Face Off (D.C. Stars, #1)

by Chelsea Curto

A smile—the tiniest, faintest smile I’ve ever seen—pulls at her lips, and I’m the proudest motherfucker in the world. I want to set off a confetti cannon. Hang a banner from the rafters of the Civic Center that says I MADE EMERSON HARTWELL SMILE. Put it on a T-shirt and wear it around town.

I never really felt like I had a home. But with Emmy next to me, I think home is wherever she is. A place I’d like to stay forever.

But guess what? She’s mine now, motherfucker, and I’m not going to let you disrespect her anymore.”

He looked back at me, bloodied and bruised, and smiled. Fucking smiled, and mouthed, I’d do it again. I know he would.

“Maverick. What are… Why are you wearing my jersey?” “Because it’s Heroes and Legends night. You’re my hero, Hartwell, and you’re definitely going to become a legend.

I write the word mine with her freckles again. Mine, mine, mine. All mine, for as long as she’ll have me. I hope it’s forever.