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

hand in his, looking down at our intertwined fingers before continuing. “My life is not perfect—far from it.” He let out a deep breath. When he looked up at me, his eyes were glistening and he shook his head as if trying to clear it from bad thoughts. “I’m a mess sometimes, you just . . . found me at the wrong time.”

“No.” I squeezed his hand. “I reckon I found you at the exact right time, didn’t I?”

The hidden question burned in my eyes, but he didn’t reply. Just when I thought he wasn't going to say anything, he nodded. It wasn’t much, but the little gesture was enough for me to know I’d been right.

My eyes filled with tears, and to hide them I buried my face in his neck. He wrapped his free arm around my shoulders and hugged me tight to his body.

I wanted to tell him how much I’d miss him, but it wouldn't make anything better. What lay ahead of us, neither of us could change. Telling him would only hurt us both more than the silence would. I remained quiet, resting my head against his shoulder for a little while longer. Then I sat back up, watching him in silence, trying to savor this last moment together. I reached out a hand, and let it glide across his cheek.

"Bree, I . . ." His voice trailed off and I raised an eyebrow in question. But whatever he’d been about to say was lost, and he shook his head. I couldn't help but wonder what he’d planned to say, and why he hadn't.

Instead of speaking, he let a hand slide into my hair, pulling me toward him. Our lips met and that familiar spark shot through me at the slight contact. My whole body tingled with what felt like electricity, and when he pulled away, I was already breathless. He must’ve seen the look in my eyes because he gave me a bittersweet smile.

Then he kissed me again, this time with more passion, and all the traces of sadness vanished in an instant.

"Wait,” I gasped. "They can come in!”

"Lock the door."

My eyes grew wide. I shot a nervous glance at the door, then I looked back at Johnny. It was all the encouragement I needed.

I stepped back into his waiting arms and his lips met mine in another fiery kiss. His hands slid inside my shirt, and all thoughts of our uncertain future melted away. I couldn't even worry about his health; I couldn't think of anything else than this moment.

∞∞∞

A loud rap at the door brought me back to reality all too soon.

Johnny shot a look of annoyance toward the intrusion. ”Give us a sec.”

I shifted in his arms to look at him. The sad look on his face made the feelings I'd temporarily forgotten come rushing back. My throat tightened as one persistent thought assaulted my mind.

This is the last time, the voice whispered, and I knew it was right. The last time I touched him; the last time I kissed him; the last time I—

"Open the fucking door.” Marc’s irritated voice made me jump, and Johnny let out another grumble.

“Fucking unbelievable.”

His hand caressed my hair, then slid down my back before finally disappearing.

Knowing Marc's temper, I wouldn't be surprised if he’d kick the door open. I didn't want to stand there half naked if that happened. I quickly put my clothes back on, watching as Johnny did the same.

Then he went to open it, and just as I’d expected, Marc stormed inside, followed by Rick and Casey who looked more amused than annoyed.

“Get the fuck out of my face,” Johnny muttered, and Marc scoffed. Instead of replying, he turned to me and I cringed under his glare.

"Brianna.”

I managed a small nod.

“You’ll leave the boat before it goes into port, that way you can avoid the press,” Marc said. “I’ll have someone take you ashore in a small boat.”

I nodded, not wanting to argue with him. It wouldn't make a difference. I looked at Johnny, and he seemed torn between liking the idea and disliking it. But he didn't protest and with that my fate was sealed. It wouldn't be long now.

“I’ll be back.” With that Marc left, just as abruptly as he'd entered.

Johnny came to sit next to me, and I turned toward him, not caring about Rick and Casey’s presence.

"I know I promised not to ask, but . . . are you okay? You look . . ."

"Exhausted?"

I nodded.

"I wouldn't want it any other way.” The little wink he gave me made my heart skip a beat.

Casey and Rick exchanged funny looks.

"You do remember you have a fever, Johnny. You should be resting, not engaging in—"

"Just shut it, Rick," Johnny snapped, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Rick laughed, and I couldn’t help but blush. Rick and Casey seemed to know exactly what Johnny and I had been doing behind the locked door, and the way they eyed us made me wish for the floor to swallow me up.

Trying not to look at them, I reached out a hand to smooth down Johnny's hair, which to my embarrassment looked much messier than usual.

Rick chuckled again and this time Casey joined in.

“Get the fuck out of here," Johnny said.

“All right, J.” Casey grinned, taking Rick by the arm, and I stared at them as they disappeared through the door.

“They’re great, those two. I’m glad you have them to look after you.”

“If only they weren’t so annoying.”

He didn’t mean it. I was sure he liked Rick and Casey just as much as I’d come to like them in only a few hours.

The boat slowed down before I heard the footsteps. It was time.

“Johnny.” I managed to whisper his name as the sudden wave of desperation rushed over me. I wanted to cling to him and never let go. He nodded, taking my hand.

“I know, love,” he whispered. “I know.”

28

Goodbyes

A hand landed on