“Read it to me,” she says, handing it back.
“What?”
“I want you to read it.”
I take it back, my throat suddenly tight.
“Let it be the first and not the last
The time I say happy birthday to you.”
I pause and look at her.
“Let it be the first and not the last
The time I see you without guard.
Show me who you are,
Unafraid and free,
And I will show you that the world
Was made for you and me.”
Her lips part slightly, a soft exhale escaping. The defiance in her eyes is melting. It’s everything I wanted and it terrifies me.
I have to finish it. My voice dips to a near whisper.
“Let it be the first and not the last
The time I say happy birthday to you.
Let it be the first and not the last
The time my lips touch yours,
And I will show you that the world
Was made for you and me.”
I’ve just laid my soul bare, given her the one thing I have to offer that isn’t tainted by this city, or my name or the darkness inside me. Now all I can do is wait to see if she takes it, or if she runs.
Shit, it was too much. Too soft, too… I should have gotten her a gift.
“Can I have it back?” Her voice is soft now.
She reaches for the paper, but before I can give it back, I grab her wrist and pull her close.
“Jax…” she breathes, but it’s not a protest. It’s a surrender.
I close the remaining distance.
“How did I do?”
“I…”
“You can say it sucks, it’s not good, I know…”
