The Darkest Corner of the Heart (The Brightest Light #2)

by Lisina Coney

Every day I crave seeing her beautiful, attentive eyes and that smile that could light up a whole room just by her walking in. I long for her fiery personality, and I wish to crush all her demons so she can shine brighter.

I’d forgotten how stunning the scenery is. Too bad I can’t take my eyes away from the girl beside me.

She smiles up at the bird as if it could see her, as if it could appreciate her softness the way I’m doing right now. Unlucky bird.

All I know is that thinking about not seeing her ever again makes me sick. It makes me want to tear the world apart until I find her again, and I don’t know what label that puts on us.

She squeals excitedly at the prospect of getting her sweet treats after a tiring day, unaware of the fact that I would’ve bought her those donuts anyway.

“Graham is great, but I’d like to think I’m at least a tiny bit prettier than him.” “You’re beautiful, Maddie.”

“Do you know if they have jelly donuts here? With strawberry jam?” They do. Which is a good thing because otherwise I would’ve gone to every donut shop in the state until I found them for her.

I shouldn’t want you, but I can’t stop the pain that comes every time I think I will never have you.”

If I had any doubts before, it’s clear now—Maddie owns me, consumes me, blinds me of all my senses, except for the innate urge to make her feel good, safe, protected, cherished. I would give her the whole world on a silver platter if she asked for it, and that realization terrifies me.

She’s everything I never saw coming, and now I can’t get enough of her. She’s addictive, uplifting, good for me.

The truth is that I wanted him last night while the moon was high, and today, while the sun shines behind the clouds, I still yearn for him.

His body is the obvious whole package, but it’s what I found inside that makes me want to keep him forever.

He wants to take care of me, and I realize now that I want, more than anything, him to take care of me too. Just as much as I want to take care of him.

His hand finds my cheek and settles there, holding my face like it’s the most precious thing he’s ever touched.

I will never grow tired of—infinite love, raw adoration, and pure devotion.

enough, and I’m good and happy and complete on my own, and yet…

“I may not be able to promise you I will always be there, but I can promise I will try with everything I’ve got. I would put myself through hell before I ever think of hurting you, Maddie. Tell me you understand.”

I would never hurt her, not in this lifetime or the next, but she doesn’t know that. She doesn’t trust words or promises that look full but might be drained. So instead of reassuring her with words, I will take care of her through my actions.

“You bring me so much peace, Maddie,”

“I’m glad you want to know my opinion about these things, Maddie. I’m happy I can help you because that’s exactly what I want to do.”

“No, it’s okay. You didn’t sign up for all of this.” “I signed up for you, Maddie. The whole package.”

And when she wraps her arms around me and buries her nose on my neck, I know I’ve never felt so fucking complete.

I’ve fallen in love with her, and I’m doing this for her. To move on and become the healed man she deserves to have by her side.

I’d go after her. I would upend my entire life if it meant creating a new one with her.

I want to be worthy of you more than anything else in this world.

My worst fear has already happened, and I survived. I’m here, aren’t I? Whole and proud of myself for never giving up, even when it got too tempting.

I know this is where the doubting ends and everything else begins. The healing, the patience, the excitement. The rest of our lives.

“It means I’ve fallen in love with you, and I’m so scared to fuck this up, I can’t think straight. That’s what it means.”

I feel like the luckiest man on this planet when you smile at me, and I want to make you happy, to love and protect you for as long as you’ll want me. If you even do.”

“My heart is yours,” I whisper against his lips. “And I want your heart, James, all the dark corners that come with it. Will you give it to me?”

“I love you. So fucking much. I will love you every moment until the day I take my last breath and all over again in my next life.”

I know without a doubt now that this is where I’m meant to be. He’s the one I was always meant to find, the one I was meant to share this journey of healing with.

“You’re a gift to this world, Maddie. I’m so goddamn lucky I’ll get to be with you every step of the way, holding your hand. I’m sure you’ll make a difference. You already did with me.”