Page 219 of Between Secrets and Obsession

I smirk. “There’s my protective big sister.”

“I’ll always be.” Sophie wraps me in a hug. “I don’t care how old you are.”

“Guess we should pack and search for flights. Can you send me your reservation info so we can get on the same one?” Mason asks.

I pull out my phone and forward my confirmation email.

“Did you already get a room in Vegas?” Sophie asks.

“Not yet. But I’ll book something before we leave for the airport.”

“Perfect.”

The two of them go upstairs to get ready, and I plop down on the couch as a nervous excitement streams through me. I search for hotels and find one that looks decent and is affordable, then make a reservation for two double beds.

Once Mason and Sophie are ready, we drive to the airport early since we’ll probably run into holiday traffic. We chat about random stuff, but my thoughts are in another place as I try to rehearse what I’m going to say to Tyler once we’re there. I already know he’ll be pissed, but it’s my right to be there.

Just as I expected, we’re nearly bumper to bumper miles from the airport because of a stupid wreck. Traffic slows us down nearly an hour.

After we park and go through security, we have an hour to eat before boarding starts. I’m half-tempted to order a large margarita at the restaurant but decide against it, knowing I need to be in a good headspace when we land. Eventually, it’s time for us to line up, and I’m anxious about the whole situation. After reading Liam’s letter, I know this is the right thing to do, but I’m still nervous.

Sophie notices my fidgeting and places her hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “It’s gonna be okay.”

“I hope so,” I tell her as we walk down the jetway, then find our seats on the plane. We take off, and I watch out the window as Sacramento drifts away, and the buildings below look like Lego pieces. Somehow, I fall asleep, and I’m being woken up when the wheels touch down on the runway. It hits me in full force that we’re here, and all of this is really happening. There’s no turning back now.

I’ve never been to Las Vegas before, and if I were here for any other reason, I’m sure I’d have an incredible time watchingall the shows and walking down the Strip. We Uber to the hotel, and I can’t seem to stop staring out the window. Everything looks like a large movie set with all the bright lights and tall buildings.

It takes no time before we’re checked in and taking the elevator up to our room. Once we step in, I fall back on the bed and let out a loud sigh. Now comes the hard part, texting Tyler and demanding he give me the info I need.

Sophie and Mason sit on the edge of their bed and watch me as I sit up and pull my phone from my pocket. “Now or never,” I say.

Maddie

I need to talk to you, but first of all, don’t tell Liam I’m texting you right now.

Tyler

Alright. What’s up?

Maddie

I’m in Vegas. Mason and Soph, too.

Tyler

What? Why?

Before I can respond, Tyler calls, and I pick up.

“Maddie, you cannot be here right now.” He keeps his stern voice low.

“Well, we are. I want to go to the fight, Tyler. I need to be there. I can’t sit around and wait, hoping he doesn’t die. I need to know he’s okay. I need to see it all go down.” I’m talking a million miles per hour, my thoughts a jumbled mess.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not telling you where it is. I vowed to Liam to protect you, and that’s what I’m doing. It’s too dangerous, Maddie. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb aroundthe goddamn mob, and if Liam sees you, you’ll be a distraction he doesn’t need, and it could ruin his chances of beating this fucker. I can guarantee you that I’ll keep you updated with what’s going on. As soon as the fight is over, you’ll be the first person I call. I promise.”

I swallow hard, about to break down in tears. “Tyler…” I choke out. “Please. We’re at the Westgate.”

“Absolutely not. I’m not changing my mind, no amount of begging or crying will work. Stay at your hotel. You’re safe there. Stay that way so then you can be there for him after the fight. We’re leaving in about fifteen minutes, and the fight starts at the top of the hour. I’ll keep my word, Mads. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s over.”