The Pawn and The Puppet (The Pawn and The Puppet #1)

by Brandi Elise Szeker

If more people with compassion chose to see the ugly and not turn a blind eye, maybe this world would be a better place.

“They need to know they can trust me. How can I expect them to open up to me, disclose the terror and darkness in their lives, and let me help them if I’m an outsider?”

But real love, the soft and sweet and the kind with feathery wings, it rises from the ashes of the ugly.”

“You’re going to drink this. We’re going to fight through it together. And you’re going to leave this room without a scratch. They’ll think you’re an untouchable demon from hell.”

“Say your goodbyes,” he says, murder dancing in his chocolate eyes. “I’m going to kill them all.”

“If you’re going to be stupid, then I want you to be stupid with a good right hook.”

“Well,” Aurick laughs. “It’s always nice to meet an admirer.” Dessin looks down and chuckles to himself. “I’m sorry, did I come across as a fan?” He presses his fist into his mouth. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to mislead anyone. I must say for myself that I most certainly am not a fan of that violent, nasty bruise that radiates under that expensive makeup you gave her.”