Binding 13 (Boys of Tommen, #1)

by Chloe Walsh

“It’s okay,” I promised, taking his big hand in mine. “You’re going to be okay.” Johnny stiffened, but didn’t pull his hand from mine. I didn’t let go, either. I just pulled his hand onto my lap and held on tightly. “I’m in pain, Shannon,” he confessed, dropping his head. “I’m so fucking scared.” “I know you are,” I whispered, shifting closer, fingers twitching with the urge I had inside of me to check the damage he was hiding beneath that towel. “Have they given you anything for the pain?” Johnny exhaled a ragged breath. “Yeah, the doc gave me a shot of something—a muscle relaxant, I think.” “Is it helping?” He shook his head. “I bet you wish you hadn’t wasted those ibuprofen on me now, huh?” I joked, trying to distract him from the obvious discomfort he was in. “They would’ve come in handy right about now.” “A tranquilizer would be helpful,” he shot back glumly, his big shoulders sagging. “Let me see you,” I instructed softly. Keeping my right hand wrapped around his, I used my left to reach over and turn his chin. “Those fuckers,” I grumbled, eyeing the purple bruising on the side of his cheek and the cut above his brow that was once again clotting. “Your poor face.” Johnny chuckled then. “What’s funny?” I asked, thrilled to hear that sound come out of him. “It’s weird to hear you say ‘fucker,’” he explained with a weary smile. “I’m quite partial to cursing, you know,” I told him, desperately trying to distract him from his pain. “No, you’re not,” he replied gruffly, to...