Page 60 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“It has to be believable so Daddy doesn’t go back on his word and come after you or take my trust fund. It’ll take some time before he’ll sign it over, so…a year.”

“That’s too long,” I blurted. “Six months.”

Victoria smirked as she poured more whiskey into my glass. “Six months,” she agreed. “But Liam…” She pierced me with her savage green eyes. “There are terms you will follow, or I’ll make sure Daddy comes after you and anyone you care about.”

I knew the moment her words came out that Johnny was no longer my threat. This was now Victoria’s game, and she wasn’t going to allow me or anything to get in the way of what she wanted.

Our conversation from that day replays in my mind as we drive to Victoria’s penthouse. It was only a week ago, but it feels likeforever. This is my only option, but it’s going to hurt everyone I love.

I’d tell my roommates the truth, but knowing her dad will keep his eyes on me means I can’t risk it. The only person I’ve told the truth to is Tyler, who waited anxiously for hours in the lobby of the Bellagio.

When I was able to sneak away to Victoria’s bathroom, I quickly sent a text letting him know I was still alive and that I’d explain everything when I returned home. Even replaying the events to him had me shaking my head at how wild it sounds, but it was nice to have one person who could have my back. He swore to help in any way he could, but I’m not sure there’s anythinganyonecould do now. Johnny has no reason to suspect him, and since Tyler’s aware of my involvement, I know he’s loyal.

He knew the O’Learys were crazy fuckers, but he was shocked by Victoria’s marriage proposition and wanting to get out of the family business. I’ll keep him updated as much as I can, but remind him to stay away from them at all costs. If Johnny finds out this marriage is total bullshit, he’d kill me along with everyone who’s ever meant something to me. His people can easily hide our bodies and we’d never be found. No one would ever know what happened, and it’d be another cold case added to the pile.

Johnny isn’t a man I would intentionally cross or wish upon my worst fucking enemy.

So eventually, I’ll have to tell my friends that Victoria and I eloped.

I won’t be able to tell themwhyor that it’s totally fucking fake and that we have to keep up with appearances—me visiting when her dad is in town and even taking her home to meet everyone in California. We have to play the part of the happy newlyweds who are in love with hand-holding, kissing, andother lovey-dovey shit I don’t ever do. If Johnny thinks we’ve lied and duped him, everything and everyone is at risk all over again.

That’s not something I can do.

“Your tux is in the master bedroom,” Victoria says. “Take a shower and clean up. Daddy will be here in two hours.”

“Great,” I mutter, taking my duffel bag with me.

Her mother lives in New York, playing the perfect mobster’s wife by attending galas and donating thousands of dollars to charities. Victoria told her not to bother coming because we’d make a trip out there to visit—to perpetuate the lie further.

This is Victoria’s game, and she’s the puppetmaster. Her father mailed me a prenup to make sure I couldn’t go after any of their family money in case we divorced, although he made it crystal clear that wasn’t an option. I’ll sign anything as long as he doesn’t come after me after our inevitable “breakup.”

“Well, how do I look?” I walk out in a penguin suit.

“Very handsome.” She smiles approvingly. “Hector picked up our rings. Wanna see?”

“Sure.”

Victoria’s ring nearly blinds me, and I blink a few times to clear my vision. “Jesus.”

The thing has to be at least two carats. Most definitely something I couldn’t afford.

“Everything about the O’Learys is about money, power, and being on top, which means you are too. At least when you’re here.”

Which is hopefully hardly ever.

“This going back and forth is gonna be expensive for me, so?—”

“Aww, is it?” She rolls her eyes. “He’s gonna forgive your gambling debt and not kill you because of me. You have no room for wagering, Liam.”

“I wasn’t,” I hiss. “I was just gonna tell you a heads-up would be nice so that I can schedule it between my jobs and save money for the flights.”

“Fine.” She bats her eyelashes. “He’s bringing my grandmother here at the end of June, and you need to be here for that. That enough notice for you?”

That gives me six weeks until Ihaveto return. “Yes, thank you.”

“Also, you need to look the part of a mobster princess’s husband when you’re in Vegas, and that means arriving in nice clothes. Here—” She pauses, then grabs her designer purse and digs into it. “Twenty grand enough?”

She holds out stacks of hundreds like it’s no big deal.