Page 516 of Coal Hearts

I sighed heavily and stood.

She sucked in a breath, wrenching my eyes to hers.

Books and manuscripts might give me a way to survive each day, but seeing her standing there, brilliant beneath the afternoon sun...my attempt at a novel paled compared to her.

No fictional character would ever live up to her.

Christ, how did people do this?

How did they find the strength to care for someone and accept equal care in return?

I couldn’t be in my chaotic thoughts anymore.

Snatching my laptop, I stepped away from the lounger.

Ily balled her hands as if ready to fight instead of obey.

That one act of defiance made me rock fucking hard and starving.

If she cursed me. If she showed me a fraction of defiance, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself. I’d grab her by the throat and pin her against the willow tree. I’d be inside her before she gave me any sort of permission.

But slowly, she remembered her promises from a week ago and dropped elegantly to her knees.

She winced from her bruises.

She bowed her head with perfect subservience. “You’re hard, Master H. Feel free to use me however you want.” Her voice teased with falsity, but her offer was genuine.

I could have her.

I could have her any way I damn well wanted.

An awful surge of horror filled me.

This wasn’t my Ily.

This obedient, docile jewel reminded me far too much of the broken ones. Their willpower shattered and strength torn to pieces. She became the very jewel I could never touch because I couldn’t feel her fire anymore. Couldn’t burn alive with her anymore.

I-I can’t do this.

“You’re free for the rest of the afternoon,” I snapped. “Do whatever you’d like. Visit whoever you want. Don’t come looking for me until dusk.”

She was safe without other Masters around.

I might be safe if I could outrun this blackness.

I stalked away before she could reply.

Chapter Fifteen

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Ily

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MY HEART ACHED AS HENRI stormed away.

What had I done wrong?