Saving 6 (Boys of Tommen, #3)

by Chloe Walsh

Because when I got drunk, I got sloppy, and when I got sloppy, I got high. It had been that way since I wasn’t much older than Tadhg was. Hell, maybe even Ollie.

“I was in sixth class,

“And that was the last time I spent New Year’s Eve at home.” It was the last time I’d spent it sober, too.

“I am glad, Joe—and grateful. Darren might have been the academic son, but you’re the survivor.”

“Why?” I repeated, unrelenting. “Why, Joe, why?” “Because I

“Aoife. I was trying to protect you.” “Well, it didn’t work,” I heard myself cry, body growing limp as the adrenaline that had been coursing through me quickly dissipated. “Because I’m not okay.” He flinched. “I know.” “I’m not okay,” I repeated, needing him to hear me, to see me, to fucking help me. “You asked me earlier if I was okay, and I’m telling you that I’m not okay.”

“You want the words?” Roughly clearing my throat, I sucked in a sharp breath before saying, “Fine. I love you, Aoife Molloy.” “Don’t.” “I love you,” I reiterated, eyes locked on hers as I brushed away a tear from her cheek. “I love you more than I have ever loved another person in my life, and that’s not an exaggeration. That’s the god-honest truth.” “Joe.” “Which is why I can never put you in a position like the one I put you in on Christmas Eve.” Sniffing back my emotion, I shook my head and expelled a harsh breath before adding, “It’s because I love you that

will never allow that to happen to you ever again.”