Page 25 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Closing my eyes, I lose myself in the music as the fast beats move through me. The alcohol flows freely, and I’m slowly losing some of my inhibitions. Tonight, though, I want to get drunk, and the clock is ticking because the bar will close soon. A shot girl walks around, and I call her over and grab one, but Liam declines.

I quickly drink it down and go back to shaking my ass without a care in the world. My head spins slightly, but overall, I’m fine. It’s not the first time I’ve had alcohol, but it’s been a while. Lights flash in the club, and Liam’s a lot more relaxed dancing with me than he was earlier.

“Happy Birthday, Mads.”

I spin around, moving my hips. “Thanks, Hulk.”

I’m glad he decided to come out with me after all.

We’re in sync together as he grabs my waist. Though people are all around, it feels as if it’s just us. The feeling of his hands on me is indescribable. Heat blazes through my body, and Idon’t know if it’s the alcohol or Liam, or a combination of the two. Regardless, it’s a dangerous combination. I’m falling hard and fast for him, and there’s no way he can’t see it. When the song slows, couples fill the area around us.

“I want another drink,” I tell him, swaying back and forth, feeling the warmth of his body close to mine.

He chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re gonna have a massive hangover as it is.”

“Then I guess I’ll have the proper twenty-one-year-old birthday experience.” I laugh. “Well, minus the finding a random hookup and letting him take me home to have his way with me.”

Liam gives me a pointed look and his mouth parts as if he’s holding back what he really wants to say.

“Is that what you want? A drunken one-night stand with a guy who doesn’t deserve you?”

I glance up, and when my hair falls into my face, Liam carefully tucks it behind my ear. The way he’s studying me reveals all his secrets. He hides the way he feels and pretends he doesn’t like me, but right now, there’s no denying anything. It’s more than obvious we’re meant to be together, but he’s too damn stubborn.

“Well?” he asks, and I almost forgot his question.

“No,” I respond. “You already know what I want.”

His lips curl up just the slightest. “I do.”

“You, Liam. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that.” The words boldly fall out of my mouth. He blinks, staring at me, and I don’t give him the opportunity to turn me down again. Or give me some stupid excuse. “Kiss me,” I whisper, wondering if he’ll walk away, but he takes me by surprise and closes the gap between us.

He places two fingers gently under my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes before brushing his lips against mine. Hemoves his tongue against mine, then deepens the kiss. Fisting his shirt, I pull him closer, wanting to devour him in case this is the last time. My head swims with a thousand thoughts. My body’s on fire, and by the time we pull away, I’m breathless.

“Do you know how long I’ve waited for you to do that again?” I ask, wanting more than he’s willing to give.

Liam smirks and acts as if he wants to say something but doesn’t. “Now everyone in the room knows you’re going home with me.”

“Because we’re roommates?” I drawl, wondering if he’s talking about something more, but I don’t push it. “I need to go to the restroom.”

He leads me through the crowd and waits in the hallway. After I’m done, I look in the mirror and can’t help but smile. The only man I’ve ever wanted is with me tonight, celebrating my birthday. If only he could see me for me, not who I’m related to, then maybe things would be different. Before joining him, I breathe in courage and exhale confidence.

I’m all giggles as I leave the bathroom, letting the alcohol take control as we head back to the bar where Liam orders me water. “Drink it. You’ll thank me tomorrow.”

My head is woozy, but I know it’s because of the kiss and not the cocktail and shots I’ve had. After chugging half the glass, the bartenders announce the last call. I order one last shot for fun, and after I take it and stand, I nearly lose my balance.

“Your sisters are gonna kill me.” Liam groans and practically carries me out of the club to his truck. He helps me climb inside and buckles me. I grab his hand and stop him before he walks away.

“Liam?” I say his name so softly that I’m not sure he heard me.

He arches a brow.

“Yeah, Mads? You gonna be sick?”

“Does love-sick count?” I snort when he chuckles, and I blush at my loose lips.

“No, sweetheart.” Then he winks before walking around the front of the truck, then climbing in. I lean my head against the seat and watch the passing cars on the highway as he safely drives us home. My eyes flutter closed as I replay the night. It’s been the best birthday I’ve ever had, and although it was a low-key event, I can’t imagine anything better than spending it with Liam.

Soon I’m being woken to Liam opening the door, looking sexy as sin.