What do you think?
Rate this book
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2024
"I love you," Lore said around all that sweet crystalline water. "This is us. This is mine."
Protection was just control, in the end. A leash held by a benevolent hand was still a leash.
"You need me," Bastian answered, low and easy. "Just like I need you. It's why you're still here." He gave a slight shake of his head. "If we were different people, Lore, you would've been long gone by now."
"It's always been me," Bastian murmured against her lips. "I want you to know that. Every time I've kissed you, it's been me."
"Tell me to stop," he breathed. "Tell me to stop, tell me you want him instead."
His voice hitched on him, a longing he couldn't hide, not this close together.
"I can't," she murmured. "And neither can you."
"You made a choice," she murmured. "That night in my room. You left me, and then you betrayed me. Whatever could've been between us, you stomped it out. If you regret that, you have no one but yourself to blame."
"And I do." His mouth was so close to hers, now, so close she felt his breath across her lips, took it in as he gasped it out. "Every fucking night, I do."