Page 137 of Between Secrets and Obsession
“Alabama,” he says, then immediately faces me with narrowed eyes. “How’d you do that?”
Looking sheepishly at him, I smile and feign innocence. “Do what?”
“You’re sneaky.”
“Not the first time I’ve heard that.”
Ty serves up his dish on two plates, and I notice Eric isn’t around tonight.
“So where’s my other shadow?”
“Working out,” he replies dryly.
“I was thinking of trying the gym out tomorrow. Maybe I’ll get buff and be able to take you two,” I quip.
“Good luck with that.” He bows his head, but I see his smile. “What do you want to drink?” He opens the fridge.
“I thought you weren’t here to wait on me,” I throw back his words from earlier.
“The lines are a little blurry, actually.”
“How so?”
“Not wanting to resuscitate you if you start choking on the spicy sausage and simultaneously not wanting you to get any ideas that I’m your servant.”
“Hmm…valid points. But don’t worry. I’m very capable of swallowing down spicy sausage.” I poke a piece of meat with my fork, then shove it into my mouth. My eyes water, and I spit itout. “What the hell? Are you trying to kill me?” I pant and stick out my tongue.
Ty’s laughing—actually laughing—and not hiding it. I like the sound of it, too. “You want that drink now?”
“Yes!” I reach out for the water in his hand. “Gimme, dammit!”
Taking the bottle, I suck down half of it before stopping.
“That was fucking cruel.” I scowl. “My eyes and throat are burning!”
Ty leans against the counter with his arms crossed and shrugs. “Thought you could handle your sausage.”
“Let me eat a box of Red Hot candies and suck you off and see how you feel afterward.” The second my words spew out, Eric stomps into the kitchen, glaring at both of us. I swallow hard as if Ty and I are two kids in school being scolded by the principal. “That’d be the equivalent to it, is what I meant to say.”
“Boss is on the line for you,” Eric tells Ty.
“Let her know I’m eating dinner and will call her once I’m done,” Ty states firmly.
“She says it’s urgent,” Eric argues. “Sounds pissed so you better answer.”
Ty shifts uncomfortably, then nods. “Alright.” He pushes off the counter and takes a step before facing me. “You have to stir it before eating. All the seasoning sits at the top and that’s why it was so spicy.” Then hewinksand walks down the hallway.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
LIAM
It’s beenseven days since I arrived in Vegas and it’s been the worst week of my life. Considering she’s essentially kidnapped Maddie and has formed this strange new bond with my dad, I’m afraid this is only the beginning of the end. There’s no way she’ll allow me to walk away after our six-month agreement, especially now that she’s carrying twins. I should’ve known better than to make deals with JJ, but when it came to Victoria, I had no choice. She may have saved my life, but now I’m wondering if I was better off dead.
Tonight Johnny is hosting a dinner for Victoria, one of many that’ll be happening until the babies are born. He’s over the moon excited to be a grandfather, and each time it’s brought up, it makes my stomach coil because I know what kind of monster he is.
After I’m dressed, I go into the kitchen and pour a double of bourbon. It’s better for me to be inebriated than to be around everyone sober. Alcohol soothes the anger and pain, even if it’s only temporary. I’ve drunk myself stupid several nights this week, hoping to get some sleep, but fail each time.
Victoria saunters by, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. “Please tell me you’re not wearing that.”
