Page 188 of Diamond Kisses

“Is that a problem?” Peter scowled.

Henri shrugged as if he couldn’t catch his bearings. “No…no problem at all.”

I backed up a little, seeing the cracks in my twin flame.

He was failing. Falling.

Three…

Two—

With a guttural growl, Henri bent and snatched Peter in a savage hug.

Peter squeaked, his back bending as Henri smothered him.

I smiled and felt so much love I almost burst into a million pieces.

Peter’s gaze met mine over Henri’s shoulder. He rolled his eyes then closed them, returning Henri’s far too vicious hug with one arm.

It took an age for Henri to pull away.

When he did, he had more composure. Raking both hands through his hair, he cleared his throat and shrugged. “So…you gonna tell us how you did it? Why I’ve been mourning you like a stupid sap? Why I’ve had so many sleepless nights thinking my only friend had died?”

“Aw, I’m your friend, Ri?” Peter snickered. “I’m touched.”

“I’ll punch you if you’re not careful.”

“Ily would punch you right back on my behalf.” Peter winked at me. “Wouldn’t you,jaanu?”

“Hey.” I flung up my hands. “Don’t look at me. I’m not getting in the middle of this.”

“And after all the times I shared my blanket with you in the dungeon.” Peter sniffed dramatically. “Rude.”

All of us chuckled.

My heart flew to the ceiling and bounced like a helium balloon.

“You’ve got to give me some details, Paavak,” Henri muttered. “I need to know how this is possible.”

“Jesus, alright. Rushing my hello. You always were impatient.” Smiling at Henri, he added. “You want the quick story or the one that the docs tried to tell me full of medical jargon, long winded words, and lots of technical stuff?”

“Simple. Short. Concise.” Henri crossed his arms. “And go.”

Peter laughed under his breath. “Fine. The short version. Well, according to the docs, the bullet went through my right shoulder blade and out my chest. It made quite a mess and nicked my lung.” He chuckled as if it was funny. “I suffocated, fancy that. I’ve envisioned my death a million times, but I never thought I’d go that way.”

Henri scowled. “I’m not sure how I feel about you having a sense of humour about this.”

Peter smirked. “You try being a prisoner for five and a half years only to die and somehownotdie.” He tilted his head back with a heavy exhale. “Anywho, I woke up here. In paradise.” He pointed at the window. “The sun is shining, and I haven’t been called to serve. People bring me food. I’ve been able to watch shitty TV for the first time in half a decade. Life is good. Great, even.”

Henri shook his head, his temper fading beneath Peter’s radiant joy. “You know what, Pete. Lifeisgood.” He cast me a look, his gaze welling with blazing affection. “So fucking good.”

My heart danced as a wash of unbearable gratefulness fizzled in my blood. I wanted to cry and fly and bury myself in both these men’s arms and live happily ever after.

Despite all the emotions clanging inside me, I had no words.

None.

All I could do was stare and stare and stare.

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