Diamond Kisses (The Jewelry Box #4)

Back in society where I didn’t have to beg or be buggered to stay alive? I saw that love for what it truly was.

Gratefulness.

Connection.

I loved Ily like a sister. I adored her as my friend. But Lucy? I fucking loved her like she was my person.

My other half.

My missing piece.

I got it now.

I got why Henri looked at Ily with such wonder in his eyes. Why he gravitated toward her even when they sat so close on the couch.

Ily held a piece of his soul.

Henri held a piece of hers.

And somehow, I was lucky enough to share Lucy’s.

“Goodness, it’s pretty gruesome.” Lucy wrinkled her freckled nose. “I thought you said he wrote a romance.”

I burst out laughing. “What? No way. I’m pretty sure this is the handbook on how to kill a trafficker.” Grabbing my own copy, I skimmed the first part.

I stiffened.

So he had written about Joyero.

Fuck.

“We should buy a copy.” Lucy hugged the thick book to her chest. “I like the title. The Curse of Blood and Darkness. I bet it does have romance. He has to mention Ily, surely. He’s not whole without her.”

I nodded along, not really listening, my heart pounding.

Don’t. Please don’t have written about—

I froze as my fingers slipped. The pages fanned back to the first one, leaving the dedication exposed.