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It will destroy me if she becomes the girl who got away, and if that happens, I’ll never be able to forgive myself for getting into this mess. All I can do now is wait and try not to murder the guys she goes on dates with, even if I secretly wish they were with me. My cup runs over with jealousy and anger, something I need to learn how to control because she’s not mine. Maddie’s always been my best-kept secret, and it looks like she may forever stay that way.
After a few beers and good conversation, Hunter leaves, and I sit at the bar, drowning in self-deprecating thoughts. It’s better than going home because right now, I’m in no state to face any of them. I’m well on my way to tipsy when I send Tyler a message.
Liam: She wants a fucking baby and for me to move to Vegas and work with her mafia family. Just kill me please. I give you the honors.
Tyler: Not happening, bro. Let me help you.
Liam: I can’t get you involved. This is my goddamn mess.
Tyler: And I’d love any reason to fuck up a mafia princess.
I snort at his honesty. From what I know about Tyler, he wasn’t raised in a stable household and had to look after his little sister. He’s a badass who can definitely handle himself if necessary, but having him on my side gives me some relief.
Liam: Maybe faking my own death would be easier. I’d walk away from everything and everyone I love, but at least it’d keep them all safe once and for all.
Tyler’s resourceful and even though he’s a trainer at an elite gym, he knows the right people to get me what I’d need.
Tyler: You serious? What about Maddie? You don’t think she’ll forgive you once this is over?
Liam: That’s just it, man. It’s never gonna be over. Not with the O’Learys. They’ll never let me go.
The truth of my own words has my chest tightening because it’s the first time I’ve allowed myself to think them.
Tyler: Let me help. I have connections.
Liam: I gotta see my way through this alone.
Tyler: Well, too damn bad. I think of you as a brother, so what if I just don’t tell you what I’m doing? Then you can’t say you plotted anything against them if it comes out.
Liam: No way. I don’t need anyone else’s life at risk because of me.
Tyler: Pfft. Like they could catch me.
Liam: You’re an arrogant son of a bitch. Anyone ever tell you that?
Tyler: My whole life.
Liam: Whatever you do, be safe.
He replies with a winking emoji. Knowing he’s up to something makes me feel goddamn sick. Not allowing my apprehension to take over, I call it a night and Uber home. Tyler’s a great guy, one who’s helped me get what I need when I’m out of town. For years, he’s been there for me, but this is too much. The O’Learys are monsters, and if I’m not careful, I’ll be tied to them forever.
Chapter Sixteen
Maddie
I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my body. Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I think about tonight. Officer Ferguson—or rather, Blake—texted me after I gave him my number, and we’ve been chatting ever since. I don’t know what it is about a man who has a dangerous job, but I find it sexy as hell. The uniform makes him even hotter.
I told Sophie about him after I explained exactly what went down. Thankfully, I have proof that I didn’t steal the car. The bill of sale, while it was fake as hell, verifies I gave him cash, and even though Nico deleted his profile, I still have the messages. Blake said that, along with my clean record, will be enough to appease the judge. However, it still doesn’t make me feel any less stupid that I got myself into that situation. Lennon and Sophie both scolded me but not nearly as bad as Liam did. Apparently, I’m too naïve, but some lessons have to be learned the hard way.
After I finish drying and styling my hair, I slip into a dress that accentuates my waist and toned legs. It shows enough cleavage to be suggestive but still classy. The heels I plan on wearing add at least four inches of height, which is good because Blake’s tall. He’s also muscular, which I love, and very handsome. Once I’ve applied my makeup, I go downstairs and see Liam sitting on the couch. He glares at me with his jaw locked tight, but I ignore him.
Sophie walks in carrying her violin and sees me. “Oh my gosh, Mads. You look absolutely beautiful!” She’s all smiles as I do a twirl in my dress.
“Are you excited about your date?”
I know Liam is listening to everything we’re saying because it’s unavoidable, so I make sure to rub his face in it the same way he rubbed Victoria—and the numerous other chicks he’s been with over the years—in mine.
