Page 896 of Coal Hearts

He’d looked instantly younger. He couldn’t stop smiling. He made inappropriate jokes and valued every second of his freedom. Within a few weeks, he’d found a room to rent with another single guy and got back into living a life as if he’d never been collared.

His strength astounded me. The shiny skin on his hands and feet and his many scars under his clothes were the only signs he’d ever been used so badly. And the best thing about his impromptu announcement to his parents? They hadn’t died of a heart attack.

Thank God.

He’d even called me so we could have a video chat where I apologised profusely for giving them misinformation, only to be invited around any time, day or night.

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: Funny you should ask about that. It’s good. Better than good. I...you know what? That news can wait until I see you.

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: Now that’s just rude.

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: Speaking of news. Can I be there when you tell him?

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: No, definitely not. How you even figured it out before he did has to go against some sort of friendship code.

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: Can’t blame me if I’m observant.

I laughed and cupped my still flat belly.

I didn’t even know I wanted children until those two little lines appeared.

I was nervous as hell telling Henri but...excited too.

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: What gave it away?

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: The fact that you went bolting off camera when we were video chatting last month. Henri might’ve bought your story that it was food poisoning, but I have the advantage of not seeing you every day.

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: What advantage?

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: You’ve always been gorgeous, jaanu. But each time we spoke after that night you seemed to glow.

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: What if he doesn’t want one?

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: Then I’ll punch some goddamn sense into him.

The front door opened downstairs.

The energy in the gorgeous gatehouse that we’d accepted as a gift from Q—but insisted on paying rent for—instantly filled with love.

My skin prickled with it. My heart fluttered with it.

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: I’ve got to go. See you in ten minutes or so?

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: Definitely. I’m looking forward to seeing his face when he figures out he’s gonna have a daughter.

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: Oh God. Don’t even joke. He won’t handle having a daughter. He’ll slaughter every man he ever sees—good or bad.

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: I just laughed so hard the driver swerved. Hey, Ily?

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: Yeah?

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: If I asked to bring a guest next time...would that be okay?

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: Ahhhhh!!!!! Are you saying what I think you’re saying?

PETE AKA ‘THE GOOD GUY’: :) :) – that’s my face. See it smiling?

ILY AKA ‘THE NIGHTMARE’: You met someone?