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"I'd like you to come with me," I'd said.

He'd turned away instantly. "I don't want to go anywhere with you. Not even there."

"Dezmond."

"I got plans, Jordan. Okay? Shit to do."

"Like what?"

He'd shrugged like he was bored of our conversation already. "Business. Might meet a chick at the florist shop downtown."

"Then you can buy the flowers—"

"No. Fuck no. You do it. I'll be at Chico's tonight. If I change my mind about Mom, I'll meet you there. Deal?"

He hadn't changed his mind. He'd avoided all my calls and texts.

In the end, I was inspired to see some place new on a day I'd been dreading. Had dreaded every tenth of May for the past seven years. That simple decision to drive to a different flower shop was all it took to change the course of my life.

Lorikeet. My sweet bird.

Her eyes went so wide that morning after she pricked me with the rose. Her regret was enormous, ripping me from my stoic walls, forcing me to interact with her in a way I hadn't with another human for … well … years, I suppose.

Now, I put my thumb to my lips. It doesn't taste like blood anymore. Instead, it reminds me ofher.My beautiful sinner who lifted me from the dark with her teeth chewing at my heart.

I'd tried to forget about the encounter with the girl who was, without question, unforgettable. She was also forbidden. Not because of her age—but something worse. Dezmond, my nephew turned adopted son. I'd struggled to control myself around Lorikeet once he proposed to her.

That fucking joke of an engagement.

She never wanted to marry him. The memory of her hand, soaked in sea water, ring finger scraped raw by his selfish decision, makes me tense up. I pull my thumb from my lips before I bite it in anger.

How did Dezmond end up so cruel?

He's behind bars right now. Even if he manages to be cleared of the murder charges, he'll never recover. The damage is done. Crestwind thrives on rumors, and the ones surrounding him and Lorikeet's father are ripe with wicked decadence. They'll run him out of here if he shows his face again.

Personally, I don't think he'll escape the jury. There's enough circumstantial evidence to paint him as the killer. I made sure of that.

You'd think I'd feel terrible for having him take the fall. But I don't.

The second he put his fucking hands on Lorikeet … made her bleed, made her feel she had to suffer in secret even fromme,my heart closed off to Dezmond forever.

He's lower than dirt.

But I'll dive into the abyss of Hell to save the woman I love.

My boots sink in the sand as I cross the shoreline. There's a crowd of people, young and old, gathered at the far end of the beach. All of them are in bathing suits,loose clothing, or massive straw hats that cast shadows across their cheeks. The first days of September are hotter than August, turning skin pink even with the strongest sunblock. The back of my neck is sweltering, I don't mind.

I'm too busy focusing onher.

Lorikeet is kneeling next to a small child. Her best friend Cadence is beside her, the three of them pushing their hands on a sandcastle they're building. I don't know the Carvers well—I hope I get to if things go as planned.

Lorikeet looks in my direction. Her eyes are the same shade as the wet sand, and I know when she's surprised, they turn lighter, like her heart is glowing through her body, trying to illuminate the world. I see it now—she's delighted I'm here.

She leans over, speaks to Cadence. The other girl glances at me, grins, then gives Lorikeet a push. Taking the hint Lorikeet rises, dusting sand from her naked thighs. The way her red one piece hugs her body makes my blood rush. Tension coils low in my belly.

I didn't fall in love with her because she was beautiful.

She became beautiful when I realized I loved her.