Page 61 of The Lies We Tell Ourselves

“Hey,” I muttered, shuffling to his desk and slipping the USB into my pocket. Thick arms wrapped around me and pulled me into his body. Instead of melting like I wanted to, I stiffened.

“Jamie? What’s wrong?” Tension bled from him, making it almost impossible to breathe.

I pushed out of his embrace and searched for my shoes. “Nothing,” I said sharply and winced. “I’ve just, erm. I’ve gotta go. Got stuff to do.” I found them under the bed, slipped them on, and grabbed my bag.

“Baby, wait. Please.” His agonized tone almost killed me, but I couldn’t stay. I had to know who had been in my room. Was it real? Another prank? I didn’t know what the hell to think. “Jamie? Please look at me.”

Big fucking mistake. The absolute worst. Dillon looked wrecked at my dismissive attitude. “Look, I’m sorry, Dillon.” He recoiled as if my words had physically struck him. “Last night was great and all. B-but I’ve got to be somewhere. Sorry.” The words came out all wrong, and my heart splintered as his hitched breath resonated around the room.

“Great. He said g-great—” The last words I heard broke into a soul-shattering cry as I pushed through the door and let it slam shut behind me.

“What have I done?” I whimpered as tears seared down my cheeks. The acidic tang of bile lingered in my mouth, getting stronger with each panicked breath I sucked in as I ran. Ran from the one person who would protect me above all else. I was safe with him. He was my home. But I loved him too much to drag him into this. I loved him enough to protect him from my world.

Even if that meant hurting him.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

DILLON

Dillon

Let me know you’re ok, little crow.

Dillon

Haven’t heard from you since this morning. Just wanted to know if you’re free to have a chat.

Dillon

Jamie, it’s been over a day. I know you’ve read my messages. Just reply.

Dillon

Please?

Dillon

I have no regrets. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened between us. Please, Jamie. Just let me know you’re ok and you don’t hate me.

Dillon

You can’t hide from me forever! I know where you live!

Dillon

FFS Jamie. I can’t believe you’re behaving like this.

Dillon

I thought I meant something to you.

Dillon

I thought you cared.

Dillon

---