“Keep going.”
“She learned at a very early age how to fend for herself because no one took care of her.” No one loved her. It’s hard to admit, even to myself only in my head, that the one person in this world who was supposed to love me unconditionally didn’t.
“And?” Cora says.
“Her tears ran dry and her delicate, soft heart hardened. It turned to stone.”
Cora nods. “Stone is strong and resilient.”
My eyes move to hers. “Stone is cold and resistant to penetration without being broken.”
“Also true.”
I look back at myself. “I’m damaged. Something’s missing inside of me. A piece of me is not here.”
Cora walks around and stands in front of me so that we’re face-to-face. “Strong people don’t have easy pasts, and the scars they carry prove that they are stronger than whatever tried to hurt them. You’re a warrior and a beautiful young woman who is deserving of good things and happiness. You’re special, Caitriona, whether you realize it or not. Our pasts aren’t all that different; I understand you far better than you can ever imagine.”
Cora’s words are… empowering and soothing at the same time.
She crouches, unnecessarily repositioning the shoes in front of me, and I see the act for what it truly is. She’s lowering herself and elevating me. “Toes go in first, beautiful warrior.”
I grow three inches when I step into the shoes. She stands upright, and it feels good to look this powerful, independent woman in the eyes. She makes me want to be stronger.
“Diamonds are beautiful. And they’re also flawed. They don’t crack but they do cut.” Cora places a finger beneath my chin, lifting it slightly, and looks directly into my eyes. “Be a diamond, Caitriona.”
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About the Author
Georgia Cates is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author. She resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.
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Also by Georgia Cates
STAND-ALONES
Waiting for My Queen
Dear Agony
Indulge
Sweet Torment
Stand-alone Novel Collection Bundle
SOUTHERN GIRLS SERIES
Bohemian Girl
Neighbor Girl
Intern Girl
Southern Girl Series Bundle
Eighty-One Nights
Beautiful Ever After
Beautiful Illusions Duet Bundle
THE SIN TRILOGY
A Necessary Sin
The Next Sin
One Last Sin
The Sin Trilogy Bundle
SIN SERIES STAND-ALONE NOVELS
Endurance
Unintended
Redemption
Sin Series Stand-alone Novels Bundle
The Complete Sin Series Bundle
THE BEAUTY SERIES
Beauty from Pain
Beauty from Love
The Beauty Series Bundle
GOING UNDER SERIES
Going Under
Shallow
Going Under Complete Duo Bundle
THE VAMPIRE AGAPE SERIES
Blood of Anteros
Blood Jewel
Blood Doll
The Complete Vampire Agape Series Bundle