Keeping 13 (Boys of Tommen, #2)

by Chloe Walsh

“Think he’ll represent me, too?” Gibsie asked. Shrugging, he added, “When you’re embarking on hell, it’s always good to have a buddy.”

“No, no, we’re not doing that.” Johnny stared hard at me, calling me right out on it. “You don’t get to shut me out, Shannon. You don’t get to do that to me again, because I won’t go this time. Do you hear me? I’m here, I’m in, I care, and I’m not going the fuck away.”

Johnny was silent for a long time, not making a sound, just being there, being with me, sharing the weight, shouldering the pain with silent support. And I think I loved him more for what he didn’t say in that moment. He didn’t make promises he couldn’t keep. He didn’t offer more than he could give. He just stayed.

“You can trust me,” he said in a voice so low it was barely audible. “I’m not like him, Shannon. I won’t ever hurt you. I couldn’t. Not in any shape or form.”

“Hi, Johnny,” she whispered, tumbling off the door step as she clung to me. “You came back.” “Hi, Shannon.” My crutches fell to the ground as I wrapped my arms around her body, holding her in place. “I promised I would,”

“I don’t just like you. I fucking—” Shaking his head, Johnny rubbed his jaw before looking back at me. “Shannon, I love you.” I stopped breathing. “You love me?” He nodded slowly, blue eyes locked on mine. “Like, a crazy fucking amount.” “Really?” “Really,” he confirmed.

“What do you need from me, Shannon?” he croaked out, voice thick and husky. “I’ll give you anything you need, baby.” Shaking his head, he groaned like he was in pain. “I just…I want to make you happy.” “You,” I whispered. “All of you.” “I’m already yours,” he groaned, before covering my lips with his.

“Shannon Lynch?” I called out, ignoring the rest of her fucked-up family. “I love you back.” Sniffling, she lifted her chin from Joey’s chest and looked at me all red-eyed and blotchy. “S-still?” “Still.” I nodded in confirmation. “Like, a crazy fucking amount.”

“You asked me what I wanted? There’s a lot of things, but in a nutshell, I just want you.” Shrugging, he added, “And I’m kind of hoping that you’re going to say that you want me, too.”

“Come here.” He chuckled, grabbing my hand and pulling me flush to his chest. “I missed you,”

Theyre so cute im literally gonna throw up

“I’m not in your corner, Shannon,” Johnny replied in a gruff tone. “I’m standing right beside you.”

“You look so fucking beautiful.” You said that already, lad. “Seriously, you’re gorgeous.” Shut up, Johnny. “Uh, thanks.” Under the streetlamps, I could see the blush on her cheeks. “It’s the clothes and makeup.” “It’s the girl,” I corrected, giving her hand a squeeze.

“From me,” I replied, heart racing. “From this.” I shrugged, feeling helpless. “From our relationship. What do you want from me?” “Honestly?” I nodded. “Always.” “Everything,” she whispered, looking into my eyes. “Especially the broken parts.”

return. I’m all in, Shannon. Scars and all. Fucked-up father and all. One hundred and fifty percent.”

“I’m with you. All of you. Every part. Good and bad. I’m staying.

“For keeps?” I breathed. He kissed my shoulder. “For keeps.”

“Get off him!” Bella screamed as she slapped and punched at Joey’s head. “You dirty little scumbag.” “Hey, don’t call my boyfriend a scumbag,” Aoife snarled as she barreled toward Bella. “Is this her, Shan?” she demanded. “Did she do this to you?” “Please, just leave it,” Shannon choked out. “Who the hell are you?” Bella hissed, glaring at Aoife. “Oh, I’m your worst nightmare, bitch.” Taking her to the ground in one fell swoop. Aoife straddled Bella. “You like terrorizing little girls?” she demanded. “Try someone your own size.” “How’s your money faring out for ya now, rich boy?” Joey sneered, grappling with Cormac on the road. “Being a scumbag has its benefits, doesn’t it?” “Think you can call my boyfriend a scumbag?” Aoife continued as she full on punched at Bella. Whoa, there was no palm slapping with this girl. “Think you can bully his sister, huh? Think you’re safe because you’re a girl and he can’t hit you back?” She reared her fist back and cracked Bella in the mouth. “Well, I can!”

HEELLLLLLLLL YEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHH

favorites and leave the rest in the box. There’s five of them, and broken, bent, or out of shape, I want them all!” “The Lynchs?” Awareness hit me smack in the chest and my jaw fell open. “You’re taking them?” “I’m taking them,” Mam confirmed with a determined gleam in her eye. “All of them.”

DOBBIBG SCREAMING CRYING

“But don’t forget that you’ll always be my 13.” She sniffled and wiped my cheek with her fingers. “My binding 13.” I choked out a pained laugh, thinking about that stupid bet. “You heard about that?” “Yeah.” Half sobbing, half laughing, Shannon smiled and nodded. “I won.” “Hands down.” I kissed her puffy lips. “Undisputed.” “Now, I’m keeping 13,” she told me. “So come home to me when you’re done, okay?” “I will.”

“Because when it comes to you, Shannon Lynch, I’m all in.” “Me too.” “Where you go, I go.” “Promise?” “I promise.”