Becoming the Dark Prince (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #3.5)

by Kerri Maniscalco

I really hated how hard he tried to charm the girl I adored. Right in front of me.

Of all the complex puzzles the world offered, who would have guessed my emotions would be the greatest challenge of my life?

I longed to touch her. First her mind, then her heart, and, finally, her body. I wished to own every inch of space between us and fill it with each emotion I’d ever suppressed or pretended away. I wanted to strip my soul bare for only her to see and then do the same with my clothing, giving her everything I had of me. Scars and all.

In four short days, she’d be in my arms, bleeding out. And I’d finally become the dark prince my father knew me to be, as I unleashed myself upon them all.

“You stay here with me, Wadsworth.” I clutched her hand. “I will follow you beyond death and drag you back if I must.”

If Audrey Rose died… it would take little effort to set the beast inside me free.

“I fight against my innate selfishness because I love her. I want to be better not just for her, but also for me. I want to be the sort of man who earns her trust and love and then works to keep it by growing into an even better person.”

“The price of love doesn’t come cheaply,” she said. “But the cost is worth it.”

Leaving was the most unselfish action I’d ever taken, and it felt miserable.

Love was noble. But it was also a fighter. It didn’t give up and run away.

“Our work will always be important to each of us. But you have my heart wholly, Wadsworth. No matter what. The only way that will be taken is in death. And even then, I will fight with every piece of me to hold your love near. Now and forevermore.”

“I want you. I want to give you pleasure, both mentally and physically all day and every night for the rest of our lives. I want to be the reason you smile.” I watched as a slight flush crept up her neck, pleased. She longed for that too, it seemed. “I want to spend hours and years of my life figuring out ways of making you happy. I want you to feel the same way about me. Not because I’ve demanded it of you, but because every piece of you longs for me. I want our passion to ignite the world around us, making even the stars jealous.”

I will not become a monster for you. The kind of love I crave isn’t cruel or possessive. Do not expect me to act either way. I will never beg or use subversive tactics to win your heart. I will earn it because you choose to give it to me of your own free will, or I won’t have it at all. I will never manipulate you. No one should. And if they do? They aren’t worth your time.”

Dreams. I would always choose dreams over nightmares. Light over darkness, and love over hate. And I would continue to make that choice forever. Each of us held the power to decide our own destiny.