Page 145 of Between Secrets and Obsession

I narrow my eyes at him, studying his expression as he swallows hard. Almost as if he hadn’t meant to say that.

“Yeah, but how’d you know his name was Mason?” I ask, tilting my head.

“You told me the other day,” he quickly responds.

I know for a fact I didn’t. There’d be no reason for me to mention anyone’s name until this conversation. However, I’m not about to challenge him or give him any reason to hurt, kill, or throw me out to the wolves.

“Oh, uh, right.” I palm my forehead. “Liam’s roommate.”

“So you started seeing Liam not long ago?”

“Yeah, it’s recent. So recent, in fact, it’s like it never happened.” I pinch my lips together and stand. “Okay, break’s over. I need to hit something.”

“That I can definitely help you with.” Ty smirks and nods his head toward the punching bag in the opposite corner.

An hour flies by, and I’m drenched in sweat. I haven’t worked out this hard in months, but it felt great to relieve some stress.

“Come, I’ll make you an after-workout drink. You need to stay hydrated,” Ty says as I follow him into the kitchen.

I groan, leaning against the counter. “Ugh, when do I get to have real food again?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll get plenty of protein for lunch.”

“Why does this all of a sudden feel like boot camp?”

“This is nothing like arealboot camp. Trust me, you’re living in paradise compared to that.”

“You were in the Army?” I ask.

He grabs a handful of veggies and fruit, then places them on the counter. “I’ll put these in your smoothie and you’ll barely taste the protein powder.”

The way he ignored my question doesn’t go unnoticed. I want to pry, but there has to be boundaries while we have eyes and ears on us. It’d make sense, though, considering how meticulous and strategic he seems. How the hell did he go from being a soldier to working for the mob?

“Well?” Ty asks after I take my first sip of the drink he made me.

“Better than the first one,” I tell him, wrinkling my nose. “But it’s no steaming hot breakfast.”

“I’ll make pancakes and bacon tomorrow. Don’t worry.” he grins.

Of course, Eric saunters in and ruins the nice moment we were having with his loud and commanding demeanor.

“We need to talk,” he tells Ty.

“Sure. What’s up, Captain?” I taunt.

Eric’s eyes snap to mine. “Enough!”

I jump at his sudden booming voice.

“Go to your room until told otherwise.”

I risk a glance at Ty whose jaw might snap.

“We can talk in the office,” Ty tells Eric, shuffling to put the items back into the fridge.

“No, now. Maddie can leave,” Eric states harshly.

“Maddie’s leaving,” I say, mimicking his tone.