Binding 13 (Boys of Tommen, #1)

by Chloe Walsh

I would like to dedicate Binding 13 to anyone who’s ever had a dream they dared to chase with insatiable hunger and drive. This story is for you.

Thank fuck for that, because you’re ruining all of me right now, I thought to myself.

I didn’t understand how people could hurt any animals, but especially dogs. They were too good for us. Humans didn’t deserve the love and loyalty dogs gave them.

There was something about the way a dog looked at you; they didn’t care if you were a famous rugby player or a homeless person on the streets. They only cared about how you treated them, and once they chose you as their human, you had a faithful friend for the rest of their lives. I didn’t think humans were capable of such compassion and commitment.

“You are so concerned with fighting the bullies at school, Mam,” I sobbed, tears streaming down my cheeks, “when the biggest bully of them all lives under this roof.”

“What happened?” he demanded, glaring down at me. “Who the fuck made you cry?” “What?” I breathed, shaking my head. “I’m not crying.” “Your eyes are red and swollen,” he deadpanned. “You’ve been crying.” His eyes moved to my cheek. “The fuck happened to your face?”

“Give me a name,” Johnny growled, dropping his hands to his hips. “And I’ll take care of it.” “What—no! I’m grand,” I quickly replied. “I have allergies.” “Me too. To assholes and bullshit,” Johnny snarled. “Now, tell me who made you cry and I’ll fix it.”

“Now,” I sneered, glaring down at their faces. “Who wants to call my girlfriend a whore to my face?”

You could love this girl your whole life, the crazy thought persisted inside my brain over and over, if you just let yourself.

“Someone touched you,” Johnny whispered in my ear, placing his fingers on the marks. “I want to know who.”

Releasing an unsteady breath, I reached up, grabbed Johnny’s neck, and pulled his face down to mine. And then I kissed him.

“Jesus Christ,” Johnny groaned, dropping his head in his hands. “Of course, I like you.” He tugged on his hair and sighed. “I think it’s pretty fucking clear that I’m mad about you.”

“Hi, Johnny.” “Boom, boom, fucking boom, Da,” I groaned, slapping a hand against my chest. “I’m done for.”

stance in front of me. “You think you’re all tough, but you’re nothing but an alcoholic scumbag who goes around