Page 168 of Divine Temptations

I nodded, wiping my face. “He’ll never change.”

“No,” Lucien said gently. “But you did.”

I let out a shaky breath, managing a small smile. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you so much, Lucien.”

Lucien turned toward me, eyes soft. “And you’re the bravest man I’ve ever met, Jimmy. I love you, too.”

He kissed my forehead, lingering just long enough for the world to fall quiet again.

When we got into the car, I looked up through the windshield. The sky had cleared — that perfect, washed blue that only comes after rain. A crow cut across it, black and certain, flying toward the sun.

For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel guilty for leaving.

I felt free.