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.

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

“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.”

“You should let her care about you. All of you. Not just the bits you think are good enough.”

“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.”