Page 876 of Coal Hearts

Even if they didn’t want it now, I needed them to know that someone would always be there to listen. Someone who had firsthand knowledge of their pain.

A community.

A fucked-up family.

A friend.

I wanted to ensure they knew they were never alone. They might have their mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, but only those of us who had been there could truly share in the nightmares, the scars, and the memories.

Once I’d found each jewel and created—I didn’t know...a Facebook group chat or some way of always being there for each other, I then wanted to track down my half-siblings.

I wanted the girls and boys I remembered huddling in that nursery block to know they weren’t alone like I’d always thought I was. Q might not want anything to do with his father’s bastards but me? I was one of those bastards, and it was about time I did what I’d failed to do as a kid and look out for them.

Ily didn’t say a word as I marched with the slightest limp up the patio steps and into the lounge at the back of the château. Toeing off our snowy boots, we cut through the dark living room, avoiding a few dog chew toys and Lino’s scooter.

Everyone had retired, leaving the place in shadow.

The scents of pesto pasta that we’d shared for dinner still lingered in the air, garlicy and homey, adding yet another layer to my happiness.

Ily giggled under her breath as we cut into the foyer, and I pushed her against the banister of the fancy curved staircase.

“You’re suddenly very eager.” She grinned.

I kept my eyes on hers all while flashbacks of my past tried to distract me with memories I’d willfully forgotten.

The paintings on the walls differed to how they’d been when my father had dragged me through the house to the wing where he kept his harem. The carpet had been gold then, but now it gleamed a dark blue.

The first day Tess had taken us for a tour and shown us where the indoor swimming pool was, the conservatory, and offered the use of the library, I’d feared my memories would overwhelm me.

But somehow...those ghosts kept fading the longer I heard laughter in the halls instead of screams. The horrors of my childhood blew away each time Lino charged past with the dogs or I caught my brother yanking Tess into the shadows for a quick grope.

Tipping my chin down, I pressed my mouth to Ily’s.

She moaned and yanked her gloves off, then threaded her fingers through my hair. Her tongue speared past my lips. She took the kiss and made us ignite with all those flames, all that heat.

Grinding my hips against her belly, I rocked against her.

Our kiss turned wild. Our heads dancing, noses grazing, teeth occasionally clacking.

I groaned as I cupped her breast, only to find a handful of jacket. “You’re wearing far too many clothes.”

She snickered. “I know how to fix that problem.”

“Me too.” Grabbing her hand, we shot up the stairs.

We laughed as we ran-limped down the corridor.

We tripped into our room, kicked the door closed, and attacked one another.

This was good.

This was passion.

I could handle being rough as we tore each other’s clothes off.

I could participate as she dropped to her knees, took me in her mouth, and sucked me.

And I could allow a piece of my blackness to unfurl as I snatched her from her knees, tossed her onto the bed, and smothered her body with mine.