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

by Jess Wisecup

“I have known King Rainier for many years. I did not know your name but I knew you. He did not fall in love with you again. Always, that man has loved you.”

I deserve it. I deserve your hatred. I deserve everything you want to throw at me. Just wake up. Just wake up and hate me. You can kill me if you want to; I won’t even move. I’ll hand you the knife.”

“You’re beautiful. I don’t need to explain that, do I? I know you grew up poor, but surely you had a mirror?”

I fell in love with her while showing her the stars, and I’ll love her until the last one falls from the sky.”

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.

You eclipse the fucking sun, Em.

“This is what I missed the most—while you’ve been gone. Laughing with you. I thought maybe we’d used up all the good moments. That this hell has been some type of penance for our joy.”

If I am the moon, then you are the sun, fireshine. You shine your light upon me and brighten all which is cold and dark within me. You have taught me to forgive is divine and even I, a loathsome creature, am deserving of it. I spend every moment wishing for more with you. More quiet, more talking, more kissing. Just more. If you never wish to look upon me again, Alina, I understand. But know, I am ruined for having loved you.

“You’re good on your own. You just want to be better because of me. And I feel the same way about you.”