried his face in her hair as he kissed on her neck. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.” Zeta looked flushed and seductive as she kissed him back wrapping her arms around his neck. “Can’t we just stay in here?” Phoenix laughed “I wish honey, I wish.” Hearing a knock he sat her down and she straightened her clothes as he opened the door. The Captain smiled wearing a look of surprise as he drank Zeta in. “I presume this is Miss Zeta Steel?” Phoenix nodded “Zeta this is Mr. Crumb, Captain of the Wind Serpent.” At first glance Zeta was a bit taken aback by the Captains rugged good looks, his smile alone made her dumbstruck for a moment before she remembered herself and held out her hand “Nice to meet you, Captain Crumb.” The Captain smiled down at her as he took her hand giving her a gentlemanly bow and customary kiss to her hand. “I know your father he speaks of you often, he calls you Lil bit and now I can see why.” Zeta looked surprised to find out her father had mentioned her “You know my father?” The Captain laughed at her bewilderment “Our fathers grew up together and your father has always been a true friend to me.” Zeta realized the Captain still held her hand and quickly pulled it away finding it hard not to get lost in his captivating eyes that seemed to swallow her up looking around she chewed at her bottom lip. “Your ship is very handsome.” The Captain smiled “A ship tends to take after its Captain.” Zeta laughed a throaty, sexy laugh that the Captain obviously hadn’t expected by the look on his face. “Yes, I can see that.” After a long awkward pause, Phoenix cut in “Let’s join the crew on deck.” Zeta followed Phoenix and Captain Crumb up onto the deck when the Captain saw the dogs he smiled “And this must be Apollo and Artemis?” Zeta laughed once again getting the Captains full attention. “My father must say a lot.” Captain Crumb shrugged “Not really he’s just rather proud of you, it seems you’re the only artist in the family besides himself, of course, not to mention his only baby girl.” Zeta nodded “Sometimes I forget my father's an artist it’s been so long since last I’ve seen him paint.” Captain Crumb smiled “With all of the coffee houses I doubt he finds the time.” Zeta smiled as Apollo and Artemis quickly returned to her sides. “Well, it was nice meeting you.” Captain Crumb nodded trying to act unaffected by Zeta and the obvious power she already had over him. “We hope to see you again soon.” Zeta smiled “We?” Captain Crumb shrugged “That is the crew and me of course.” When Zeta turned the Captain winked at Phoenix “Phoenix we will be seeing you soon.” When the Captain returned to his cabin, he sighed running both of his hands through his hair, “By the Gods that’s one beautiful woman.” Shaking his head he sighed “Beautiful and spoken for as am I, let’s not forget.” Returning to the deck his first mate Declan approached wearing a teasing smile “Not what you expected was she?” The Captain laughed “No she wasn’t.” Declan nodded “Have you ever seen anything so tempting in your life?” The Captain sighed “No Declan I have not, I’d say were in for quite the voyage.” Declan slapped the Captain on the back “After seeing the way you two were looking at each other I’d say so, Captain.” The Captain shook his head “She’ll be a happily married woman Declan and I plan on staying a faithful husband.” Declan shrugged “That might be but that doesn’t mean it will be easy now does it?” Captain chuckled “Your right about that.” When they returned to the coach, Joey was smiling big Zeta noticed “What has you so happy over there?” Joey giggled “When I grow up I want to own my own ship just like that one and called it The Sea Song. Mr. Prescott says if I work really hard he’ll help me make it happen one day, he already has started me a saving account downtown with my name on it and everything.” Phoenix draped his arm around Zeta shoulder “That’s my pops for you, if you want something, work hard for it, and he’ll make it happen. I can’t even tell you how many ways he has helped me with my dream, I worked at the shop to pay for the entire thing too, didn’t use the family money at all.” Joey looked dreamy as he looked out the window, taking the opportunity Phoenix leaned in and kissed Zeta softly “I hate to take you home but I have to go to work and check on pops before dinner at Maxwell’s tonight.” Zeta smiled as they pulled up to Phoenix’s house to drop him and Joey off “I’ll see you at Maxwell’s.” Phoenix had Joey get out first then turned and pulled Zeta into his arms to kiss her “I cannot wait to hold your naked body in my arms and taste your sweet flesh.” Joey knocked on the coach making Phoenix growl in frustration and Zeta laugh “I’m coming damn it.” Turning he smiled then kissed her again “See you soon lover.” Zeta nearly melted into the seat as she watched him go and her coach pull away. Zeta spent the rest of her day sitting up in the window of her apartment drawing in her sketchbook, her head in the clouds her thoughts on Phoenix and the night to come. Her thoughts seemed to venture to the Captain as well, she knew not why she couldn’t put her finger on it but there was something about him that struck her interest. She didn’t know if it was his demanding presence or his deep seductive voice or his rugged good looks but she felt drawn to him. He wasn’t Phoenix and she had no intention of pursuing him but she had to admit he intrigued her and she more than welcomed the way she felt when he swallowed her up with his striking dark blue eyes. Zeta laughed shaking her head, first, she can’t find a man now they are popping up out of the woodwork. She was just happy Phoenix had not seen the longing that she knew must have shown in her eyes. Wanting to be on time for fear of her brother asking Phoenix a million questions Zeta got dressed early and headed to Maxwell’s dressed in red, she wore her hair up off her shoulders in a twist. When she arrived Erica answered the door in the process of passing her nephew off to the maid to take upstairs. “Zeta you look amazing.” Zeta was confused having never received a compliment from Erica before she knew she must have looked shocked, “Thank you, Erica you look lovely yourself, I hope I’m not too early?” Erica shook her head “Not at all Phoenix arrived about ten minutes ago and he and your brother are in the study talking.” Zeta sighed “More questions I’m sure.” Erica laughed “Would you like a glass of wine.” Erica laughed “Stupid question of course you do, I doubt I’ve ever seen you not drinking.” Zeta smiled now that’s the Erica she knew. “Yes thank you.” Phoenix sat across from Maxwell, “So Phoenix I stopped by your house last night but you were not there.” Phoenix smiled “Sorry I was out with a few friends of mine.” Maxwell nodded “I heard you and Zeta were out together today.” Phoenix nodded “With a chaperone as so instructed.” Maxwell frowned “Good I’m glad to hear it.” Phoenix took a drink of wine while Maxwell thought about what he wanted to ask next. “Have you decided to attend the Ball?” Phoenix nodded “Yes I’ve asked Zeta and she has accepted. I hadn’t planned on going in fact, I was asked by more than a few women and refused so it should prove rather interesting when I show up with her.” Maxwell nodded “Just showing up with her alone should prove interesting after the last Ball she went to.” Phoenix looked confused “Why is that?” Maxwell laughed “Last time she was accused of looking like a Witch, so she ended up getting smashed drunk and a little belligerent and my brothers and I had to try to sneak her out and let’s just say we didn’t get out unseen in fact it was in the papers the next day.” Phoenix laughed “At least it was memorable.” Maxwell sighed “It seems like Zeta makes everything memorable.” Phoenix smiled “That’s the truth.” Maxwell watched Phoenix a moment “You really like her don’t you, I mean it’s not the money or her looks that keep you around.” Phoenix frowned “Maxwell I have money, and yes she is beautiful beyond compare but I care for her, all of her inside and out, she and I have a connection I’ve never had with a woman before, I actually enjoy spending time with her.” Maxwell smiled “Zeta is strong, hell she’s fierce but I fear if this doesn’t work out she’ll be heartbroken and I can’t see how she can dissociate herself from the world any more than she already has if in a few weeks you sail off and leave her behind.” Phoenix wore a serious expression “I have no intention of hurting your sister if anything I’m concerned about her hurting me. Your right she’s strong minded she knows what she wants, I can only hope she continues to want me.” Another ten minutes had passed Zeta started getting anxious “Erica go tell them to hurry up I hate waiting.” Erica laughed as she went to the study and knocked before peeking in. “Zeta arrived ten minutes ago if you two would like to join us.” Phoenix looked annoyed as he followed Maxwell into the dining room, seeing Zeta standing by the fire Phoenix’s face changed into a smile as he walked over to join her. Taking her hand he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips causing Maxwell to clear his throat loudly, Phoenix paid him no mind. “Zeta honey you look simply breathtaking.” Zeta smiled speaking in a loud voice so her brother could hear “Has my brother been bothering you with questions that are none of his business again.” Phoenix laughed “He’s just concerned for your wellbeing.” Zeta laughed “Yeah I’m sure.” Helping her to her seat Phoenix took the seat next to her, “Anything exciting happen after you and Smith dropped Joey and me off?” Zeta shrugged “Not really I just sat up in my window and drew in my sketchbook, went out for a few minutes with Apollo and Artemis but you’d swear someone was paying tickets to see me. I had so many people watching me, it’s such a pain in the ass I almost just started fucking with them for the fun of it. You know like wave my hand at them and make them think I’m casting spells on them.” Phoenix laughed Maxwell and Erica did not. “My God Zeta a lady does not use such crude language.” Erica looked shocked, Zeta shrugged “That’s where your mistaken Erica I don’t recall saying I was a lady or at least what you all consider one. I say what I want and I always have, isn’t that right Maxwell?” Maxwell sighed “It’s not something you should be proud of especially in front of a man that is showing interest in you.” Zeta shrugged as she looked at an amused Phoenix “Well Phoenix get a good look because this is me, I won’t change or lie about who I am to win you over. I say what I think always have sometimes it shocks people and I don’t feel like my speech or lack of meek wifely qualities takes away from what I can provide to a man or a husband, I can’t sew and my life goal isn’t to make babies. Yes, I want to have children one day but it’s not my life’s only worth. I’m an artist and falling in love and finding an adventure comes before becoming a baby maker.” Maxwell huffed “How can you say that Zeta any man in his right mind would walk away and never look back is that what you want.” Zeta shrugged “No Maxwell I want a man that wants me for me, is that too much to ask?” Phoenix reached out and held her hand “I couldn’t ask for a more perfect mate. It’s nice to know a woman exists that wants the same things as myself, you won’t see me walking away if anything you have made me want you even more.” Zeta beamed as she leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips. Maxwell growled, “Stop that, it’s not appropriate not that anything you two do is.” Turning to Erica Maxwell sighed “This is what happens when a man raises five sons with a loving wife, then one girl all by himself.” Zeta frowned Phoenix did too “I’d say your father did a fine job, hell the first time I met him he told me Zeta was smarter than all five of his sons put together.” Maxwell looked about ready to spit. “That was uncalled for.” Phoenix didn’t back down “As was your comment.” Turning to Zeta Phoenix smiled “What do you say to you and me going out on the town for dessert.” Turning to Maxwell, he smirked, “With a chaperone of course.” Zeta smirked as she stood up to leave “Thank you for dinner, I’m sure Phoenix and I will see you at the Ball, I’ll do my best not to embarrass you or the Steel family name.” Phoenix walked out behind her leaving Maxwell and Erica stunned that they had just walked out. When they reached the coach, Joey sat up with Smith talking when he saw Zeta he laughed “Good thing I came along.” Phoenix helped Zeta in then told Smith where to drive them before he and Joey joined her. “Sorry about your brother honey.” Zeta shrugged “No need I’m used to it, so how about we skip dessert and go out for a drink.” Phoenix nodded in agreement “Alright but I have to take you somewhere respectable, we wouldn’t want the town talking even more and it’s only your second day here.” Zeta looked to be in deep thought “Did you mean what you said back there to my brother or were you just trying to stick up for me?” Phoenix frowned “I meant what I said, just so you know now I mean what I say and I say what I mean. I won’t lie to you and I don’t want you to lie to me. The truth can hurt but one lie always leads to another and another.” Zeta smiled “I like that, but I must warn you there’s a good chance you’re not always going to like what I have to say.” Phoenix leaned in and kissed her “That goes for me as well.”