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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Angel Lawson
Read between
July 8 - July 11, 2024
Odette is a survivor. Just like I am. And that’s a bond we’ll always share, even if I never get the chance to meet her.
He takes J.J. from me, adjusting the miniature version of Pace’s jersey—number three, Sinclaire —and holds him tight.
Suddenly, they’re colliding. Her arms wrap around Pace’s waist, and he tucks her into his chest, the embrace hard and so still. I watch for a few moments longer, wondering if this is wrong—if I should give them some privacy. But then Pace turns to rest his cheek on her head and our eyes meet. Instantly. He gives me a sad but sweet grin.
“We made a damn good one, though.”
😭😭
She approaches them with a calm, radiant smile. “You,” she says to Lex, head tilting as she inspects him. “You’re the protector, aren’t you? I can see it in your eyes.” He blinks, checking everyone else for our reactions. “You can see what?” Odette reaches up to cup his cheek, nodding. “An old, fierce soul.” The words themselves might as well be a hug for how stunned he looks at hearing them, a quiet, tender emotion on his face.
Odette steps up to him, her eyes locking on Wicker’s nervous gaze. Ultimately, she smiles. “You’re much more than that. A ferocious heart, I bet. The mask you wear is all Kayes.”
“I know who this is.” Odette approaches me with an eager grin. “This is your Princess. She saved you. And even though she doesn’t know it, she saved me, too.” My throat tightens as she pulls me into a loose hug, careful of Justice, still in my arms. Through a thick voice, she whispers in my ear, “Thank you for loving my son.”
“Isn’t like that fucker ever wore it. You know who did? Miranda. Odette. Adeline…”
“The guys want to take our name.” She blinks harder. “They do?” I nod. “I love them, and they love me. I have a family, and all of us consider you part of it, territory lines be damned.” She presses a kiss to the baby’s head. “I see the way they look at you and J.J.” Her chin lifts, mouth set in an angry frown. “I also saw the marks on Lex’s back. I can only imagine the scars Wicker and Pace carry run just as deep. Those men went through hell to get where they are today, to get to you.” “They did,” I agree, so relieved and grateful she’s able to see not just the pain in them, but also their
...more
“But I wanted to introduce the three of you to someone.” He quirks a brow. “Or someones.”
But even through the brightness and eagerness, I can’t help but think of the people who can’t be here, but should. Eugene. Laura. Stella.
“That was beautiful,” I whisper, leaning in close. “I wrote it for him,” Wick whispers back, blue eyes darting down to my mouth. Without hesitation or shyness, he captures my mouth in a slick, searching kiss. In front of the Royalty. In front of my mother. Fatherhood has changed Whitaker Ashby in a lot of ways, but it hasn’t changed how passionately he loves.
“A Queen can, though.”
I KNEW ITTTTT
“The members of PNZ have taken a vote, and we’ve all offered our Oath of Fealty to Verity Sinclaire.” His eyes meet mine, smile spreading. “It was unanimous.”
Pace scoffs, waving over the crowd. “Verity Sinclaire, you’ve done more for East End in a year than Rufus Ashby did in two decades. I can’t wait to see what you do with an entire lifetime.” “He’s right, Red,” Wicker says, grinning roguishly. “And I, for one, am completely ready to be your pretty, kept Prince, so get up there and claim that title.” Lex cups my cheek, drawing me closer, and in his eyes, I see a promise that I don’t understand yet. “You’ll never be doing this alone.”
“East End doesn’t need another troubled, self-involved man to weigh it down with his baggage. It needs…” He pauses, searching. And then the divot in his brow smoothes away. “It needs kindness. You’re the only person who’s ever promised that to them.” I take a deep breath, looking at Tommy, Rory, Baxter, Dory, Loeffler, and Mitch—men who could grow into monsters under the pressure of a system that demands it of them. Or men who can grow into something better, if only they have the guidance.
I feel him before I see him, that inexplicable hum sparking over my nerve endings.
Taking us back to book one 😫
extending a palm. “Will you come and watch over me while I glitter?” “Always, Rosi.” He slips his hand into mine as he rises, using it to tug me close. His promise is made in an exhalation, warm and damp against my temple. “Always.”
“I’m pregnant.”
😭😭😭😭😭
It was the fierceness of Lex's soul, the blaze of Pace's devotion, and the ferocity of Wicker's heart that made me a creator. And ours will be a legacy of hope.
