❝ sugarcoated, lies unfolded, you still lick the wrapper.❞

At twenty-three, Kori thought she had love all figured out: steady boundaries, clear intentions, no room for chaos. But then there's Three. Three's twenty-five with a heavy past and an even heavier heart. The streets taught him to move ruthless, but one look at Kori had him rethinking everything. What starts as a friendship becomes calls that run too long and rides that don't end at the curb. Three falls first while Kori keeps drawing lines he's ready to cross. He's learning to heal. She's learning to trust. Together they're walking a line between danger and devotion. Where every laugh, every glance, every silence feels like more than it should. This isn't just a love story. It's a slow burn in real time with two hearts circling the fire, daring each other to step closer.

"I don't know how to do this." He was almost embarrassed to admit it. "I ain't been right with you in a long time, but I'm gon' ask anyway. Please don't take her from me." His plea cracked something open inside of his chest. "I know I ain't a good man. I done did some shit that I can't take back and I can't make it right. But she is, she's good. She's the light in so many places I didn't know were dark." "So if there's a price that needs to be paid for all the pain that I have caused in this word and done onto others put it on me. I'll pay it. I swear I will. I'll protect her with my last breath. I'll listen and heed her warnings. I'll slow down and come home more and stop thinking that I'm alone in this world." "Just please let my baby wake up. I love her, I'm in love with her and I can't do this without her. If waking her up means I got to sacrifice letting her go so she can be safe. I'll do that. Just don't take her from this earth." "In Jesus name I pray. Amen."

This is the very first, the original. If you see another, it's a copy and it's bs. Please do not copy any part of this book. Complete.