Dirty Little Secret

Chapter Twenty-one - I love you.

COLTON LANCASTER

I pulled her into me and kissed her like it's the only thing that matters. 

Like she is the only thing that matters. 

I haven't stopped thinking about her for two weeks. I regret everything I ever said to her, and I will spend however long it takes trying to make it up to her.

"You're worth it. Everything. I don't give a fuck what my parents say. I want you. I only want you." I say kissing her again.

She pulls away to say, "Are you certain, Colton? Because this is it, I'm not letting you treat me how you did again." 

I wince but I know she right. I treated her like a toy. Like something I could pick up when I wanted and toss to the side when I didn't.

"I'm certain. I only want you." I say, kissing her forehead. 

"There's people everywhere." she whispers. 

"I don't care. I'll shout it off the rooftops if I have too." I tell her.

"As cute as this is, please, please, get a room." Arden's friend, Sara, says to us. Making us both laugh. 

I take her hand and lead her out of the crowd not caring that everyone is watching us.

I look at her and smile. 

She's finally mine and I want everyone to know it.

_________________

I guide her into my house with a nervous smile.

"Whatever happens I'm not changing my mind." I reassure her.

She nods and squeezes my hand.

"Mother, Father?" I say in my quiet house.

I know there in their office.

I walk up the stairs with Arden on my heels and make my way to their office. I knock.

"Come in." My father says through the door.

I walk in to see him and my mother sitting at the desk.

"What is she doing back here?" my mother says.

I feel Arden tense at my side, but she doesn't back away.

Good girl.

"Don't speak to her that way." I tell her and she gaps.

"How dare you disrespect me like that in my own home you-"

I cut her off. "You're my mother. I'm asking you as your son Colton, not a Lancaster, to respect her as my girlfriend. Respect me with my choice." I say to her. 

She stands and crosses her arms. "No." 

"Then I'm no longer staying here." I tell her and turn to leave but my father stops me.

"Colton. You're not leaving." he says.

"Dad-" but he cuts me off.

"You have no right." he says, and I go to reply but then I realize he's not talking to me.

He's talking to my mother.

"Excuse me?" she says looking at her husband.

"You're driving our entire family apart, Analeise."

"I have done no such thing." she replies.

"It's clear he's choosing her, and I won't lose my other son, too." he tells her.

My mother sucks in a breath at the mention of her other son.

"Welcome to the Lancasters..."my father says.

"Arden." Arden speaks up.

"Welcome to the Lancasters, Arden." my father finishes.

____________

"I want you to know I never intended on using you. I truly did care about you. I do care about you." I tell her kissing her forehead.

She walks toward me and hugs me. Pushing her cheek against my chest.

"I know. I forgive you."

"Thank you." I say.

"I love you," I tell her. "And I know where young but I'm going to spend the rest of my life proving that to you." 

I feel the wetness on my shirt telling me she's crying.

I lift her chin and whip her tears away.

"I love you too." she says.

__________

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