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“Finley?” I hiss “It’s Declan”

Seventeen

Finley

I brace for the worst when I hear the door open Horror after horror, I think,Then I hear hioneas I rush from the stall

He catches htly, with one ar my head as his asping He’s whispering so in my ears

“Hey there, sweet Siren Are you okay?” He holds h to hurt, and I can feel the tremor in him as his ribs pump with his quick, quiet breaths

I cling to hi on a sob All I can say is, “Sailor”

“It’s okay I’ve got you now” We’re leaned against the wall I’s as he holds ainst my hair as he says, “Listen to o Are you hurt anywhere?” His hands stroke down entle eyes

I shake h The answer is “my heart,” but it feels better now

“Okay—we’re gonna have to find a different door Is there a side door you could show me?”

“I can’t leave with you! They won’t let me!” A sob punches froain

“I know” He holds htly “I know you can’t without spousal consent Soh? You want to leave with ht now, get some lead time”

“Yes Yes, please! Don’t leave me here, please!”

“Okay, baby Where’s that other door? You gotta shohere the other door is”

“The side door”