Page 134 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“Maddie.” Ty and I turn to Eric who’s behind us. “You need to respond to a text so your phone will stop blowing up.”

I walk eagerly toward him with Ty on my heels. I hadn’t known where my cell was until now, but it makes sense that Victoria would have them keep it. If I don’t respond to my sisters after a couple of days, it’ll send a million red flags, and after Sophie’s kidnapping last year, they won’t think twice about reporting me missing.

“There are rules…” Eric warns harshly. “You can use it with supervision only. Type out your message, then one of us will read it and give you permission to send. Failure to cooperate will result in consequences.” He repositions himself so I can see the two guns in his shoulder holster. “Text your sisters only.”

Nodding, I look at the screen and see twenty-five unread messages with ten from Liam. The others are from Sophie and Lennon. Along with over a dozen missed calls and voicemails.

Liam

I know you didn’t leave willingly. If by any chance you get this, give me some kind of clue to where you are. I’m going crazy.

I won’t let her do anything to you. I swear, Mads. I miss you and will do whatever it takes to get you back.

When this is over, please let me explain. I know you’re mad at me right now, and you have every right to be, but what we have is stronger than this. Please.

I clench my jaw, unable to keep reading his messages. I’m so pissed at him, even if my heart aches for his touch. I miss the way he’d whisper my name as our bodies unraveled together, the way he’d hold me, and the way he’d suffer through hours of mindless TV and movies because he knew it made me happy.

But that doesn’t excuse what he did. I was blindsided by Victoria’s news.Theirnews.

“Hurry,” Eric demands.

I glare at him, keeping my angry thoughts to myself. I look at my sisters’ messages and see they started a group text.

Sophie

Where the hell are you?

Lennon

You can stay here if you need space. We’ll make room.

Sophie

Are you safe?

Sophie

Who are you staying with?

Lennon

Please answer so Sophie can stop freaking out.

I scan the rest of their messages with the most recent one being from Sophie ten minutes ago.

Sophie

I’m about to call the fucking National Guard if you don’t answer me. You know Mason’s job has connections, and I won’t stop at anything to find you. So you either respond with a selfie so I know you’re alive or I’m having Mason’s friend track your phone.

Shit.

“She wants a selfie,” I say.

“I know,” Eric replies. “The location has been disabled on your phone, but do what she wants so she stops freaking out.” Sophie won’t stop until I’m back at home, but I don’t tell him that.

Swallowing hard, I nod and walk around to find a good spot for a picture. I’m sweaty from yoga and look like a hot mess, but maybe that’d convince her I’m alive and well. I find a blank wall and then position myself. I stick out my tongue, hold up a peace sign, and snap a pic. Then I attach it to the group message.

Maddie