Page 149 of The Unravelings

“No. No. No,” I sign with a soft groan. “You’ll have to leave. I don’t need that distraction today. Don’t you have class? I know I do. And some asshole ruined my grades, so I have to go.” I put my hands on my hips after I sign my words with a huff.

He chuckles softly to himself. “Fine, but don’t think I won’t be back.” He shrugs, getting off my bed and putting his shirt, jeans, socks, and shoes back on. “Rally the dog?” he signs, standing tall, fully clothed now.

Thank God.

“What if I want to keep him?” I question, cocking my head. “He is mine, too.”

JJ wrinkles his nose, pulling out his phone with a grin. He turns the screen toward me.

Mack: Where the fuck is my dog? ALERT!!! SOMEONE KIDNAPPED HIM!

Mack: Wake up, you assholes! Someone important to us is GONE!

Mack: JJ! Do you have him? What the fuck! Where is everyone?

Mack: Why aren’t you in your bed? JJ! Where’s my dog, asshole!

JJ rolls his eyes, typing out a response.

JJ: I was getting breakfast. Waffles is with me. We’ll be back soon.

Mack: You fucker! I was about to tear up this damn campus for my dog. That traitor. I knew he was just trying to get out of our run. Lazy pup.

JJ: Be back soon…

Mack: Well, bring me back a damn coffee and a fancy breakfast burrito since you left me here without supervision…

I smile at their banter as JJ tucks his phone into his pocket.

“Initiations are coming soon, Olivia,” he signs, turning more serious. “You’re really ready for this?”

“When?” I inquire, stepping forward. “What are they?” I’d love to know what I’m up against.

“I’ll text you. But you can’t show up like this,” he signs, then gestures to my body. “You have to come as Oliver.”

“Okay.” I nod.

“Wear your binder, Olivia. To bed. Wear sweatpants and baggy shirts. Don’t let them know you’re…you, if you don’t want them to know yet. But I swear to God,” he nearly chokes on his emotions. “Tell them soon, please.”

I nod in agreement. “I’ll tell them if you forward me all the evidence you have so I can be sure. I have to be sure, JJ. You don’t know what it’s like living with that night and thinking—” I trail off, shaking my head, and leaving my fingers suspended in the air.

The warmth of his hands engulfs mine as he leans down and kisses my lips one last time, lingering like this might be the last opportunity he has.

Pulling back, he stares deep into my eyes before stepping back. “You have my word. I’ll prove it to you. Every day, if I have to. You’ll know by the end of the week that we would never touch a hair on your body to harm you.”

“Thank you, JJ,” I sign.

“Still want that fake ID?” he asks, cocking his head.

I nod. “Please. Put the name Claire on it?” She’s always my go-to name to use when I’m dressed as myself but need a girl ID.

“Whatever you need,” he signs with a heavy sigh.

I offer him a tight smile as I put my clothes back on, but not bothering with my binder. He watches my every movement as we make it to my door.

“How am I going to explain this?” I ask, putting my back to the door again. “Simon will want details.” I raise a brow. “I can’t exactly say you came to eat my pussy.” I give him a pointed look, but he doesn’t even flinch.

He reaches around me and undoes the lock, pinning me with a look. “Judging by the fact that you aren’t disguising yourself and that you want an ID with the name Claire on it, he knows, doesn’t he? That you’re a girl in disguise.”