Page 2 of Between Secrets and Obsession

I take two tequila shots, then suck down the rest of my beer, hoping it’ll help me feel as loosen up like Tessa is.

After I relax a bit, Tessa loops her arm in mine, and we go into the living room where people are dancing. We shake our asses to the music that’s so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts, but the alcohol doesn’t help that either.

As I lose myself to the beats, I lose track of time too. This might be the best party I’ve ever been to, and hopefully, there are more to come.

“Maddie, right?” a guy I met earlier asks me as I refill my cup for the third time. I told Tessa I needed to cool down and get another drink.

“The one and only.” I smirk, looking over the rim as I take a sip. “What’s your name again?”

“Jase.” His lips tilt up, looking past me and gives a head nod, motioning for someone to join us.

As I glance over my shoulder, my throat goes dry when a guy walks toward us wearing a devilish smirk. He’s built like the fucking Hulk—tall with muscles for days—and demands attention from every female in the room. I notice women gawking as he crosses the room, and they follow his every move.

“Liam, my man. You made it,” Jase says as he closes in on our space. They shake hands, then slap each other on the back while I stand aside like an outsider.

“Of course, I did. Wouldn’t miss the party of the year,” Liam responds.

I feel tiny standing next to them, even with heels on. I’m pretty sure Liam’s biceps are the size of my head.

“Who’s your girl here?”

My eyes widen as they stare at me. I’m nervous they’ll realize I’m underage, then remember I’m supposed to be a twenty-one-year-old college student. Puffing out my chest a bit, I find my confidence.

“I’m Maddie.” I hold out my hand. “And I’mnothis girl.”

I know he buys my act when a wide grin splits his face.

“I’m Liam. Pleasure to meet you,notJase’s girl.” He takes my hand, then leans in close, pressing his lips to my ear. “Best news I’ve heard all fuckin’ week.” Pulling back, he releases me and winks.

I’m quite sure he can hear the thumping of my heart in my chest, but I swallow down my nerves and square my shoulders. Is this how college guys are? They don’t shy away from what they want and claim you as theirs for the night with just one look.

“Let’s get you a drink, man. Gotta tell me about your fugitive.” Jase bumps his shoulder, then hands Liam a cup filled to the brim.

Fugitive? I furrow my brows, confused.

“This motherfucker…” Liam shakes his head, laughing. “He had me chasing him to hell and back this week. Missed his court date, didn’t contact his parole officer, then skipped town. But I found him, tackled his ass to the ground, then cuffed him. Might’ve broken his nose first, but…oops. My bad.”

“That doesn’t sound legal…” I blurt without thinking, and they both look at me. “What do you do?” I ask, then take a sip to shut my mouth.

“Homeboy’s a bounty hunter,” Jase responds proudly.

“Fugitive recovery agent,” Liam corrects. “And legal? Well…depends on who’s asking.” He flashes me another wink, sending butterflies straight to my stomach.Holy hell.

“You do that while going to school?” I look at him, noticing his eyes are a deep blue.

“Graduated in May,” he says. “I’m not from here, but my job takes me all over. Figured while I was visiting, I’d stop by and give Jase some shit.”

“Oh, you know you missed me,” Jase teases. “She came with Tessa, by the way.”

“Great, she’ll want my balls for ditching her last time.” Liam sucks down half his drink.

“You know Tessa?” I perk up, making a mental note to bombard her with an assload of questions about him later.

“Who doesn’t?” Jase snorts. I hate to admit it, but I’m intrigued.

“Well, it was great meeting you both. I better go find her.” I tip back my cup and empty it before setting it down.

“Wait…” Liam stops me. “Don’t run off too far.”