Between Despair and Hope (The Divine Between, #2)

by Jess Wisecup

“That’s no way for a princess to speak, though I appreciate the creativity. I’ve lived many years, and never have I been called a vegetable.”

“Men are not bright, Your Majesty.

“Great divine, you do not stop, do you?” she snapped. “Stop what?” “Provoking, goading, irritating, vexing.” “I’ve been told it’s charming.” “They lied.”

“You mistake me. I need you more than I’ve ever needed anyone. Staying away from you has been—“ He shook his head. “A fish without water. The tides without the moon. A flower without the gods damn sun. You are my heart and soul. You are the reason I draw breath. That’s why I’ve been so fucking scared to hurt you. I refuse to live in this world if you’re not a part of it, and if I somehow was the reason for it? I want to escape those thoughts, but the worst part is that I shouldn’t. When I wake up in a cold sweat and have to remind myself where I am, I’m grateful it’s not by your side.”

You have consumed me. You think I don’t want to be near you? With you? Inside you? Gods, to finally have you back and be forced to stay away?

“Don’t feel like you have—if it’s too much, I—“ “There hasn’t been a gods damn moment since I’ve met you when you haven’t been too much. You eclipse the fucking sun, Em. I ought to be used to it by now. You’ve been so brave. You saved our daughter, you saved me—gods, what can’t you do?” I

“Don’t keep me from what belongs to me. Spread your legs, and show me that pretty cunt.”

“You can claim it’s ‘only a ruse’ all you want, but this mess tells me otherwise,”

“Cut my hair,” he breathed, struggling to speak. “And go save the boy. Let me go.”