Page 82 of Careless

“Do you really think Finn is going to step foot into prom willingly?” he asks with a chuckle of disbelief.

“Well, Francine will want to go.”

That sours his mood. “We need to tell him the truth,” Rian veers off the subject.

“I know. Sooner rather than later. If it comes from us, maybe he won’t freak out.”

Rian chuckles, his features contorting with amusement. “Babe, I’m pretty sure he already knows. Plus, I don’t think he’s going to give a shit. Think about it rationally. He knows I’m protective of you, and that I would never let anything happen to you. There’s no one else who will look after you like I will.”

I smile at him. “You’ve proven that ten times over. I doubt I could ever find a guy that would willingly kill half the town just to protect me.”

A laugh falls from his lips as he pulls me closer. “Don’t exaggerate. There’s only been twenty-six people.”

“Only twenty-six?” I gasp in mock offense at his obvious joke. “ Well, perhaps you should make it an even thirty before you approach my brother,” I tease, playing along.

He looks me in the eyes, all evidence of this being a joke is gone. “Sorcha, I’ll make it an even thousand if it means keeping you safe.” We have a silent staring contest for a few moments before I feel a pinch on my ass and Rian gives me a wink.

I smack him playfully across the chest. ”Aren’t you just a regular Prince Charming? Such chivalry,” I taunt, the witty banter back on his face.

He buries his face in my neck and his warm breath heats my flesh. “There’s nothing I do concerning you that could be considered chivalrous.”

TO BE CONTINUED