Page 71 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“No,” I blurt and sit on the bed to keep from stumbling over my words. “I mean, she’s had a crush on me for a while, I think, but she’s way too young, and I’ve told her that. We’re friends and roommates. That’s it.” The words taste like a betrayal as I try to reassure her. Victoria gives me a look as she beginsto pack her things, and I feel as if I can almost breathe again, knowing she’ll be gone in the morning.

“Okay, good. I don’t want them to hate me.”

I laugh, assuming she’s probably had to buy every friend she’s ever had. “They’re nice people. They’ll accept anyone who isn’t an asshole.”

After a moment, Victoria looks at me seriously. “You made the right choice, Liam. My father would have enjoyed taking them from you and won’t think twice if he has to.” She ends her statement with a soft smile before walking to the closet and removing her clothes.

Reality slams into me like a brick wall.

That was the reminder I needed.

I didn’t agree to do this for myself. But for Maddie. For all of them. Because they were all targets.

Hopefully, marrying Victoria means they’re safe, and it stays that way.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

MADDIE

I’ve been playingthe same song on repeat since the moment Liam brought his wife to meet everyone. Every time she ogles him, I want to claw out her eyes. Victoria touches him like she’s claiming him for all to see, and what sickens me the most is how he allows it.

The Liam I know isn’t the man I’ve watched be touchy-feely with a woman he couldn’t have known for that long. I’m surprised my eyes aren’t permanently stuck in the back of my head, considering how many times I’ve rolled them since she got here, but luckily, she left yesterday morning.

Seven months ago, I would’ve never pictured Liam married to a woman who looks like she could have her own reality TV show, but here we are. Apparently, every time Liam shot down my advances and said he didn’t do relationships, he meant he wouldn’t do them forme. Because now he’s a fucking pro at being the perfect husband.

Knowing I can’t really depend on him anymore, and not wanting to keep asking my sister for rides, I decide it’s time to buy my own car. Before all this happened, Liam had said he’d test drive and look over any vehicle I wanted, but I refuse to askhim for anything now. While he’s tried to make small talk with me, I pretend he’s invisible. He knows he holds the number one spot on my shit list. I can’t stand to look at him, be around him, or even live with him anymore. If I hadn’t given up my apartment on campus and could afford to move out, I would, but I can’t, so finding a car to gain a sliver of freedom is my next best option.

Since school ended, I’ve been teaching more baby dance classes at the studio. While I’m not making enough to buy anything expensive, I have a couple thousand dollars saved. At this point, I don’t care what it looks like. I just need something dependable.

Not wanting to be around anyone, I stay in my room and scroll through the Facebook marketplace for used cars. Most are incredibly overpriced while others aren’t so bad. Before I click out, I see a fairly new Honda Accord for sale within my budget, which surprises the shit out of me for how nice it is.

I read the description and see the guy is getting rid of it because he’s volunteering with his church overseas. It seems like a solid reason, considering my dad has helped plan mission trips for members, and most of them end up selling most of their possessions before they go. Looking at all the pictures, I find the interior looks nice, and it doesn’t have super high mileage. I understand wanting to get rid of something before leaving. I sold my car for super cheap before moving here so I’d have some cash in savings. Honestly, I should’ve kept it but didn’t need transportation when I was living on campus. Plus the money helped me splurge on food during my first year of college.

Knowing this car is going to go fast, I message the guy to see if he still has it. Within five minutes, Nico replies back. I ask him about his trip and where he’s going and what he’ll do there. I find it absolutely amazing how selfless he is. I tell him I’dlike to test drive the car and make plans to meet at the grocery store down the street in an hour. I’m beyond giddy thinking about finally having some freedom. I only wish I would’ve taken matters into my own hands a month ago.

After I get dressed, I schedule an Uber to take me to the bank so I can get the cash, then to our meeting spot. Nico arrives right on time in the Honda and parks.

With a smile, I wait for him to get out and officially introduce himself.

“Maddie, right?” He grins and hands me the keys.

“Yep.” I look down at them in my palm. “I can drive it around the block?”

“Yeah, go for it.”

I climb into the car, and he gets into the passenger side. Searching around, I look for the lever to adjust the seat, and he tells me where it is. I move closer to the steering wheel and adjust the rearview mirror. Carefully, I give it some gas and pull onto the main road. After driving it down the road a mile or so, I turn around because the engine sounds great. It doesn’t make any rattling noises or anything, but I don’t know much about cars to even know what to look or listen for.

When I turn into the parking lot, I made up my mind. “Okay, I like it a lot. I want to buy it! What do I have to do?”

“Awesome! Let me schedule an Uber to pick me up, and you can take it now.” Nico digs in the glove compartment and starts going through the paperwork. “Here are all the maintenance records, and I have a bill of sale for you right here.” He holds it up for me to see and fills it out, putting my name as the buyer.

I nod, beaming as he schedules a ride.

“Oh, do you have the title?” I remember that being a thing when I sold my car.

Nico searches in the middle console and back through all the papers in his lap. “I don’t seem to have it with me. I’ll have tocheck at home. I can drop it in the mail or get a replacement title before I leave.”

I shrug. “Okay, that’s not a big deal.”