You Don't Know Me: A Stand-Alone New Adult Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

chemicals onto my head, that I felt angry at the change. Why was my natural hair color not enough? I can’t help but think Sean did this for me because he doesn’t think I’m good enough as I was to be seen with them. It hurt a little.
    Brushing away that thought yet again, I take a deep breath, finding the strength to read my father’s letter to my best friend. “Okay, get this. When I go to sleep every night, there is a hole in my heart that aches for you. Ever since you left, I haven’t been able to breathe. You must let me see you. I can come tomorrow night. If you are reading this, it means you still love me. I love you beyond words, Olivia. Beyond any form of speech. I know the child is mine. I had you followed and you can’t convince me it belongs to anyone else. I know you too well. And then her reply. I haven’t read this one yet. I saw the date and folded it back up, overwhelmed. I needed to wait for you to get here.” Jenna nods, excited and nervous with me. “Thank you for being here with me. I’m glad I don’t have to face it alone.”
    “Of course!” She puts down her juice and leans over to give me a hug. “Your mom was a mom to me, too.”
    Pain tugging at my chest, I nod and watch her pick up her juice again, using it as an anchor as she tucks her feet underneath her and motions that she’s ready. I take a deep breath and start reading. “ My dearest Max. I read your letter and sent it back, as you can see. The child is yours, but if you ever–and I mean this, Max, you know I do–contact her or me again, I will come out publicly and tell the world you slept with the help. I will make it vile and embarrassing for you.” Looking up at Jenna, we’re both shocked. Quickly, I continue, “I tell you this because I know you will not chance such shame for your sweet boys. Just as I will not chance shame for our daughter. She will never know you. I will not have her be ‘the bastard baby of the billionaire.’ If you ever loved me, truly loved me, you will grant me this. If you do not, I will not be surprised, because I have doubted your love ever since you didn’t keep your word. Time will tell what kind of man you will be, Max. The decision is up to you. ”
    I come up for air and Jenna is listening, rapt. She whistles long and low. “Whoa. You mother was such a badass.”
    I fold up the letter, choked up and stricken by the discovery. “That’s why she never told me,” I whisper. “Oh, Mom. Well, I found out.”
    “How do you feel?”
    “I have no idea how I feel. It keeps changing! I found a father and lost a father today. And one of my brothers hates me.”
    “You don’t think he’ll come around?”
    I tuck my toes under me and look at the stain. “You didn’t see his face. He sees me as beneath him. A piece of garbage created from a lie. I don’t blame him, but I wish he’d give me a chance to show him who I am.”
    “I’ve seen all his facial expressions a million times, I’ve got them all memorized. I can only imagine which one he gave you.” She’s got all the attitude of a protective best friend and it makes me smile.
    “Yeah, but in person, it’s much more intense. These Stone brothers, they aren’t what I thought they’d be.”
    “Well, what you thought about them, you can’t think now, because you’re related , you sicko.”
    I laugh and kick her with my feet. She squeals, cracking up. “Am I wrong?!! But I can still think it! They’re fair game for me! Wait. Do you hear that? What is that?”
    I turn around and look to the window. I heard it, too. It sounds like a mob of people are outside. Jenna and I rise slowly off the couch, exchanging curious glances as we walk to the door. “I wish I had a peep hole.”
    “I’ll look through the window!” She runs over and I watch her face as I begin to unlock the door. I open it before she has the chance to shout, “Oh no! Rue! Look out!”
    A flash explodes in my face and then another one. And another. And