Page 45 of Between Secrets and Obsession

After giving me a curt nod, he walks past me and goes upstairs. I head to the bathroom and think about everything as I shower. Between Sophie telling me about Liam’s gambling receipt and chip from a couple of months ago and his back-and-forth moods, I’m convinced something is going on, and he’s not telling us. He’s always been a private person, but his overprotectiveness toward me and overall edginess are alarming.

I don’t know anything about his childhood or his family, but I also haven’t asked. I don’t want to pry into his life, but perhaps I should. If he’s in trouble or dealing with some deep shit, I want him to know he can trust me if he needs help.

CHAPTER NINE

LIAM

THE PREVIOUS DAY

After runningerrands on Tuesday afternoon, I’m relieved to go home and relax for the rest of the night. It’s been a couple of months since I bailed on JJ and left Vegas for good. While things are starting to feel normal again, I hate that I’m still constantly looking over my shoulder. He’s texted and called me dozens of times, but I’ve ignored them all. It’s what I need to do while I save money to pay them back. If I return with anything less than I owe, they’ll undoubtedly kill me.

I take a shower and grab something to eat before I see a text from Hunter.

Hunter

Don’t forget to pick up your tux! Black socks and black shoes.

Liam

Oh fuck. I thought we were doing navy blue?

Hunter

Don’t make me come over there and smack you around, Evans. Lennon’s already driving me crazy. I don’t need any more reason to vent my frustrations out on you.

Liam

You’re too easy, man. Relax! I got this.

Hunter

Still gonna punch you.

Liam

Yeah, yeah. You wouldn’t let your favorite groomsman be photographed with a black eye. Lennon would really kill you then.

Hunter

I’ll get you back after.

Liam

Mm-hmm, Manning. If it makes you feel better, I’ll even let you swing first.

Hunter

Anyone ever tell you that you’re an asshole?

Liam

A few chicks, but then they’re usually screaming my name while I bend them over.

Hunter

BYE.

I laugh, tossing my phone on the coffee table. Poor guy has been knee-deep in wedding planning, and considering baby Aaron was born a couple of months ago, we haven’t gotten thechance to hang out much. Between him being a dad, our work schedules, and life in general, this weekend is a much-needed escape although it’ll be short.