Dared (LSU, #4)

by Becca Steele

“Leo Evans. You don’t want to know how many hours it took me to find out where you were. But I didn’t stop, and do you know why? Because you’re my fucking friend, and you don’t get to decide that our friendship is over because of one tiny mistake.”

“Stop.” Lowering himself into a crouch, he reached out, steadying himself on the side of my bed with one hand, the other outstretched towards me. “I’m gonna tell you right now that you’re overreacting, and I don’t want you to give yourself a hard time about it, okay?”

“Good boy.” Removing his palm, he ruffled my hair, and I glared at him, which made him grin harder. “Don’t call me that.” “Sorry, little lion.”

“I think Millie might want to kiss me. Would…would you be able to teach me how?” Everything stuttered to a halt. I couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe. “Finn? I dare you.” Fuck. “Ask me again when you’re sober,” I said eventually, but he was already asleep. I lay awake for a long time.

“Ruining what? Baby, please speak to me. I don’t understand.” It barely even registered that I’d called him “baby”—something I’d never called anyone in my life, but it had just slipped out. I was too worried.

You’re not an obstacle in the way. You’re…Leo. My Leo.” “Oh.”

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say he was one in a million. I loved him. Whoa. Wait a minute. I loved him.

“I love you,” I breathed.

“My lion. You’re so fucking incredible, you know?” He swallowed hard and then continued. “I…I dare you to be my boyfriend.”

“Sorry. Did you want us to act like we’re surprised?” He turned to my mum, widening his eyes and giving a fake gasp. “Can you believe it? Finn and Leo are in a relationship. They were so subtle. I never had a clue.”

With Finn, I hadn’t only gained a boyfriend. I’d gained a family.

“You are like one of those heroes. You’re Leo Evans. My lion.”

I dare you to marry me…