Binding 13 (Boys of Tommen, #1)

by Chloe Walsh

“You need to know that I’m not going to be here for much longer.” “I know,” I whispered, feeling the burning ache in my chest. “And I know I shouldn’t have kissed you,” I choked out, voice torn. “Okay? I know that. It was wrong. I understand. I just…I just…” “You just what, Shannon?” he coaxed. “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.” Exhaling a pained groan, he added, “But I’ll be eighteen in May, Shannon.” “I’m sixteen,” I whispered. “I know, Shannon, fuck I know,” he groaned, voice torn. “But I’m trying to do the right thing here.” My heart fluttered uncertainly. I didn’t know what to think or how to feel. He was rejecting me and telling me he liked me at the same time, and it was too much for my heart to take. “For who?” I croaked out. “For the both of us,” Johnny strangled out. “My career is taking off and I need to stay focused. And you deserve someone who can put you first.” He ran a hand through his hair again, looking both stressed and tired. “I can’t do that.” He looked me right in the eyes and said, “I want to—I really fucking want to. But I’m not in the position to do that for you.”