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 myself 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.
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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
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