The Puppeteer and The Poisoned Pawn (The Pawn and The Puppet #3)

by Brandi Elise Szeker

“My point is that… you are far more important than they give you credit for. Your reason for existing probably saved Kane’s life the way I wish it would have saved Scarlett’s.” I turn to my left to face him, still tucked between his legs. “You matter, Greystone.”

“Because… I’d never let you burn alone.”

“That was a lie, Skylenna.” He swallows, eyes glistening with tears. “That kiss was my whole world, honey.”

“Years ago, I promised you I’d take you under that waterfall when you were old enough and give you our first kiss. I’ve—I’ve waited so long to keep that promise.”

“I have waited half my life to hear you say that,” I breathe out, trapping her face between my hands. “I love you, Skylittle. I’ve loved you every moment since I pulled you from that basement. I’ve loved you as a child, a teenager—but as an adult, I am deeply, madly, agonizingly in love with you.”

“You are the reason I survived this experiment, Skylenna.” Kane’s eyes are drunk and shadowed but still heavy with emotion. “You are the reason I chose not to stay in the inner world. You are why I’ve lived through my trauma. You are the love of my life.”