Page 49 of Hidden Truths

Shit. Shouldn’t have sent that. I know I shouldn’t have. Yet here I am, anxiously waiting to see what Harlow has to say. I’ve never been like this before. Felt like this before. I don’t know how to handle anything right now.

Harlow

Are you ready to beg yet?

I smile. I fucking smile even though I try like fuck to fight it. There’s no way Belle isn’t watching me right now. I can feel her eyes on the side of my head. Having siblings is annoying.

I don’t beg, Firecracker. I thought we went over this last night.

Harlow

Hmm. I think I need a reminder. I hear better when you’re on your knees.

I gulp. Fuck.This girl. She’s like the forbidden fruit, and I’m powerless to resist her.

We’ll see who’s going to be on their knees.

Harlow

Promises promises.

“Are you growling?” Belle asks, looking slightly horrified. I look up and see Kai looking amused in the mirror.

“No,” I say immediately. Was I? I have no idea.

“You growled, dude,” Kai says, laughing like the asshole he is.

“I’m not a fucking dog,” I argue. Not really sure I can actually make that claim. It’s getting to the point where if Harlow asked me to bark, I’d fucking bark.

Kai holds his hands up. “I get it, man. I’m feral for your sister.”

I turn around and try to punch him. “Quit reminding me you’re hooking up with my sister!”

“It’s a little more than hooking up,” Belle says.

“Not you too,” I groan.

“Was it Harlow you were texting?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I admit. She knows when I’m lying, so I don’t bother.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” I look at my sister. I know she’s asking out of concern for me and Cora, and not because she doesn’t like Harlow. They actually get along really well.

“I don’t know what I think anymore. It’s like the moment I see her, my brain stops working.”

“Like it ever started,” Kai says, still laughing by himself in the backseat.

“Harlow is good with Cora. I don’t think you should risk it by sleeping with her. Cora adores her, and she would be devastated.”

My sister’s words cut. Of course, she thinks I just want to sleep with Harlow. That’s what everyone thinks. That I’m onlycapable of casual sex and breaking hearts. Hell, even I think that most days.

So maybe she’s right.

“Yeah. You’re right. I’ll keep my distance.”

And this time, I will.

nineteen

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