Chapter Fourteen

After hours of traveling, Vernon finally got tired of the energetic teens and pulled over at a park. "Everyone out, go burn some stink off."

John stretched his arms above his head, happy to have the chance to get out and run. "Sweets." He nudged his girl, waking her from her nap. "Come on."

She rubbed her eyes, running her fingers through her hair. "Hmm?" She yawned, looking around as the bus emptied. "Where are we?"

"Kansas City." He smiled, taking in all of Claire's natural beauty.

She noticed him staring at her, rolling her eyes as she pushed a hand onto his face. "Stop staring at me, you creep."

John chuckled, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "You love me."

She stuck her tongue out, a little squeal escaping her when he took it between his lips. "You asshole." She laughed.

"John." Thomas raised a brow as he walked passed, his message clear. "Enough."

John rolled his eyes, before turning to the older man. "Yes Sir." He stood, taking Claire's hand as they walked off the bus. "I'll back off."

Claire squeezed his hand, knowing that her dad was setting John on edge. He'd always had authority issues and hated to be told what to do, and he'd just barely gotten used to having an actual family, she was worried that if her dad got too involved John might just decide to leave. She wouldn't put it past him to disappear for a few hours, maybe even a few days, and if her father pushed too far… she didn't want to think about it. "He's just worried." She whispered, noticing how John's jaw ticked.

He nodded, steering her into a group of trees as Dominic and the other burners started to cause a ruckus among themselves. "Come on." He kept a warry eye on the adults, making sure they were too preoccupied with his buddies.

Claire followed him, unsure of what he had planned. "John, what're you doing?"

He whirled on her, pushing her against a tree, his lips pressed against hers in a passionate kiss. He pressed his body against hers, loving the shock that was in her muscles. He nipped at her lips, tasting her lip balm on his teeth. "I love you." He smiled, his voice low and husky. "I love you so fucking much, and I don't want you to leave me." He dropped his head to her shoulder, letting her have the choice to push away from the tree at her back.

She lifted his head, looking into those coffee colored eyes of his. "Why do you think I'm gonna leave you?"

John swallowed, his throat constricting. "Why would you stay with me?" He ran his hand over her cheek, drinking in every bit of her beauty like water in a drought. "You're so beautiful, and I'm so broken." He hated to admit that, more to himself than to her. He hated the truth that the statement held. The truth that he was damaged merchandise, that no matter how hard he tried he could never be good enough for her.

She shushed him with her hands on either side of his face, making him meet her gaze to show him her honesty. "You are not broken." She wiped a tear from his eye, happy that he trusted her enough to show this side of himself. "You are so strong. You've been through Hell and back so many times, and every single time it made you stronger." She slid her hands down his chest and stomach, slipping them under the hem of his t-shirt. "Every scar you have, is another thing I love about you." She ran a finger over a long line on his side. "It tells me what a fighter you are, and that you will do anything to protect someone you love."

He gave a little moan as her hands traced over his abs, feeling her soft fingers against his skin. "Claire…" He had to force himself to stop her, to keep her from starting something that they both weren't ready for. "That feels so fucking good, but Tom will kill me if I walk back out there with a woody."

She nodded, gently kissing his cheek. "I love you." She whispered, her fingers entwining with his as they started back toward the group. "And I'll never leave you."

He smiled, squeezing her hand to let her know he believed her. "I love you too." He traced a pattern on her hand with his thumb, feeling her soft skin on his calloused fingers. "More than you know." He kissed her nose, happy that she was trying to understand.