Page 23 of Carnal Heart
He checks his multi-slate as soon as it dings. “What the fuck is this?”
I grin. “Your cut. Looks like I underestimated just how pretty you sound when you’re whimpering.”
His cheeks flush. “Shut up.” He shakes his head. “Devyn. This is too much.”
I tug him to me as I sit on my bed. Zaiah sits on my lap, straddling me.
“It’s not, Doll. I need you to promise me something. When shit hits the fan with my father’s scandal, I need you to take my mother and sister off-planet.”
“You trust me that much?”
I tuck some of his pretty red hair behind his ear and nod. “I do. I’d prefer to go with you, but I’m the Shio heir. I might need to stay for a bit. But I promise I’ll follow as soon as I can. And plus, you said you want a fresh start.” A part of me thinks he needs that fresh start and time to heal. He needs to get away from everything that reminds him of Remy and his abuse. This scandal will only bring attention to those who feared him.
“Like I said, I’ll follow you. It might require me to be momentarily preoccupied.”
Zaiah pouts.
“Why did you switch majors?” I ask suddenly, an idea forming in my head.
His head jerks up. “How did you—” He laughs. “You know what? Never mind. I did it for Remy and regret it every day. I recently requested another major change, but it was declined. I wanted to switch back to fashion, maybe take online classes and get my life back.”
I grin. “How do you feel about Raynetel?”
His mouth falls open. Raynetel is a safe planet famed for its cutting-edge fashion, boasting fashion-forward universities that are light years ahead of our time. It’s the perfect planet. My sister, mother, and Zaiah will be safe and happy there.
“Raynetel would be a dream come true,” he breathes.
“Good. Then let’s do it. We’ll talk to the other Black Harts and make our plans. And if you need to go first, you can find us a house near the school of your choice.”
A slow smile spreads across his face, and he wiggles on my lap. “You know, people might not care what happens to your father after the investigation.”
“Hmm. That’s a good point.” I laugh. “Maybe I’ll have Zar give him a visit.”
His smile widens. “This is fucking crazy. How is this my life?”
I grin back, wrapping my fingers around his pretty, marked-up throat and yanking his lips to mine. “It’s our life now, little fire. Crazy or not. It’s ours.”
Epilogue
Zaiah
(One year later…)
Breaking News!
Usurn’s Founding Family Member Found Murdered.
Just hours after receiving a 25-to-50-year sentence for embezzlement, sex trafficking, and money laundering, Conor Shio was found brutally murdered in his cell. Authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths of Marco Lombardi and his son Remy Lombardi, Shio’s accomplices. The public rejoices at the possibility of a vigilante following the discovery of Shio’s murder.
We contacted Conor Shio’s ex-wife, Numi Shio, who reported that she and her daughter Lillie are happily settled into their new home on Raynetel, and that “Conor got what he deserved.”
“Damn, mom!” Lillie laughs, handing me my multi-slate. “Who knew she was such a badass? Has Devyn seen this?”
“Have I seen what?” Devyn asks as he walks through the front door. Numi and Lillie’s house here on Raynetel is even bigger than it was on Usurn. They left the planet eight months ago, and their matching bright smiles every time we visit make Devyn incredibly happy.
However, his big scowl makes it impossible to tell right about now.
Devyn plucks my multi-slate out of my grasp before I can even reply and scans the article. His features contort with rage, and his crimson eyes lock onto mine. “Lillie,” he grits out. “Mind if I have a moment alone with my fiancé?”
