Page 79 of Between Secrets and Obsession

By the time I show up, he’s already sitting at the bar with his beer half gone. Before he and Lennon officially got together, we would meet up here. It kind of reminds me of old times before life was complicated.

“I thought you were ditching me.” He chuckles and calls the bartender over.

“I don’t care how old I get, I’ll never pass up free beer,” I tease and order one.

When it’s placed in front of me, I take a big gulp.

“So, you want to explain what’s really going on with you and Victoria?” he asks. His tone isn’t accusing, though. He sounds like he wants to understand more than anything. Funny because I think we sat on these same barstools when the roles were reversed, and Mason and I bombarded him about his relationship with Lennon after Brandon passed away. I wasn’t always supportive of their friendship turned relationship, which makes me feel like shit now, knowing how perfect and happy they are.

I shrug. “We’re married and we’re trying to make it work long distance.”

“Is that hard?”

Every answer I give him isn’t really a lie but more of the truth in a different context. “It is hard. Harder than I ever thought it would be.”

“You know, being married isn’t always easy. You’ll have your ups and downs, but you get over it.”

I chug the rest of my beer, then order another. “Spoken like a true husband.”

“When you meet the one, you know. After hearing your story and seeing how happy you two were at the party, I understood. I don’t fault you at all. It just seemed sudden and kinda shocking, you know, considering.”

Shaking my head, I grin. “Yeah, yeah, I know. My reputation precedes me.”

“Something like that,” he says, snickering. He has no room to give me shit since he had the same rep as me a few years ago. “So Lennon told me Maddie’s going on a date with a police officer tomorrow night. You know the guy?”

My entire body goes stiff, and I can feel my pulse throbbing in my neck. Just the thought of her going out with Blake aggravates the fuck out of me. “Yeah. I do. He’s a player.”

“Hmm.” Hunter’s jaw clenches. “If anyone hurts her, I’ll kill them. So the bastard better be on his best behavior and keep his hands to himself. She’s family and my little sister now.”

I nod and swallow hard, thankful Maddie kept our secret moments to herself. I’m not sure I’d be able to look him in the eyes if he knew what happened between us or the timeline of it all. Though, I deserve an ass kicking from Hunter for breaking her heart.

The way she looks at me hasn’t changed. The feelings are still there, but she’s built a wall around her heart, which I understand. Regardless if my marriage is a sham, she’s protecting herself, something she should’ve done from the start. However, I never in my wildest nightmares imagined it would’ve happened like this. By the time Victoria and I end our charade, I expect Maddie to fall for another man or lose her feelings for me.

It’ll destroy me if she becomes the girl who got away, and if that happens, I’ll never be able to forgive myself for getting intothis mess. All I can do now is wait and try not to murder the guys she goes on dates with, even if I secretly wish they were with me.

My cup runs over with jealousy and anger, something I need to learn how to control because she’s not mine. Maddie’s always been my best-kept secret and it looks like she may forever stay that way.

After a few beers and good conversation, Hunter leaves, and I sit at the bar, drowning in self-deprecating thoughts. It’s better than going home because right now, I’m in no state to face any of them. I’m well on my way to tipsy when I send Tyler a message.

Liam

She wants a fucking baby and for me to move to Vegas and work with her mafia family. Just kill me please. I give you the honors.

Tyler

Not happening, man. Let me help you.

Liam

I can’t get you involved. This is my goddamn mess.

Tyler

And I’d love any reason to fuck up a mafia princess.

I snort at his honesty. From what I know about Tyler, he wasn’t raised in a stable household and had to look after his little sister. He’s a badass who can definitely handle himself if necessary, but having him on my side gives me some relief.

Liam