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“That’s really your face?” she asked, eyes drooping, as she studied me with a vacant expression. “It’s so pretty.” “Uh, thanks?” I offered uncomfortably, still cupping her cheeks in my hands. “It’s the only one I have.”
“Not for me,” the little prick piped up. “She’s the same age as me.” “No. It’s not a matter of age for you,” I countered evenly. “She’s just too good for you.”
“I’m your daddy on the field, bitch.”
A girl, a fucking female I’d known for no longer than two hours, had managed to do what no one else ever had: knock me off-kilter. Shannon like the river was on my mind, and I didn’t fucking like it.
Folding my hands under my cheek, I whispered, “Don’t leave me.” “I won’t,” my brother vowed, tone laced with grit and sincerity. “I won’t ever leave you here with him.”
“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.”
“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.”
She set her empty bottle on the table and looked up at me with those big blue eyes. “If that’s okay?” Settle down, heart. Settle the fuck down.
“Now,” I sneered, glaring down at their faces. “Who wants to call my girlfriend a whore to my face?”
I had to look away. I couldn’t risk another glance at her. Not tonight. Get your ass away from this girl before you do something stupid like lose your heart as well as your head,
“I’m, ah…” Shrugging sheepishly, he shook his head and grinned. “I’m a fair bit oversized.” No, he was perfect. God hadn’t made a single mistake with this particular boy.
You could love this girl your whole life, the crazy thought persisted inside my brain over and over, if you just let yourself.
“What do you want me to do with him?” Joey asked. I shrugged and contemplated telling him to drive over the annoying fucker, but then I knew I would be terribly lonely without him.
“Listen, Kavanagh,” he finally said. “If you want to know what goes on inside of that head of hers, then be worth it.”
“Do you want me to bring her straight home?” I asked, having no goddamn clue how to deal with this. I followed after him, feeling at a complete loss. “Or take her to the hospital—” “I want you to hold fucking on to her,” Joey roared.
Instead, I nestled my cheek against his side and closed my eyes, allowing myself to drift off to sleep without an ounce of fear in my heart because it couldn’t exist inside of me, not when this boy had his arm around me.
She looked right through all the bullshit. Seeing me. Seeing only me. And that made me want to move some shit around and place her slap-bang in the middle of my world.
“You do know that you’re not allowed to keep humans as pets, don’t you?” he asked in a wry tone. “You know that’s just dogs and cats, right?” “Fuck. Right. Off,” I growled.
“Someone touched you,” Johnny whispered in my ear, placing his fingers on the marks. “I want to know who.”
“I thought you liked me,” I strangled out. “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.”
“Stop. I can’t. This is too priceless.” He threw his head back and howled laughing. “Mammy Kavanagh’s a better wingman than I am!”
No, this boy who made my heart jackknife in my chest at regular intervals and my common sense flatline, was standing in the middle of the school hallway, defending my honor. He had rejected me last night, and today he was taking on my bullies.
I’m yours. Please be gentle with me because I’m here to stay.
Shannon. I was talking about everyone saying my friend must be a fantastic fuck to turn your stupid rugby-ball head.” “His head’s not shaped like a rugby ball,” Gibsie scoffed. “You said that about my head, too.”
“You’re number thirteen.” He laughed. “And they want to bind with you.” He turned to waggle his brows at me. “Scrum style.”
“What am I going to do, Gibs?” “About Shannon?” I nodded glumly. “Give in,” he answered without hesitation. “I can’t,” I croaked out. “You can,” he assured me. “You’re just scared.”
“I’m scared, Shannon.” “Scared?” I felt him nod, his stubbly cheek rubbing against mine. “Of what?” “You.”
Months of wanting, lusting, and pining after her had left me at a point where I couldn’t see straight anymore. Because I had caught feelings for Shannon. Huge fucking feelings. Permanent ones.
“Please,” Johnny croaked out. “I don’t want to be on my own.” My heart constricted tightly in my chest, making it hard to breathe. “I can go and get Gibsie?” I offered weakly. Johnny shook his head. “I only want you.”
Johnny Kavanagh was kissing me back. He had his tongue in my mouth, his hand in my hair, and my heart in his pocket.
Cause I wanna see that girl again.” “Okay, Johnny. Just relax, buddy.” “No, no, no, Da. I’m serious,” I slurred. “I think I love that girl.” “Well, who’s this girl?” “She’s a river.” I sighed and closed my eyes. “I’m keeping her, Da.”
“What’s he talking about, John?” “God only knows,” my father replied, sounding thoroughly amused. “But it’s the best entertainment I’ve had in years.” “My dick works again, Ma,” I chuckle-slurred. “Da checked. My balls are there, too.”
“I’m gonna sail my boat down her river,” I snickered. “My dick boat.”
“Hi, Johnny.” “Boom, boom, fucking boom, Da,” I groaned, slapping a hand against my chest. “I’m done for.”
“I’m here, Johnny,” I croaked out. “You’re here?” He nodded, more to himself than anyone else. “Don’t leave me again.” My heart squeezed in my chest and my words came out in a small puff. “I won’t.”
“Tell me you love me,” he pleaded. “Johnny—” “Tell me.” Inhaling a steadying breath, I whispered, “Johnny, I love you.” “Thank fuck,” he groaned, exhaling loudly. “You won’t remember this,” I added shakily. “But I will.”
