Page 47 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Pay up or she’ll be the one paying.

The clock is ticking.

-JJ

PS—You really didn’t think we’d use every resource to find you? Boss wants your head mounted on the wall, so you better get your ass back here immediately.

Or he’ll come get you himself.

My fingers ball into fists, the nails digging into my palms as I swallow hard. I assumed they’d eventually find me, but I didn’t think they’d bring my friends into it, although JJ had warned me. Who knows how long they’ve been following me. Considering the picture is recent, there’s no telling when they found me or if they’re still watching. On top of all this shit, now I have Maddie to worry about. Will they take her? Hurt her?

Fuck, I can’t even think about it, or I’m going to lose my goddamn mind.

There’s no way I can go there now, not with the wedding this weekend. I can’t risk missing one of the most important days in Hunter’s and Lennon’s lives. I have no other choice but to text JJ and plead for more time.

Liam

Stay the fuck away from her. I’ll come next week.

JJ

Tsk tsk. I wonder if your girlfriend knows all your dirty little secrets? Perhaps we should catch her up…

Liam

She’s my roommate, asshole. I swear, if you come near her, I’ll kill you.

JJ

You’re not very smart, are you, Liam? Threaten me again and we’ll come for all your friends.

Liam

I give you my word that I’ll be there next week. I can’t come any earlier.

JJ

The boys are camped out watching you. If you fuck with me, Liam, you’ll be sorry, trust me. I’ve given you plenty of time.

Liam

I have a wedding in Utah this weekend. Leaving Friday and coming back Sunday. I’ll fly to Vegas right after.

JJ

Boss is getting impatient and is ready to put a hit out on you. I’m sick of the goddamn lip service.

Liam

I’ll be there if you stay away from my friends. Don’t get them involved. They don’t know a damn thing about this.

JJ

You owe $100k to my family and have ignored me for weeks. You have no right to demand shit.

Somehow, I resist the urge to send him the middle finger emoji. My blood boils with rage, wanting to throw everything in sight. But hell, they’re probably watching me through the window. The thought makes me want to vomit.

I can’t tell Maddie or any of them. They’ll get involved and want to help, but I need them to stay as far away from this shitshow as possible. This is my goddamn mess, and I’m the one who needs to clean it up.