Pray for Scars (Unsainted, #2)

by K.V. Rose

“It wasn’t like that.” I glance over my shoulder at him, cocking my head, knife still in hand. “That’s what all the worst men say.”

“Come for me,” he growls, his voice hoarse. “And don’t you dare fucking look away when you do. I want to see what kind of face you make when you finish all over this knife.” He licks his lips. “I want to remember it when I’ve got your blood all over my hands.”

What do I want from you? Everything. Every-fucking-thing. Your life. Your heart. Your fucking soul. All of it. I want it. I want you. Covered in my blood, bound to me in yours.

“I’ve always given a fuck about you. I would bleed for you. Kill for you.” He steps closer, reaches for my trembling hand, pulling it from my mouth, to his chest. “I would die for you, Sid.” My eyes slowly find his, my breathing shallow. I feel his heart beating beneath my hand. “What would he do for you, Sid? What would Lucifer Malikov do, for you?” He pulls me close, hand on my low back. His lips press against my brow. “You deserve the world. I’d burn it down before I let anyone give you less.”

Brevis ipsa vita est sed malis fit longior. Our life is short, but made longer by misfortune.

This is no place for a hero. I’ve never needed one of those. Heroes back down when blood spills. Villains fucking dance in it.

“I love you, Sid,” I whisper against her ear, “and I don’t need to hear it back. But I need you to know it. I might not be very good at it, but I love you, and I think I always have.”