Page 203 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Maddie shrugs, but there’s a smile playing on her lips. “Meh. I think I’ve had better.”

“Really?” Tyler asks, grinning. “Who?”

“Liam,” Maddie tells him matter-of-factly. “You know how much cock he’s blocked over the years? Tons!”

“Baby, I live to guard your body.”

The teapot is squealing, and she runs off but not before giving me attitude. “Hardy har har har.”

“I’ll make sure she’s okay. Won’t let her out of my sight,” Tyler confirms. “Wouldn’t let you down, especially now that you’ll be a better fighter than me.”

“Thanks, man.” I grin. “I appreciate all you’ve done for us.”

“Over the years, I’ve learned that we may not be able to choose our family, but we can choose our friends who becomeour family. I don’t have a brother, but I’ve found a brother in you,” he admits.

“Means a lot, Tyler. Really I don’t know how I’m ever gonna repay you for all that you’ve done.”

Maddie comes back in the room, blowing on her tea, and sits on my lap. “What’re we talking about now?”

Wrapping my arms around her waist, I kiss her neck, and she nearly spills the tea. “Stop!” She giggles.

“Just discussing how we’re gonna repay Tyler,” I say.

“Oh, I’ve thought of something. When we have our first kid, if it’s a boy…”

My eyes go wide at the mention of having a baby, and the moment she sees my reaction, she laughs.

“That’ll work,” Tyler says, adding to my mini heart attack. “Firstborn gets my namesake. Love it.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

MADDIE

It’s beeneighteen days since Liam and I have had sex, and I’m moodier than ever.

Tyler’s ridiculousno-sexrule is making me insane.

I might be going crazy because it’s all I think about. I knew once I lost my virginity and learned what I was missing, I’d be one of those sex-crazed women who’d want it all the time. And I wasn’t wrong.

It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t look hot as sin all the damn time. Maybe if he’d pull back his witty comments and snarky charm, and I don’t know, wear a freaking garbage bag over his perfect face, then I’d be immune. But the asshole likes to torture me—something he’s probably enjoyed for the past four years—and wears cutoff T-shirts that show off his biceps and tattoos.

Then there’s hisfuck mesmile he flaunts around that makes me squeeze my thighs together. Every time he looks at me that way, I have to stifle a moan that threatens to release.

Good lord, who have I become?

My sisters, that’s who.

Those horny bitches teased me during my teenage years, and I was front and center of their white-hot relationships with their now husbands.

It’s unfair.

“Are you alright?” Sophie asks as I grind my teeth and pout on the couch.

“I’m fine,” I snap, then clear my throat. “Why?”

“Because you look like you’re ready for a fight.”

I growl at the wordfightand narrow my eyes at her. “I’m done with finals, and I’m bored as hell. Liam’s training every day, then works in the afternoons and is keeping me at arm’s length. Last night in bed, he wedged a pillow between us so our bodies wouldn’t touch! A FUCKING PILLOW!”