Binding 13 (Boys of Tommen, #1)

by Chloe Walsh

Johnny shook his head and pulled me closer. “Sleep with me.” “Johnny, you’re just after surgery,” I sighed. “You need to rest.” “If this is love, then it’s you,” he replied, dragging me down to lie beside him. “Huh?” I asked as I slid onto my side and tried my best not to poke at his legs. “You,” he mumbled sleepily, dropping a heavy arm around my shoulders. “Me what?” I whispered as I placed my hand on his stomach and snuggled into his side. “You are love.” He sighed contently. “Stay with me.” Always. “I’ll stay with you,” I whispered, feeling more in this moment than I could handle. “Who’s making you sad?” he asked then, voice slurred and sleepy. “Tell me, baby.” “Nobody, Johnny.” “You lie and it hurts my heart,” he groaned, tightening his hold on me. “All those marks. It hurts when I know someone’s hurting my Shannon.” “Johnny—” “Who’s hurting you, baby?” he slurred sleepily. He yawned loudly and then sighed. “I’ll fix it.” “It’s a secret,” I breathed, feeling my body shake. “I won’t tell,” he whispered. Inhaling a trembling breath, I clenched my eyes shut and pressed my lips to his ear. “My father.” I waited several beats for him to say something. He didn’t. When I opened my eyes and looked at his face, I realized why. Johnny was asleep.