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    “So now that I’ve unloaded my life story on you, you have to promise no secrets between us, okay? If we actually have a shot at being friends, it’s all honesty all the time. I just can’t take secrets.” I shook my head, trying to impart to him just how important this was to me. “Gino kept so many secrets from me that they’re a trigger now. So if I let you in, promise not to make me regret it, ‘kay?”
    “Never, baby. I promise.” He pulled me in for a hug, his palms stroking my hair and sending warm and fuzzy feelings through my system. “From now on, I’ve got you.”

 
    FIVE
    Liam
    Christ, she’d been violated. She’d been emotionally and verbally abused, and I wanted nothing more than to slap her dad and brother on the back and thank them for taking care of her when I couldn't. It was silly since I didn’t even know her back then, but I felt protective of past Charlie just the same. 
    I wanted to find the fucker. I wanted him to feel pain. I wanted him to walk with a limp for the six years of painful memories my beautiful girl had had to carry. Fuck that—I wanted him to walk with a limp from my hands forever. 
    Charlie was so much more fragile than I’d ever dreamed. That chip on her shoulder had thrown me for a loop in the beginning, but I saw now exactly where she’d gotten it from.
    After we stepped out of the car, I locked her hand in mine and pulled her along the dirt trail as the ocean breeze washed across our faces. 
    I wanted to forget both of our pasts, pretend they didn’t exist, and just live for us, for our future. 
    “This is it,” I said when we walked to the rocky ledge of remote coastline on Marblehead. From here, you could see the entire ocean spread out before you, islands dotting the coast, and even sea lions or a whale on a good day. 
    “This is gorgeous.” She spun, letting go of my hand and relishing the wind in her hair. She looked free, as though she wasn’t carrying the burden of pain on her shoulders anymore. She looked alive. 
    “That’s the prettiest smile I’ve seen on you yet.” I caught her mid-spin and pulled her to me. “I can’t tell you what it means to me that you told me about your past. I know it must have been hard. I know you didn’t want to tell me, but I’m really fucking honored that you did.” 
    “I want you to know everything. I’m sick of doing this dance with you. I like you, Liam, but I had to tell you what you’re getting in for. I’m mouthy and loud and sometimes reckless and prone to bad decisions. You get what you get with me, and if you can’t accept that, then you should walk away.”
    “Never, and I disagree with almost all of those statements. You’re lovely and thoughtful and so kind. You’re stubborn and smart and have an independent streak a mile long. You’re also a little wild and a lot of fun, but cautious and reserved too. You didn’t make a bad decision. You fell in love; it’s how you pick yourself up that determines your future. Don’t let that arsehole control how you see yourself anymore, promise me?”
    Her eyes held mine for long beats, her lips twisting together before her palms were suddenly on my cheeks and she was kissing me. Full-on, body pressed to mine, kissing me. 
    My hands circled her instantly, and with the Atlantic breeze at our backs, Charlie finally let go of all her inhibitions and reservations and kissed me like she really meant it. 
    “You’re the kindest Irish bastard I’ve ever met.”
    “Mm.” I nipped at her bottom lip, her body still plastered to mine. The wind pushed us together as though we were meant to be melded as one. “Dropped the playboy, now?”
    “You earned it. Unless there are any other surprises you’ve got to tell me, you’re officially my favorite Irish bastard.” She pressed up on her toes, curled her arm around my neck, and pulled me back down into a breathtaking kiss. 
    “Fuck, you don’t know what you do to me.”
    “Tell