The Canary Cowards

by Jescie Hall

“How can you be possessive of something that isn't yours?” Because you will be mine. You just don't know it yet.

“If you even for a second think you're gonna run, know I'll chase you. I'll chase until you're mine,” he whispers, grabbing my wrists and placing them on both sides of the headrest, making me fall forward into him again. “I'll catch you when you're slippin’.” He leans forward to capture my lips, pulling my bottom lip between his and sucking it tenderly before releasing it. “And you'll love every bit of getting caught.”

But this kiss isn't wasted. It's monumental. It’s forgiveness, it’s thank you, it’s pain, need, and love, all wrapped in one.

“I’ll always be your home, Lake.”

“Tell me I can love you the way I need to in order to breathe,” he whispers his demands like he does. “Tell me you’ll let me back in.”