Johnny & I : The Island by Daria Paus (hardest books to read txt) 📕

on me, almost hidden by their large figures. I smiled but didn't speak. What could I say?

They asked a million questions, and Johnny answered as best as he could. Somewhat incoherent, he told them about the creeps, the boat, and then my name come up, but I didn't listen to the words. All I could think was, it's over.

I was glad they’d finally come to our rescue, but at the same time, my heart sunk. I was no longer needed. Johnny had no use for me now when his team was here, and soon I’d be shipped off to the mainland, never to see him again. Never look into those beautiful brown eyes, never—

My thoughts were cut off by the sound of Johnny's voice. I looked up, meeting his gaze. "Bree, come.” He spoke in such a low voice I was surprised I’d heard him at all. Throwing Marc and the guys a hesitant look, I did as he wanted and went to sit on the bed.

Johnny reached out a hand, and with only a few seconds delay, I took it. Somehow everything felt a little better again. I glanced up at the men, and they were all staring down at us in utter surprise.

"All right.” Marc shot me a look that made me feel like a schoolgirl at the principal’s office. "We need to get home. Casey, come with me, let’s get those fuckers onto the boat. Rick, stay with Johnny."

I watched them head off, certain they could indeed handle the creeps. Marc’s massive body and stern expression could surely frighten anyone into obedience.

My gaze fell on Rick. He was the opposite of Marc. His skinny body and friendly face made me take an instant liking toward him.

"Quite a story you've got, man.” He grinned at Johnny. Then he looked at me and smiled a genuinely friendly smile. "Ignore Marc; he's rough but he means well."

I smiled, eyeing his light-brown hair and boyish grin.

"Maybe he ain't so glad I tried to hit him."

Rick laughed. "That too, but with everything that went down here I think you had every right.” He grinned. “Besides, it's kinda cute how you defended Johnny back there."

I blushed and looked down. Johnny squeezed my hand, and I threw him a quick look. He smiled back, as the little scene in the hallway must have been news to him. The way he looked at me made me realize he didn't find it amusing in the way Rick had. Instead it looked like he was grateful that I would do that for him.

Rick chuckled, fumbling to get his wallet out of his back pocket. Fishing out a couple of small white pills, he handed them to Johnny. "They'll make you feel better."

"Better late than never, ay," Johnny said. "Thanks, mate."

Rick turned his eyes on me, studying me far longer than what felt comfortable. I cleared my throat, hoping he’d get the point.

He gave me a sheepish smile. "Sorry," he said. “Was just trying to figure you out."

I rolled my eyes. "Did you?"

He shook his head. "You have a weird accent. I like it."

I wasn't sure whether I should feel insulted or flattered, but before I had time to dwell on it, Johnny snapped.

"What the fuck?"

"Whoa sorry, man." Rick held up his hands. "You seem to have developed quite a liking toward this young woman."

The look he received was anything but amused.

"I'm still here," I muttered. "Seriously?"

Rick laughed, and I somehow found it hard to stay angry at him.

"Hey, I’ll check on the others," Rick winked at us before disappearing through the door.

I made myself comfortable on the bed, at the same time moving closer to Johnny.

"How are you feelin'?" I asked.

“Tired.” He gave me a small smile, but then the smile faded and he groaned. "I don't wanna go back."

"We have to."

He nodded.

"They’ll be back soon. We should get ready," I sighed, wishing we didn't have to get ready for anything. All I wanted was to snuggle up next to him and stay like that forever, just the two of us. I straightened, removing my hands from him and watched as he struggled into a sitting position without my help.

"Everything's spinning," he groaned. "I feel drunk."

I quickly changed into my own clothes while throwing nervous glances at the door. When I was done, I turned to Johnny, who watched me with a sad look on his face.

“It'll be okay." I didn't believe it myself, but I said it anyway. It didn't look like he believed it either, and I sighed, taking the few steps that separated us. "Johnny.” I wanted to say so much more, but couldn't bring myself to do it. It didn't matter what I felt for him, it would be over soon anyway. I stood between his legs and wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close to me. His arms wrapped around my waist, and as he rested his head against my belly. I absentmindedly stroked his hair.

So, this was it. I’d known this day would come, and I’d made myself believe in all sorts of dreams. The reality hit me hard. All the dreams turned flat, crushed under the weight of real life. Johnny and I were polar opposites. I could never fit into his life. Being the center of attention, judged, and criticized. I'd had enough of that growing up. And it was obvious he couldn’t change his life to please me. I mentally kicked myself for letting such thought cross my mind. The little voice in my mind wasn't late to latch on. Why would he do that? It taunted. Reality check. He has everything. Money, fame, a billion of fans, a goddamn island. You have nothing to offer him. My eyes filled with tears as I forced myself to face the cold hard truth. I was nothing more than a temporary fling. Someone who'd been there when he'd needed me. And now our time was over, and hell with me.

Time ticked by and I suddenly got the feeling of