Read Me (Forget the Past, #2)

by Lauren Connolly

Cats. Never clear about what they want, but will make sure to punish you if you don’t figure it out.

“I used you to escape an uncomfortable situation. I’m sorry.” He shrugs, eyes still not meeting mine. “Use me any time.”

“Only give me real smiles. If you’re sad, frown at me. If you’re mad, scowl.”

“Do you want a hug?” A Cole Allemand hug? Does such a thing even exist? “Are you offering a hug? You don’t seem like a hugger.” “I’m not.” “Well, I don’t want a hug full of lies.” I cross my arms, knowing that I’m being obstinate. But that’s what this day does to me. Cole’s mouth twitches. “I’m not a hugger. But I’d like to hug you.”

There’s a pressure on the top of my head, and I realize Cole is resting his chin on me. Like he has no

“Black works for me today,” I repeat. “But when I’m happy again—and I will be—I won’t be able to stop myself.” “From doing what?” he murmurs, his stare seeming to catch on my mouth. “From trying to paint you in colors.”

He’s gentle, and I’m surprised to realize I want Cole to be rough. I want to feel ravished. Consumed. Like I’m the air his lungs need to breathe.

“Hey, babe.” I keep my voice mildly curious. “What’re those for?” Summer stares at her hands, then back up at me, her expression completely baffled. “I don’t know!”

There’s a deliciously sharp sting on my shoulder paired with her hips rocking. She bit me.

Love me.

“Why did I lie, you ask? I lied because I am a monster and you are perfection. I lied because I am selfish, and I want you. I lied because the truth of me is a dark twisted mass. I lied because I am terrified. Terrified of life without you in it. I am desperate for you, and I believed lies were the only way to keep you from leaving. If I had known that truth was the key to you, I would have shared every detail of my pathetic existence.”