Sweet Little Lies (Dirty Little Lies Duet #2) - J.D. Hollyfield Page 0,45

weekends, I drown in his gentle affection. The days I’m not with him suck—especially when Violet was still at home with Dad, and I was back at school alone.

I am starting to run out of excuses about why I disappear for periods of time. Why I’m never around when dad calls. The small pit I had in my stomach has grown into a boulder. Heavy guilt resonates deep inside my chest. One of these days, we’ll make a mistake, and we won’t be a secret anymore.

And I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.

Part of me thinks there’s a light at the other end of the tunnel. The other part feels that it’s just the hazard lights blaring because it would be the end of us. Gabriel doesn’t seem fazed. His solution to just follow his rules, and we will be okay, is wearing on me.

The bigger problem is that Violet is starting to get curious, and my dad is beginning to question me. I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to lie without getting caught.

Hazel

One week later…

“I can’t believe this semester is almost over.” Violet hobbles out of our psychology class, her boot becoming a big pain in the ass. We have a new instructor who’s older than dirt and slower than molasses when he talks, but he’s not a psycho trying to kidnap my bestie, so he’ll do.

“Seriously, I can’t wait for fall break. I’m definitely in need of it,” I reply. “Hey, listen, I need to get out of here on time today. Can you make sure to get back to the room and be ready to go by five?” I ask.

“Yeah, sure. After Math, I just have to head over to the registration office real quick. I’ll see you shortly.” We high-five because that’s how excited we both are to finally be on break and go our separate ways. Gabriel has been very specific on what he has in store for me while I’m home. It’s only for a week, but I plan on making every minute count. A shiver of excitement runs through me at the thought of being able to spend all seven days with him, locked up in his castle, being ravaged by my king.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and a cheesy grin appears at Gabriel’s name.

“Thought you were in meetings all day?” My smile widens.

“I do have meetings all day. And they are hellish. I told them I had to step away and make an important phone call.”

His little praises will never get old. Each one, whether endearing or filthy, creates a tornado of butterflies. “Oh yeah? And how’s that important call going?” I tease him.

“About to get really good, once you tell me what you’re wearing.” I laugh. There’s nothing sexy about my leggings and oversized sweater.

“Oh, you know, the usual college attire. See-through lace, a thong, and a smile.” My belly tightens at the sound of his low, dominating growl.

“You better fucking not be.”

“What if I told you I have on a baggy sweater and old leggings covering my lace get-up?”

“I would tell you to find a secluded place and video call me so you can show me my beautiful girl.”

I tuck my head down as I make my way across campus, trying to hide the rush of color feathering across my cheeks. This is how it’s been since the night at the club. I love him. So damn much. And tonight, I plan on telling him. I’ve been preparing myself for him not to return the sentiment. I know it’s a lot, but I can’t deny how I feel any longer. Not that he doesn’t know in the way I show him physically.

Do I think he loves me back? The way he shows me? Yes. But we have yet to discuss where we go from here. We’ve agreed we belong to each other, but from there, I’m still in the dark. I’m hoping that things will progress during fall break, and we can come up with a plan to come out. I’m rooting that it’s not the same way my dad and Violet did. More like pizza and trying to keep each of us alive.

At least I know I’ll have Violet on my side. If anyone will understand, it’s her.

“Wish I could, but I have to talk to my physics professor about a paper, then I have to hurry home. I have this controlling man who doesn’t allow for tardiness. If I slip into