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“Flanker?” Tadhg snickered, darting up the ladder once Feely and Hughie had climbed down. “More like wanker.”
“If I was sweet, you might try and eat me,” Tadhg shot back. “And you’ve clearly eaten enough.”
“Huge,” Tadhg scoffed, clearly enjoying the banter. “You’ve got that right.”
“Look—it’s like a hippo trying to outrun a cheetah.” I heard Tadhg and Ollie laugh, and even though I was mad as hell and had blood dripping down the back of my neck, I had to admit it was a lovely sound.
“You saved my life, Johnny.” Shivering, she leaned her cheek against my arm and exhaled a ragged breath. “You saved my brothers’ lives.” “Yeah, well, you saved mine a long time ago,” I replied gruffly. “I was only returning the favor.”
“I like your trouble,” I told her. “I want your trouble and your complications and everything else that comes with you.” Leaning closer, I stroked my nose against hers. “I want you.”
“I’m here forever.” “Really?” I nodded slowly. “Hundred percent.”
“I love you,” Shannon whispered, still holding my face in her hands. “For keeps.” Exhaling a ragged breath, I kissed her swollen lips. “Most in the world.”
“Your skin is always so hot,” she whispered when I draped an arm around her and tucked her into my chest. “It’s nice.” Shifting around so that my other arm was under her head, she nuzzled her cheek against my arm and inhaled a deep breath. “You smell like home.” Shivering, I curled my body around hers and pressed a kiss to the curve of her jaw. “You are home.”
“You shut up, Joey Lynch,” she sobbed, gripping his sides. “I love you.”
“You shut up, Aoife Molloy,” he shot back gruffly and pressed a kiss to her brow. “I love you, too.”
“You won’t drown. You’re a survivor,” he told me. “I’m not a good swimmer,” I admitted. “Then I’ll throw you a life jacket and swim out to get you,” he shot back, tucking me into his side. “Because I’m an excellent swimmer.”
“I love you, Shannon like the river,” he whispered, and the heat of his breath on my flesh caused a shiver of pleasure to roll through me. “And I’m coming home to you.”
“You’re my little darling,” he slurred. “My whole heart’s inside of ya.” My heart hammered in my chest. “Johnny…” “You’ll never be her,” he continued to ramble. “And I’ll never be him.” “You promise?” He nodded. “I promise a million billion promises.” Shivering, I slowly relaxed against him. “I love you, Johnny Kavanagh.” “And you know that I love you back, my little blue river,”
“Well, I only sail one river now,” he amended with a frown. “That’s yours—” He paused to point at me. “In case you were wondering.”
“I love you,” she whispered, fingers digging into my neck as she pulled my face down to hers and kissed my lips. “A crazy fucking amount.” “I love you, too—” My voice cracked and I exhaled a strangled breath before adding, “Most in the world.”
“I’m coming back to you, Shannon like the river.” Heaving out another ragged breath, I stroked her nose with mine. “I promise.”
“But don’t forget that you’ll always be my 13.” She sniffled and wiped my cheek with her fingers. “My binding 13.”
“Now, I’m keeping 13,” she told me. “So come home to me when you’re done, okay?” “I will.”
Fuck, I love you. Did I write that down yet? Fuck it, if I haven’t then here it is again. I love you Shannon Lynch. All of you. Every part.
A single tear rolled down my cheek as I watched the boy who had saved my life on countless occasions finally reap the rewards he so justly deserved.
“Shannon, I love you, and I’ll be home soon.”
“Shannon like the river,” I called out to her, unable to stop the smile that was spreading across my face as I climbed down the rocks to get to her. “Are you gonna come hug me or what?”
“It’s because you’re so amazing, and now the whole world knows just how much.” She gave me a watery smile. “They all want you.” “I only want you,” I mumbled, pressing my forehead to hers. “You have me,” she replied softly. “Contract or not. I’m entirely yours.”
“To be fair, I have been known to storm out on occasion,” I offered with a chuckle. “But I would never leave you behind, Shannon like the river.”
“I believe you,” she whispered, snuggling into my chest. “I really believe you, Johnny Kavanagh.” “Good,” I replied gruffly, tightening my hold on her small frame. “Because when it comes to you, Shannon Lynch, I’m all in.” “Me too.” “Where you go, I go.” “Promise?” “I promise.”
“Come on, Shannon like the river,”
take back. “Thanks so much,” she gushed, staring up at my boyfriend like he held the moon. “He’s amazing.” “Yeah.” I forced a smile. “He is.” And he’s mine.
“I’ll marry you,” he said then. “When we’re older and everything settles down.” Taking my hands in his, he placed them around his neck and leaned in close. “Just stand by me,” he said in a voice thick with emotion. “Stay with me.” His hand squeezed mine. “And I’ll make you proud. I’ll do right by you.”
“This won’t break us,” I croaked, touching my brow to his. “Nothing can break us,” he whispered. “I promise.”
“Hey, Shannon.” “No.” My lip curled up and I had to repress the urge to gag. “Just…no.”
ATE HIM UP
“I have bigger balls than you, fatty,” Tadhg called back, laughing his ass off. “Just ask your mother.” “I’m not fat!” Gibsie roared. “And you leave my mother out of this!” “I’m coming for your girl, Gibs,” Tadhg continued to taunt, thoroughly enjoying driving Gibsie crazy. “Fair warning.”
“Shannon like the river,” Johnny’s familiar voice purred down the line, setting my pulse racing. “How’s my girl?”
