Page 194 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“There’s no rushing forever,” I say, pressing my forehead against his as the emotion takes over. I’m a sopping mess as I kiss him, wishing I could express how much he’s always meant to me, but it’s like my words won’t come out.

Once again, he’s left me utterly speechless. His strong arms hold me close to him, and he slides his lips across mine when his cell phone goes off again and silences it. It pings with a voicemail afterward, pulling us both away.

Liam grabs his phone, looking confused.

“Who is it?” I ask.

He turns it around and shows me it’s his dad again. “I guess I should see what’s going on. He never calls me like this.”

I nod, and he helps me place both of my feet on the ground. As he listens to his voicemail, Liam’s face contorts, and I can tell something isn’t right.

“Listen to this.” Liam places the phone on speaker and replays the message.

I cover my mouth with my hands as Liam’s dad speaks frantically. “Liam. There was a house fire and we lost everything. Your stepmom and I weren’t home when ithappened, thankfully, but there’s nothing left.” His dad chokes up, and it nearly destroys me. “I’m okay, but I wanted to let you know what’s going on before you find out some other way. I don’t know what happened. We’re staying at Aunt Ruthie’s house until we can figure out what to do next. Call me when you can.”

He clutches the phone in his palm and begins pacing. “Fuck. Do you think this could be a coincidence? After the Mercedes blew up, I’m not so sure. I don’t trust anything anymore, not since Victoria tracked down my dad.”

“I don’t know. You really think she’d do something that extreme to get back at you for divorcing her?” I go to him, grabbing his hand. “You need to call him back so he knows you’re aware, and we should probably go home. He needs you.”

Liam nods, and I can see the wheels spinning in his head.

“I’m gonna pack our stuff. Call your dad,” I tell him, walking toward the bedroom. We had to check out in two hours anyway. My thoughts are scattered as I grab our wedding clothes and toiletries. I change into something warmer before finishing up. Accidents happen all the time and just because the O’Learys are known for shit like this doesn’t mean they’re responsible this time. At least, I hope they’re not.

I can hear Liam talking to his dad, consoling him, explaining everything is replaceable, but he isn’t. It’s exactly what I would’ve said if it happened to my parents, but it doesn’t make it any easier. After Liam ends the call, he comes to me and is slightly distraught. “What if they would’ve been home?”

“You can’t live in the what-ifs, Liam. That’s how you drive yourself crazy.”

He nuzzles my neck. “What would I do without you?”

“Be single forever?” I quip and feel him smile against me. I lean back. “Let’s go home. Seeing him will make you feel better at least.” I grab my phone to text Sophie, then remember theyleft for their honeymoon already and are more than likely on a plane. They planned it this way so they’d be back before for Christmas. It will be Liam’s and my first Christmas together too, and I can’t wait to spend it with him and make our own little traditions.

Liam picks up our suitcases and brings them out to his truck, then we make one final sweep before we leave to drop off the keys at the main office. Before we shut the door, I take it in one last time, encapsulating the memories we shared in my heart. When we walk back outside, there’s a tall, lanky man standing by Liam’s truck, which causes him to tense. I glance over at Liam who steps forward in front of me to protect me. My heart races, and I’m not sure what to do.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Liam barks.

The guy throws a wicked smile. “I want the money you owe me.”

“What’re you talking about?”

“Don’t act stupid. You know damn well what money you owe me. The money your sorry ass lost. I had to pay every cent back to my father and just because he forgave your debt doesn’t mean I did. So now, you oweme.”

“Did Victoria send you, JJ?” Liam asks.

JJ.My heart stills because this is Victoria’s brother, the one who got Liam into this mess in the first place. I can’t comprehend what’s happening. I want to protect Liam, tell this guy to stop ruining our lives, but he sounds crazier than Victoria.

Maniacal laughter releases from him. “This is between you and me. You two split, but I want my fucking money back.”

Liam glares at him, unamused, but cautious nonetheless.

“Or what?” He crosses his muscular arms over his chest, not backing down.

“You tell me. Terrible things have happened recently, haven’t they?” He cocks a brow. “And they’ll continue to happen if you don’t give me what I want. You’ll never expect what’s coming your way. And perhaps next time, I’ll make sure the house isn’t empty if you catch my drift.”

In a blink, Liam charges toward JJ, then wraps his hand around his neck as he pushes JJ against the truck, squeezing so hard, JJ can’t defend himself.

“If you hurt anyone I love, I won’t think twice about fucking killing you. Come near me again, and I will,” Liam threatens, sending a cold shiver down my spine.

Instead of trying to push Liam away, JJ smiles as if he finds humor in all of this, and if I don’t do something, Liam will crush his windpipe.