Page 16 of Pretty Girls Never Lie (St. Mary’s)

“I know.” His voice is strained, so I move my hand faster in an attempt to reach a high so I can forget who we both are. “I was trying to protect you.”

“But why?”I want to know.

“I wish I fucking knew. I haven’t been the same since leaving you in that stupid closet.” He makes a frustrated sound before his teeth sink into my thigh, which does nothing but make my blood run hot. My body is twisting, and my stomach hollows. “Your damn blue eyes did something to me that first night I saw you hiding behind the banister to eavesdrop. I can’t explain it.”

Just like I can’t explainthis.

We are bonded by tragedy, and for some reason, fate has brought us back together.

“That’s why I want you gone, Goldilocks. Because I can’t get you out of my head.” Brantley grips the outside of my thigh, and I let him watch as I bring myself to an orgasm.

“Fuck.” I hear his mumble even though my ears are ringing.

Another orgasm peaks when his wet tongue replaces my finger, and I roll my hips to meet his strokes.Oh my god.His teeth scrape against my delicate skin, and I grip his hair as we both move as one.

“Fuck me. You taste so fucking good.” His praise sends heat to every nook and cranny in my body, and I suck in my cheeks when my high starts to fade.

Shit. Did I really just let him do that?

Our eyes catch, and he’s just as surprised. His heavy brow line is furrowed, and the damp ends of his hair are rustled from me gripping it. I quickly slide backward and stand, letting my wet skirt fall to my mid-thigh before backing away slowly with silence following my every move. I slip on my sandals, put my back to him still in the water, and walk out into the courtyard, leaving my dignity in that stupid indoor pool with a guy who is at the center of my worst memory.

I told him he was going to help me find my brother, but afterthat,I’m not so sure I want his help. I’m beginning to think Brantley is just as dangerous as my scheming with Zachary.

At least his mouth sure is.

TEN

Brantley

I have an obsessive nature.

I’m aware of it—not that it makes it any better.

I know it’s a trait I inherited from my father—if his attempts at stalking my biological mother said anything about it. It’s exactly why I’ve steered away from getting too infatuated with someone. Except, now my eyes follow a blonde-haired, blue-eyed ice princess around St. Mary’s like she’s mine when, in reality, she couldn’t be further from it.

Denial is something I’m used to, but tell me why I can’t seem to deny myself any part of her that she’s unknowingly giving to me. My spit thickens when I look at how short her uniform skirt is, and I suddenly wish I could drag her back into the pool and fuck her instead of letting her touch herself to prove a point.

She’s gorgeous and soft in all the right places. She’s resilient too, and it's obvious to everyone that she wants to hate me just as much as I want to hate her. It’s been four days since I followed her through the courtyard and hid in the natatorium, and I’m becoming more irritable by the hour.

I want her.

Maybe my obsessive naturestartedwith her.

Something about that goddamn closet and her head buried in my chest as her father fell to the ground did something to me. Protection flew through my veins, and the only thing I’ve been able to think about since is hownotto feel that for anyone else.

But then, Isaiah had to drag me into his bullshit with Gemma, and I found myself risking my life for her.

Then came Journey.

And shortly after, Sloane.

I tell myself that I did it for the guys I consider family, but I’m not so sure that’s the truth.

Denial is becoming translucent with Isla involved.

After passing a few guys kicking a soccer ball down the hall, I head to the library and sit down at the farthest computer away from everyone. I can hear my own heartbeat when I bring up the prison database and hit search.

My teeth clank together when I see his name. I sigh with relief, like I do every time I confirm that my father—along with Isaiah’s and Cade’s—is still locked away behind bars.

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