Page 59 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Johnny looked at me, then shifted his gaze to his bodyguards with a hard nod.

“When your nuptials are finalized,” he stated.

Goddammit.

“Daddy,” Victoria scolded again, walking toward me and pushing the bodyguards out of her way.

“She’s not a threat to the family, nor are any of his friends. Let them be so Liam and I can be together without any issues,” she pleaded, and I wanted to hug the shit out of her for defending not only me but Maddie too.

However, the ache in my stomach knew it wasn’t going to come without some kind of deal. Not even Victoria was immune to using her father’s tricks. She saved my ass, and it wouldn’t be without something in return. Our one-night stand weeks ago didn’t mean anything, and I had no doubt she was up to no good.

“Okay, sweetheart,” he said, nodding, though I had my doubts. His words were said to appease her, and they sounded empty to me.

Victoria took my hand and led me out of the room, my heart still racing. Fear mixed with confusion drove every thought in my head.

She led us down the hall and we stayed silent until the elevator opened, then stepped inside. The moment the doors closed, I grabbed Victoria and wrapped my arms around her, hugging her with all my strength.

“You saved my life,” I whispered as the adrenaline from what happened slowly wore off. I was seconds away from a mental breakdown. I didn’t show defeat or vulnerability very often, but at that moment, I was.

Victoria hugged me back before slightly pulling away.

“I almost had to kick JJ in the balls so he’d finally tell me what was going on.”

“He set me up,” I said, brushing a hand through my sweat-covered hair. “I want to kick his fuckin’ ass.”

“Well, I wouldn’t. He might be as dumb as a box of rocks, but he’s still Daddy’s special boy.” She rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Well, for whatever it’s worth, I owe you big. Why’d you save me, anyway?” I asked before the doors slid open.

“You’re about to find out,” she said, stepping onto one of the penthouse floors.

“You live here?” I asked when she opened the door to a larger room than the one we’d just been in.

“Yeah, I help run shit when Daddy’s in New York.” She kicked off her heels, and I followed her through the place until we ended up in the kitchen.

“You need a drink.” She handed me a glass. “Whiskey, okay?”

“Anything will do at this point,” I admitted.

She poured until the cup was half full. “We need to discuss our plans, Liam.”

“Of course, whatever you need.” I shot down the amber liquid, welcoming the burn.

“I want out of the family business, and you’re going to be my ticket,” she explained.

“Okay…” I lingered, keeping my gaze on her.

“I get my trust fund when I turn thirty, but I don’t want to wait nine more years to get it. The only way I can have it before then is if I get married. We get hitched, I get my money and freedom to leave.”

She sauntered closer.

“And?” I prompted.

“And you get to live.”

It also meant my debt was forgiven and Maddie would be safe.

I swallowed. “For how long?”