Page 173 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Shaking my head, I meet his eyes. “It was too risky. I didn’t want to get anyone else involved especially after I’d risked so much by having Tyler help me, and they were already targeting Maddie. I thought I had control of the situation, but clearly I didn’t, especially once Victoria dropped the pregnancy bomb on me.”

“You would’ve done it for me,” Tyler states confidently. “It was the least I could do.”

“Man, we’re here for you,” Hunter adds. “You’re our brother. We fight together. We do all thistogetherand have since the very beginning.”

“I know,” I offer, pissed at myself, realizing how ridiculous it all sounds. “It’s something I’ll always regret, but I thought I was protecting you guys.”

“Wow,” is all Lennon says, watching me with wide eyes when I tell them about Johnny nearly shooting me and Victoria saving my ass at the last second but with an ulterior motive. By this part, everyone has stopped eating, and they’re watching me intently. Maddie interlocks her fingers with mine and inspires me to keep going.

I put it all out there—the marriage arrangement, her being pregnant before this all started, the threats to obey, and learning Victoria was sleeping with the enemy. By the time I’m done, it feels as if a million pounds are lifted from my shoulders. They’re all in shock, and their jaws are on the floor.

“I don’t know what to say. I want to be pissed at you, but I understand why you did what you did,” Sophie offers. “None of it seems real.”

“Right? It’s like a messed-up gangster movie,” Maddie says.

I smile. “As long as there’s a happy ending with you in it, I don’t care.”

“There will be, baby.”

Maddie giddily explains when we started our relationship and why we had to hide it. She’s not a bit shy when it comes to us or anything sexual, and I have to stop her from giving too many details when the guys openly cringe.

“Spare Hunter and Mason, please,” I interrupt with a laugh.

“And me too,” Tyler interjects with a grunt. “I heard enough in Oregon.”

“Thank you!” Hunter grins. “I don’t wanna hear about my friend’s dick.”

Mason nods. “What he said.”

“Why not? It’s a very nice one.” Maddie grins, knowing it’ll make them uncomfortable.

“You hurt my sister, and you’ll think Victoria was nice compared to me,” Lennon warns, effortlessly changing the topic off my cock.

“Shit.” Hunter chuckles. “You’re scary, sweetheart.”

Sophie clears her throat, grinning. “It’s okay. Let's plan a spa day, and you can tell us all the details then.”

And of course, Sophie would bring it back.

Maddie claps her hands in excitement. “Sign me up.”

“Should I be okay with this?” I ask, narrowing my eyes. “Why do chicks talk so much?”

“When you date one Corrigan, you volunteer to have your penis talked about.” Maddie pats my leg. “I know all about Hunter’s and Mason’s. Well done, boys.”

We all burst into laughter, and it feels great to have them accept our relationship. My friends are my family, and they love me unconditionally even through this. Says a lot about their character and who they are. I wouldn’t want anyone else on my side. After we clean up and have a few drinks, we say our goodbyes to Lennon, Hunter, and the kids.

“I’m glad you’re both okay,” Sophie says before heading upstairs.

“Me too,” Mason says. “And glad you’re finally together too. It’s good for both of you.”

“Thank you,” I offer before leaning over and placing my lips softly on Maddie’s. She sighs against my mouth.

“Guess there will be a lot of that.” Sophie giggles.

“If you hear any moans in the kitchen, don’t enter,” Maddie warns with a wink.

“Oh God,” Sophie playfully groans. “We’re supposed to be the soon-to-be newlyweds who can’t get enough of each other.”