Page 142 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Ty nods, then goes toward the door.

“And some red nail polish!” I call out. “If I’m getting laid, I need to give myself a pedi.”

Ty snorts as he opens the door, then shuts it behind him. Eric glowers, crossing his arms over his broad chest as if he’s been waiting all day to scream at me.

“You have quite the mouth on you. Victoria doesn’t like it,” he states. “If you don’t leave Ty alone, you’ll both get killed. Enough is enough.”

Narrowing my gaze at him, I wonder how hard it’d be to grab one of his guns and shoot him before Ty returns.

“Don’t even think about it, little girl,” he says as if he read my mind. “Victoria would have the perimeter swarming to drag you back by your hair.”

It’s the most Eric has spoken to me at one time.

“Yeah? Maybe you should ask her why she’s so threatened by me…” I keep my eyes on him, then stalk away. My heart thrashes hard against my chest as I walk to my room and lock the door behind me.

I change into different clothes and work out my frustrations while I wait for Ty to return with my goodies. There’s no doubt he’ll get everything on my list minus the Magnums.

There’s a kickass stereo system in the gym, so I crank it and stretch before I hop on the bike. After thirty minutes, I’m sweating and take a water break before I run on the treadmill. I haven’t worked out this much in weeks, but it feels amazing to blow off steam.

“Maddie.” Eric’s booming voice scares the shit out of me, and I nearly trip over myself.

“Jesus. You need a bell around your neck.” Turning off the treadmill, I step off and face him. “What?”

“Boss has a message for you.” He holds out my phone, and I blink up at him, unsure if I want to read it. “Take it.”

Swallowing hard, I step closer and grab it from his grip.

Victoria

Liam can see you. I’d be careful if I were you.

What the fuck does that mean?

Instinctively, I look up at the cameras and wonder if he’s watching right now. Either way, she’s probably hoping for a reaction. Instead, my lips form into a smug smirk as I type out a response.

Maddie

Isn’t that what you want? For him to see me flirting with your guards so he’ll crawl to you?

Victoria

You’re so naive, sweetheart. Liam’s in my bed every night. You’re no longer my problem, but if you don’t behave, Liam pays. Remember that.

If Victoria wants Liam as a husband and a father to their children, she won’t hurt him. Keeping me away ensures she’ll get what she wants, but I don’t buy her empty threats. It’s a way for her to keep control and scare everyone in the process. However, she has the ability to destroy me and my family if I don’t cooperate, so I’ll do as she demands.

Maddie

You got it, Boss lady.

I hit send, then slap my cell back in Eric’s palm. With one more look at the camera, I scowl, then turn to Eric. “She’s a bitch and you’re a bastard for working for her. When I get out of here—and Iwill—I’m reporting her for abduction and blackmail. She won’t think twice about throwing you under the bus, so I’d run after I’m gone.”

I know my threat bounces off him like a rubber ball, but I’m so pissed and annoyed my words spew out before I think twice. He doesn’t even balk and is probably laughing at me in his head, but I don’t care. I hope her entire empire burns to the fucking ground.

Eric walks out, and I’m more fired up than before, so I get back on the treadmill and run as fast as I can. With my heart beating out of my chest and sweat burning my eyes, I can no longer feel my legs. At the sound of a light knock, I hop off and nearly fall to the ground panting.

“Hell, Maddie.” Ty stands above me.

Blinking, I try catching my breath as my arms and legs spread out on the cool mat. “Hey.”