Lie to You

by J.C. Valentine

  When we reach the hotel, it’s late. I cling to Rebel as we ride the elevator up to our floor, more at ease with him than I have ever been. The difference between our relationship six months ago and today is like night and day. Back then, there’s no way he would have allowed this kind of physical connection, let alone let it happen in full public view. It would have been the kiss of death, but now, he accepts it without the slightest flinch of disapproval.

  This whole trip feels like a major stepping stone in our relationship. I still don’t know a lot about this man, but with each layer I peel back, I like Rebel more. I’m happy, and what’s more? I’m confident in my choice. Rebel’s a gamble, but sometimes you have to go with your gut and place the damn bet.

  Once we’re back in the room, Rebel and I face each other and undress in silence. My gaze travels the entire length of him, lingering on his sculpted chest and the fine, dark hairs dusting it. His stomach clenches as I go lower, and I lick my lips as I watch his cock swell before my eyes.

  Something about tonight feels different. I don’t know what it is, but it’s in the air. There’s been a shift, something that only appeals to the senses, and it hinges on this very moment. I know what it is as soon as I scoot to the center of the bed and Rebel stretches out on top of me.

  It’s in his expression, lingering in his eyes as he touches me with the gentlest caress. It’s echoed in the way my breath catches as he kisses me, each one more tender than the last. The reverence he shows me as he makes love to my body says everything that needs to be said, but without words. It reinforces what I’ve already come to know: Rebel’s it. He’s the man for me. And I think he just might feel the same about me.

  TWENTY-TWO

  The plane ride back wasn’t nearly as traumatizing as it was the first time around. I think my newfound level of trust in Rebel made all the difference. Somehow, just being by his side makes me feel more at ease, which is hilarious when I think about it.

  Nearly a year ago, just being in Rebel’s presence rocked my world off its axis. I could hardly breathe just knowing his eyes were on me. Now, just knowing he’s nearby makes me feel safe and protected, like he’d never let anything bad happen to me.

  I don’t know how I know that, but something inside me tells me Rebel is a man who gives everything of himself in life. Whether it’s work or his relationships, if it matters to him, he doesn’t hold anything back.

  That’s a comfort no amount of money can buy.

  Now that we’re back in the real world, away from luxurious rooms in high towers and the responsibilities of work, friends, and family, I feel the high I’ve been riding begin to fade.

  A twinge of melancholia sets in as Gerardo pulls up in front of my apartment. Releasing a sigh, I reach for the door only to be pulled back and into Rebel’s waiting arms.

  “Just say the word and I’ll tell Gerardo to take us back to my place.”

  I’m shocked by his offer, and as much as I want to accept it so we can keep this fantasy going a little while longer, I know it’s impossible. We’ve managed to put life on hold for two incredible days, but it’s over now. Time to get back to reality.

  Cupping his whiskered cheek, I lean in for a kiss. My mouth strokes his with all the warmth and caring I can put into it. “I don’t want this to end either, but you and I both know it’s time to get back to our lives.”

  Tracing his fingers along the outside of my thigh, he releases a pent-up breath. “I hate that you’re right.”

  “You’ll get used to it,” I joke. His hand creeps higher up my body, exploring my curves and I grow flustered all over again. “You could always come up. I’ve got beer in the fridge and a nice big bed we can share.”

  His nose scrunches and he leans his head back against the seat. “I wish I could, but like you said, we both need to get back to our lives. I have a business meeting in a couple hours, so I’d better go so I can get ready for that.”

  “Back to business already? I don’t want to freak you out or anything, Rebel,” I say as I grab a fistful of his shirt and pull him closer, “but you might be a workaholic.”

  “Might?” he asks with amusement. “I’d say definitely.”

  The back door opens, spilling daylight into the backseat. Drawing in a deep breath, I release Rebel’s shirt and smooth out the wrinkles. “I guess that’s my cue.”

  “Yep, time to hit the road.”

  In the past, I would have taken offense to his seemingly callous brushoff, but now I see it for what it is. Rebel’s a bit of a jokester in a very subdued, sarcastic, almost mean-spirited way.

  “How are the women not falling at your feet everywhere you go?” I give him a quick kiss and climb off his lap to exit the car.

  Gerardo gives me a half-nod without making eye contact and bids me a good day as he holds out my bag. I don’t hear Rebel’s car drive off until I step inside the building and the door closes behind me. He may not be the perfect gentleman, but Rebel continues to surprise me.

  The first thing I notice when I enter my apartment is the stale air from being closed up tight all weekend. Dropping my bag on the couch, I head over to the small bank of windows and slide them open, letting in the crisp, fresh air.

  I’ll have to clean today, but for now, I need a few minutes to come down from the weekend. My first instinct is to call Annie, but I remember that not only has she left town and cut off communication with me, but my phone is still missing. Maybe I’ll head over to the house later and ask Brody to call it. I promised him we’d sit down together and talk when I got back anyway.

  I’ll also need to deal with Kota. I know Rebel made sure it was handled, but I’m sure Kota wasn’t happy about me calling off, so no doubt he’ll give me the worst schedule this week as punishment. I already know I won’t complain, because fair is fair.

  That leaves me with this moment to sit back, relax, and just breathe before I have to deal with the outside world. It’s as I’m kicking my feet up onto the coffee table that I see a sliver of black poking out from beneath one of the side chairs.

  I know what it is instantly. Frowning, I drop my feet to the floor. Folding over, I reach out without leaving my perch and drag the phone out from beneath its hiding place with my fingertips.

  “How in the world...” I can’t believe with all my crawling around and cushion flipping I actually managed to miss it sitting there. I feel like such an idiot. I’m smiling in relief that I won’t have to go to extraordinary measures to track it down as I turn it on.

  It feels like forever since I’ve held my phone in my hands, even though it’s only been two days. It’s exciting just to be able to check my messages.

  The first things I see as I swipe my thumb across the screen to bring it to life are new notifications. Opening my messages, I see they’re all from Rebel, and I instantly break out into a huge grin.

  We haven’t been away from each other for more than an hour and already he’s reaching out.

  The message I open contains a picture. I gasp when I see it, hardly able to believe my eyes. It’s a mistake, certainly. Closing it out, I open the rest of his messages. Each one contains another photo, and each one rips me apart inside.

  Rebel. Florence. Rebel and Florence. Each one is a little racier than the last. They begin with the two of them, heads together, smiling for the camera, before steadily growing more intimate. By the last one, they’re completely naked and in bed. Different angles of body parts in varying degrees of focus as if the camera was moving when the photo was shot stare back at me.

  Tears scald my eyes and without thinking, I throw the phone across the room. It hits a wall and something cracks, then it falls lifelessly to the floor.

  How could he do this to me? Was this his plan all along? Did Rebel purposefully set me up just to watch me fall? I feel like the worst kind of fool. Thinking Rebel had changed, had become something more than I knew him to be, was my first mistake. My second was falling for the wrong brother.

  I’m so mad at mysel
f I can’t see straight.

  Like a shot, I pop out of my seat and lunge for the phone. Cracks spider web across the screen, but the phone still turns on. I send the last photo Rebel sent back to him with an angry text.

  Some business meeting.

  Then I turn the phone on me. Holding up my middle finger in front of my face, I take a picture, and then send it.

  Fuck off.

  There’s so much more that I want to say to him, most of which include four letter words. But I don’t because I refuse to lower myself for someone who already thinks so little of me. I’m better than that. I won’t fight for a man who doesn’t respect me. If he wants a side piece, he picked the wrong girl.

  The phone buzzes in my hand and I see Rebel’s name flash across the screen. To hell with him. There’s nothing left to say that will make any difference now. Dropping the phone on the table, I walk out of the room.

  It’s time to revisit my choices and recalibrate. If Rebel thinks he’s won this round, he’s sadly mistaken. This isn’t over.

  Not by a longshot.

  To be continued...

  COMING AUGUST 25, 2015

  FALL FOR HIM, Book Three in the Forbidden Trilogy

  Now available for pre-order at select retailers.

  Reserve your copy today!

  Amazon

  Read more books by J.C. VALENTINE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  USA Today Bestselling author J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.

  She lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms. Connect with JC on Facebook!

  Acknowledgements

  I usually don’t make many changes to these things because, well, why mess with perfection?

  To my usual suspects:

  My sister from another mother, Kim- You are the best! What has it been now, two years? I never could have imagined that I would be friends with such an amazing woman as you. You read everything I throw at you, you’re my sounding board, and you help keep me sane. It is such a pleasure to have you as my assistant and I am truly blessed to call you my friend. You are the one who gave me the idea of a naughty professor. Brainstorming with you was so much fun and I had a blast writing this story. I hope it’s everything you imagined it would be.

  Mitzi- What can I say, except you’re such a wonderful woman who is also an unexpected friend and gift in my life. I’ve said it before, and the same is true now: I love our talks, and I love your passion for books, especially mine *grins*. You rock!

  My Valentines! You ladies rock my socks off. I love our little family and as always, I am confident in saying that you’re the best team a girl could ask for. You all pimp so hard! Thank you!

  To all the people that take the time to connect with me: Every message, every comment truly means the world to me. I read every one, so keep ‘em coming!

  To my readers: You’re the best. You’ve stuck by me from the beginning, when I wasn’t even sure anyone was paying attention. I am continually blown away by your enthusiasm for my stories and your endless support.

  I could never forget my darling hubby. You’re my inspiration behind all of these delectable men. You’re my rock, my one true love. I love you!!

  Lie to You

  Forbidden Series Book Two

  By J.C. Valentine

  All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook is copyrighted material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any form without the prior permission of the publisher, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

  Lie to You by J.C. Valentine

  Copyright © 2015 by J.C. Valentine

  Cover design by J.C. Valentine

  Edited by Mitzi Carroll.

  Lie to You is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Please do not take offence to the content, as it is FICTION.

  Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademark status in this work of fiction. The publications and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Books by J.C. VALENTINE

  About this Book

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Copyright Notice

  Connect with J.C. VALENTINE

  Connect with J.C. VALENTINE

  AMAZON Author Page

  Website | Mailing list | Facebook | Twitter