Page 892 of Coal Hearts

Grabbing her hand, I yanked her upright and held her hips as she swayed. With shaky fingers, I dragged my thumbs in those familiar little circles that I used to do under Victor’s nose. Every time I stroked her like this, it was our little secret. I’d hurt her and made her scream, all while tracing her in the softest worshipping way.

She shivered as she recognised the touch. She swooned into me. “Want to know what I call those little circles?”

“What?”

“Morse code. A language just for us.”

“It is a language just for us.” I bent my knees and kissed her deep. “We can speak to each other without words, mon cœur.”

“In that case.” She eyed me. Stop talking.

I laughed and stepped back. Your wish is my command.

It hurt to stop touching her. My body felt wrong to be apart. The monster snarled to grab her, maul her as my hands went to the hem of my beige cable knit jumper.

After what’d happened with Peter and the trials we’d all survived. After his joy at coming back to life. Of my own joy at earning a twin flame and brother. I had too many blessings not to enjoy every element of my life.

She trusted me.

Wanted me.

Unconditionally.

Every flaw, every fault and fumble and fuck-up.

She loves me.

Darkness would always be a part of our life. It’d scarred us right to our soul, but...in that darkness, we’d also found the missing piece of that soul.

I didn’t have to live a half-life.

I was both monster and human.

And she loves me.

Ripping off my jumper, I embraced the power I’d tasted when I played Ruby Tears. I let myself be free in who I was. My mouth watered to play.

“Get naked,” I commanded. “I want you bare in three seconds.”

Her smile lit up the fucking room.

Wrenching off her jacket, she kicked off her boots and socks. Her leggings were next, followed by her heavy blue cardigan, long sleeve tee, and bra. Trembling, she hooked her fingers in her knickers and pulled them down.

Raising her chin, she stood there like a goddess. Honey dark skin, full breasts, and a glittering blue H on her upper thigh.

Ripping my clothes off, I groaned as I fisted myself. Jerking my length, I drank her in. I studied every piece that I’d grown to know and love and shuddered as a lone tear shimmered on her cheek.

Marching into her, I grabbed her chin.

Her eyes flared with fire.

Familiar flames devoured us.

I dragged my tongue along her cheek catching that wonderous droplet.

I’d drank her grief, her fear, and her happiness.

But that tear? It was my favourite.