Gratify

by Katelyn Taylor

but I liked the idea of being named after a Titan, even if he suffered a life of having the entire world on his shoulders, literally.

We have been officially together for three years now, but I’ve loved Theo Kane my whole life.

All it took was one look at me in Thomas Randall’s jersey to have Theo snarling. He stormed up to me and demanded that I take it off.

She needs me to be strong, to be her anchor, her protector. I’ll easily push my own pain to the side to take on hers.

“It’s the twenty-first century, Atlas. I’m capable of getting my door.

This is Atlas, the same man who taught me how to swim.

He is about as unappealing to me as it gets.

I don’t know what’s going on. I think grief has finally started digging its nasty claws into me with everything it’s got because it feels like I’m losing my goddamn mind.

This is fucking Andromeda. Andromeda Clarke. Paul and Em’s daughter. Theo’s ex-girlfriend. I’ve never had an impure thought about her a day in my life until twenty-four hours ago.

I’m not just going to hell. I’m gonna fucking burn.

Sometimes I want you around too much.”

“Gratify.

This is rough and passionate, carnal and sinful.

He’s not that fucking funny.

So, I do the only thing I know how to do. I blow out a heavy breath, pull my keys out from my pocket and drive as far away from Andromeda Clarke as I can, at least until she comes home.

“Good. I’m a pretty jealous man when I like a woman. And I most definitely like you, Andromeda.”

“I’m the farthest thing from perfect, Nevaeh.

“Not God, baby, Atlas. A fucking Titan.”

“Don’t ever speak about my son or any other man on his knees for you ever again. You. Are. Fucking. Mine!”

I’m gonna be selfish and reckless for the first time in my goddamn life. I’m taking something for me and that something is you.”

“I mean it. You’ve officially broken me. Congratulations.

“Thinking about another man just breathing the same air as you makes me murderous.

I’m totally and completely fucked when it comes to Andromeda Clarke.

That I’m practically a sailor at sea and you’re the captivating siren, luring me into my death?”

I’ll burn the fucking world down before I let another man lay a finger on what’s mine.”

“You’re a possessive psychopath.”

She isn’t just a girl I’m dating, and the title girlfriend doesn’t seem to fit either. She’s just…everything. My everything.

“I’ve never been in love before. Not a love like your parents had…but I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you, Nevaeh.”

“I love you, Atlas. Irrevocably.”

though. As long as I’m by his side, I’ll gladly follow him to the depths of Tartarus.

Neveah, you are my whole world. I could never want another woman when I have you.”

Happy fucking Thanksgiving, everyone.

“One semester, Nevaeh, and then I’m coming for my girl.”

“Never. There is only you. There has only ever been you.”

Drama has been gone for over a year now.

You were my girl. You still are my girl too. I’m just here to bring you home now.”