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A shaky breath tore from my chest, an involuntary reaction to my anxiety, as I contemplated what my future held in store for me. A deep groan came from nearby and I quickly swung my gaze to the boy sleeping on the far side of the enormous bed, sprawled out in his jocks on top of the covers.

Rolling onto my side, I pressed my cheek into my pillow and just soaked in the sight of him. “Johnny?” I croaked out, feeling anxious and desperate for some sort of comfort I wasn’t even sure he could give me. “Are you awake?”

Silence.

Chewing on my lip, I debated my next move.

Should I get up?

Go for a walk?

Try to wake him up?

My thoughts were scattered when I felt a warm hand cover mine. “Hi, Shannon,” he whispered, eyes open now and locked on mine.

“Hi, Johnny,” I said softly, shivering from the physical contact.

“Can’t sleep?”

I shook my head.

“Scared?”

I nodded, unable to speak now.

His hand tightened around mine. “I’ll keep you safe.”

“Come here,” I whispered, holding on to his hand with a death grip. “I need you close.”

“You sure?”

I nodded. “Positive.”

Releasing my hand, Johnny stood up and pulled back the covers before climbing in beside me.

“Closer,” I begged, rolling onto my side. “I need you.”

His arm came around me, pulling my back flush against his bare chest before settling his hand against my lower belly. “I’m right here, baby.” His breath was hot on my neck, and then his lips were on my skin, pressing soft, hot kisses to my neck and collarbone. “You are not your father’s daughter, and there’s no orchard in the world far enough from the tree your apple fell from.” His arms tightened around me, the heat from his body cocooning me. “He won’t break you, because I won’t let that happen. Not ever.”

“I love you, Johnny Kavanagh,” I choked out, clenching my eyes shut as I grabbed his arm and held it to my chest. “Most in the world.”

“I love you back, Shannon Lynch,” he said quietly in my ear and I felt the connection I had to him in the deepest part of my soul. “Most in the world.”

“For keeps?” I breathed.

He kissed my shoulder. “For keeps.”

53

You Don’t Steal Kids, Lad

Johnny

Shannon Lynch changed me.

I knew that sounded like trite bullshit, but it was the truth.

That day back in January when I knocked her out with my ball, I’d been so fucking lost and miserable. I hadn’t realized just how much until I looked into those midnight-blue eyes and was met with an almost mirror replica of my own secrets and pain. I was hurt and scared for reasons completely different to hers, but something snapped into place for me that day, and I hadn’t been the same since.

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