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"You weren't supposed to lie to me," I say "You promised"

"I know," he whispers

I can feel it, feel his heart breaking, but I can't bring myself to look at hi off er Press it into his palm "I'm sorry, Liam I can't"

I can't pretend

I can't not pretend

I can't love someone who locks me out

My father and my mother—

I can't walk down that path I can't do it

"Bri, please—"

I don't give hio without protest I can't handle either "I'ive him a chance to respond

I turn, leave, call a car, find the nearest hotel

It's a cheap place, but it's clean and conveniently located I shower, change into the plush robe, climb into bed, fail to find sleep

Secrets are a burden Si me

He's protecting himself

I can't blame him, but I can't live with it either

I need all of him

Every broken part

Every need

Every burden

Chapter Forty

Liam

I give Harrison time with his father Give Preston ti in the hallway, across fro their conversation unfold

Is the truth setting him free?

Or trapping hie?

My whole life, I've craved freedo school rules, from the expectations thrust upon me

For the last fewshit fro my own secrets

Was Preston's confession the truth, setting me free?

Or is this?

There's weight to a secret The heaviness in

But without Briar here—

Will anything be easy again?

Harrison leaves in a huff I slip into the room, pull up a chair next to Preston, offer him my hand

He looks at ht of his secrecy written all over his face

"We don't have to talk," I say

"You're able to go without conversation?"

"For a few minutes, max Make the most of them"

He nods and takes my hand