Page 719 of Coal Hearts

And somehow, through all of it, he’d become a treasured friend.

“I still don’t like you,” I whispered with a smirk.

“God, what a relief.” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if you suddenly professed your undying love for me.”

Ily giggled.

Both Peter and I practically fucking swooned as we looked at her.

Such a wonderful sound.

Such a pure, innocent response while we shared absolute hell together.

“I love both of you,” she murmured. Her eyes warmed on Peter’s, but they ignited with fire on mine. I waited for a trace of possession. Of petty jealousy that I had to share her heart with another man.

But I only felt relief.

Peter might be well on his way to being skeletal with his black eye fading and green-tinged bruises lingering, but...I trusted him.

I trusted that he would try to catch me if I fell, even if it was impossible.

Just like he would catch Ily if I wasn’t there to do it myself.

Fuck, I trusted him enough that if the time came when I had a chance to end Victor—even if it meant forfeiting my life to take his—I’d do it.

I’d do it because Ily wouldn’t be alone. She’d have him. And Peter loved her just as much as I did and would do whatever it took to protect her.

I love you. I tipped my chin at Ily. So much.

She sucked in a breath, hearing me, thanks to the magic of our silent connection.

I know. She hugged her pillow as if it were me she embraced. Don’t fall over.

I chuckled under my breath, reached for Peter’s outstretched fingers, and stepped behind the wall as carefully as I could.

Chapter Four

...............................

Ily

––––––––

“WAKEY, WAKEY, PRECIOUS ILY...”

Panic cut through me like a dagger.

I shot upright. My hand flew to my chest, stopping my pounding heart from escaping.

Just a dream...

The sick chuckle had just been a—

“Finally, one of you open your eyes,” Victor murmured. “I was beginning to think all of you were dead.”

Throwing myself onto my knees, I looked to my left.

And there he was.