Page 217 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“Liam,” I whisper as a tear falls down my cheek. “I’m so scared.”

He gently places his finger under my chin and forces me to look into his eyes. Searching my face, Liam shakes his head.

“I’m coming home to you, Maddie. I know you’re thinking the worst, but things will be better after this, and we’ll be able to finally live without fear. It’ll all be over.”

“But until you come back to me, fear is all I’ll have,” I admit, hating how weak I sound because I wanted to be strong for him.

The look of sadness on his face is evident as he rests his forehead against mine, sucking in a breath. “I’m so sorry to put you through this, baby. I wish things were different.”

I let out a ragged breath, knowing the next forty-five minutes will pass by in a blink. “Just please be careful.Please.” I close my eyes as I beg him to stay safe.

“I will. Trust me, I’ll do whatever it takes to win that fight and put this nightmare behind us.”

We pull apart so Liam can finish getting ready. He grabs his duffel bag and double-checks what he packed, then adds extra clothes inside before changing. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I watch him. Once he’s finally ready, Liam smiles.

“I love you,” he says, sitting next to me.

“I love you so much.”

He presses butterfly kisses along my jaw before meeting my mouth. Together, we’re lost in the moment. I wish I could freeze time and keep him here with me forever. Unfortunately, it’s not an option. Eventually, we break apart, and Liam stands.

“Should probably get going before Tyler yells at me.” He’s not happy about leaving either. I can see the turmoil brewing in his eyes.

“Yeah, you don’t want to miss your flight.” I walk with him to the living room where Sophie, Mason, and Tyler are sitting around drinking coffee. Liam announces he’s ready to leave, and everyone stands, but Tyler runs upstairs. I plaster on a smile,but I’m dying on the inside as he wraps his arms around Sophie and gives her a big hug.

“Be careful, Liam. Kick some ass,” Sophie tells him.

If anyone in this room knows how much this is destroying me, it’s her. I might be able to somewhat hide how I feel from Liam, but with Sophie, I’m transparent.

Mason gives him a side hug and tells him to call as soon as it’s over. Tyler comes downstairs carrying a bag and says he’s good to go.

“I’m gonna be fine,” Liam says, glancing around the room. “I’ll be home in a few days.”

He grabs his bag, and I follow him outside. Tyler gets in the truck as Liam wraps his arms around me. It’s chilly, the cool breeze sweeping over my skin, and I shiver. Liam holds me, kisses me, and then leaves with anI love youand a reassuring smile.

Then I watch his truck until the taillights are out of sight.

Yesterday, after Liam left, was horrible. I laid in bed and cried, sleeping for the better half of the day until Sophie forced me to eat dinner. Liam texted me when he landed and called me before he went to bed, but I didn’t feel any better about him being there. Talking to him reiterated how real the whole situation is. Somehow, I fell asleep without him lying next to me. My bed hasn’t felt this empty in a long time.

I wake up the next morning, my eyes red and puffy. After I shower, I put on some jeans and a T-shirt, then grab a hoodie. While going through my morning routine, I realize that I need a new pack of my birth control pills. I got a three-month supply and put the extras in my nightstand.

As I dig through the drawer, I notice a white envelope with my name on it in Liam’s writing.

What the hell is this?

Ripping it open and unfolding the paper, I quickly realize it’s a letter from him. Sitting down on the bed, I read it.

Dear Maddie,

It’s after two in the morning, and I can’t sleep. Knowing I’m leaving in a few days keeps my mind wandering, and though I’m content to hold you in my arms all night, I decided I needed to write you this letter.

I don’t believe in coincidences, but I truly believe I met you for a reason. You’ve changed my life. Since the night we danced at that frat party, you’ve made an impact on me. Through all those times I fought it, I still felt there was a reason you and I were meant to be together. I hope you understand how deep my love for you is because I never want to be without you.

You’re it for me, baby.

Though I’m not much of a praying man, I’ve been praying like hell we get through this. That I come back toyou, and we can start our lives together forever. A year ago, I had no idea what my life would be like, and now I only picture you and me. Oh, how your love has changed me.

But the reality is, this fight is dangerous. The reality is, something bad could happen. I tried not to think of the what-ifs, but they’ve been hitting me harder and faster, and I can’t ignore them. If something horrible does happen, I want you to know how deeply, insanely, madly in love with you I am. You need to know I wanted forever with you, and baby, if I don’t come back, promise me you’ll find happiness again.