Free Boxer Beast by Marci Fawn

pull my shirt off. I know my body looks good. I’ve been hitting the gym long and hard to make sure it’s on point. But Faith likes me for more than just my looks. I’ve known that for years.
    As the guy prepares his tools, Faith stands next to me and holds my hand.
    “Why are you doing this?” she asks me softly when the dude isn’t looking. “You don’t need to prove a point to me, you know.”
    I look at her, and I remember what I’ll have to tell her soon. I remember the contract I signed exactly one year ago, on my eighteenth birthday. I’d be leaving for another state too soon… Tomorrow.
    I’ve known this for a while now, but the chance to tell Faith never came up. I knew it would hurt her, and she never let me close enough to explain things. But I need to be with her tonight, my last night in this fucking town. I’ll deal with the fallout later.
    “I want to,” I say simply. “I want a reminder of you, Faith… For the rest of my life.”
    “How fucking romantic,” biker man chuckles and Faith blushes. I grit my teeth as the needle digs into my skin – the first of many tattoos I want. But this one will always have a special place in my heart.

    I am so fucking screwed . When my old man sees the tat, he’ll blast my ass off with a shotgun.
    I regret nothing, though. Never would, not when it comes to my girl.
    “Let me see,” Faith says as soon as I get out of the chair. Her voice is begging, and concerned. I like that she cares so much.
    I stand to attention once she comes closer and inspects her name on my chest in cursive. For all his loudmouthing, the biker guy did a really nice job. I give him the money my dad gave me for my date with Faith, knowing he’ll fucking kill me the next day.
    Not if I leave early enough, though.
    Faith squeals with excitement when she sees her name on my pecs. “I shouldn’t love it, but I do,” she says shyly. “I can’t believe you did that for me. I hope you never regret it, River…”
    “Never,” I say, determined to stay true to my word. I smooth down her hair and kiss her tenderly.
    I’m dead beat. After all, the night has passed. It’s early morning now. Two a.m., if my guess is right. She should be getting home or her dad will throw a fit.
    “It’s late. Your dad will be angry if you’re not in your bed like a good girl.”
    “I’m not a child, River, I can go to bed when I want to.” She practically runs out of the door of the tattoo shop.
    “Never said you couldn’t.” I’m trying to stay calm, not that it’s really working. “But he’s probably not thrilled about you staying out with some random guy.”
    She flashes an evil grin at me, but I don’t give a fuck. That Jason guy should get lost once and for all. I’m hoping she’ll sass back some more and give me an excuse to spank her. “So are you going to your place or mine?”
    I don’t want to take her home with me. Not because I don’t want her there with me. I do, more than anything. But my family… Fuck. And her father lives right next door.
    For a minute, she’s silent. She doesn’t stop. We walk without speaking a word, and I keep my head down, wondering just how badly I fucked up. I look at her from the corner of my eyes.
    Her. Face. Is. So. Goddamn. Red.
    “You’re… I… I don’t know.” She bites her lip.
    Shit. She’s actually considering it. This girl will be the end of me.
    “You don’t have to. It was just a stupid thing to say…” I keep myself from reaching out and running a finger down her mouth. Damage control. I can’t think well enough to make her feel better if I’m touching her.
    “It’s not that I don’t want to. And I do. It’s just. I,” she stutters. Finally, finally, she looks up at me. “I want to.”
    Fuck it.
    I drag my finger down her mouth as slowly as I dare, feeling goose bumps erupt on my skin as I touch her. I shouldn’t feel this way over a girl. But damn it to hell, I always have when it comes to Faith.
    Maybe