on me increases, revealing the intensity of his worries.
Damn it.
His old man must have really done a number on him. I know Finn is doing everything in his power to please his father, even going as far as giving up his dream of being an astronomer. He does everything not to disappoint the old prick. And I get it. From what Finn has confided in me, I understand his father is a real tyrant who wouldn’t lose any sleep disowning his own flesh and blood.
But if Finn thinks his father can scare me away, then he has another thing coming. I’m not going anywhere. I don’t care who Hank Walker thinks he is. The only person who can push me away is pretty boy himself, and by the way he’s desperately clinging onto me so tightly, I don’t see that happening.
“Hey, look at me,” I command softly, pulling the short ends of his hair, forcing him to crane his head back to look me in the eye.
“You have me, Finn. Nothing and no one will change that.”
His eyes turn a melancholic shade of blue, the deep-seated frown lines on his brow just as profound as the desolate look on his beautiful face.
“I wish that was true,” he mutters, pain and misery tainting each word.
What did that old man do to you, baby? I swear, if he were here, I’d punch him in the nards.
“If I didn’t have class in a few minutes, I’d show you just exactly how true that is.”
I wiggle my butt on his lap, his cock instantly coming alive. I can always count on the little devil in his pants to be ready to play. It’s the chaos swimming in Finn’s head that gets in the way sometimes, much like now.
“Stone?”
“What, baby?”
“Just kiss me, okay? Kiss me like you love me. Can you do that?” he asks anxiously, and the pinch of suffocating guilt wraps its ugly claws around my heart, telling me I’m just as pigheaded and cruel as his father, if not more.
How much of a bitch am I, that I can’t at least erase this doubt from his mind? His father plays with his head while I toy with his heart. How fucked up is that? No wonder Finn is unraveling. Everyone wants a piece of him, and no one is willing to soothe his vulnerable soul.
Instead of telling him how I love him with all my Southie-born heart, I do as he asks and kiss him. I let my lips ease his doubts, my tongue erase his worries, and my heart silently whisper to his that it belongs to him only. When Finn pulls away, his eyes beam brightly, acknowledging the words I’ve been too much of a coward to confess out loud. His warm hands gently caress my face as he takes me in, almost as if trying to memorize this moment. There is so much adoration and worship in his steel-blue eyes that my heart begins to tick frantically like an overwound clock, making my lips dry, my throat tighten, and my chest heave.
Say it.
Say it.
Just say you love him for, fuck’s sake!
“Finn,” I stutter, but the pad of his thumb begins to play with my lower lip, halting my words from spilling over.
I stare back into his bright blue eyes, unable to stop the love I feel for him emanate out from me. Just like the ink permanently tattooed on my skin, so is the love for him imprinted on my very soul. Its warm glow burns even brighter when I see a genuine smile begin to tug on his lips.
“Life is funny, Stone. Sometimes, it’s in the bleakest of situations that you find yourself. I had no idea I’d find the other half of my heart serving drinks in the world’s shittiest bar. But I did. I found you. And no matter what happens, I want you to know that everything I ever told you is real. I love you, Stone. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you. Please remember that.”
“You sound like you’re going to be shipped off to war.”
His eyes crinkle at the sides as he continues to caress my face with all his tenderness.
“Some wars are fought right at home. Just promise me you’ll remember what I said.”
Even as confusing and cryptic as his statement is, I nod just the same, knowing it will settle his anguish. I’d do just about anything to keep his smile on his face at this point.
“Just one