Page 39 of Between Secrets and Obsession
“Excuse me, Peeping Tom?” I grab my deodorant and hair gel. “Gonna tell me why we’re hanging out in the bathroom?”
“Well, I wanted to catch you before you ran off again.”
I glance at her. “Okay, I’m here. What’s up?”
“Where did you really go?”
“I was on a job. Three hours south. Why?” I ask, grabbing my toothbrush.
“You weren’t in Vegas?” Her question causes my heart to race. I don’t like where this conversation’s going. Sophie might be one of my best friends, but I’m not comfortable talking about this with her—or anyone.
I’ve been avoiding JJ for over a month. He sent me a text on Easter a couple of weeks ago, and I ignored it although his threats got progressively worse. I can’t pay him and refuse to show myself to his mobster father unless I have the money.
“No,” I tell her honestly. “Why would you think that?”
“I found something a while ago and wasn’t sure how to ask you about it but…” She avoids eye contact and chews on her lips. “I’m concerned about you.”
Straightening my stance, I search her face. “What’re you talking about, Soph?”
She pulls something out of her back pocket, a chip I recognize, and a piece of paper. “These were in your jeans pocket when I was doing laundry, and when I showed Mason, he had no idea what it was about either. So I decided to drop it, but lately…” Sophie lingers when I grab them from her hand.
“What’s this?” I unfold it and realize it’s a receipt for sixteen grand I’d won months ago. My jaw tenses, and I’m pissed she found this. This will undoubtedly raise more questions, but I don’t have any answers for her.
“I wouldn’t have brought it up, Liam, but you’ve been different the past couple of months, and if you’re struggling with a gambling addiction, I wanna help.”
My eyes snap to hers, and my chest tightens at the way she’s looking at me. “Soph, I’m fine. You’re worrying for nothing.”
“Sixteen thousand dollars is a lot of money. Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
I fist the receipt, crumpling it in my palm, and shrug. “It wasn’t a big deal, I guess. Decided to stop after a job and won a few rounds of blackjack.” I toss the chip on the counter.
“Then explain why you’ve been traveling more for your job recently? You fidget as though you’re anxious to get another fix.”
I narrow my eyes at her, wondering if she’s being serious right now. “Another fix?”
“You know, a gambling fix. I’m sure lotto tickets and dollar scratchers aren’t enough for a true addict.”
“I’m not a fuckin’ addict, Soph. Not that it’s any of your business or anyone else’s for that matter, but I took the money and invested it, okay? My job doesn’t exactly have health insurance and 401(k) benefits. I opened a financial account to save money.”
I fucking hate that I’m lying to her right now, but I have no choice. Protecting her and Maddie are my top priorities, and I refuse to drag them through my bullshit.
“Oh,” she says softly, and I feel bad because she looks embarrassed.
“Now…” I smirk, hoping to change the subject and lighten the mood. “Can I get dressed before Mason finds us like this and tries to kick my ass?”
She perks a brow up at the wordtries, though we both know he’d never win against me. Not that I’d ever want to fight him.
Once she leaves, I get dressed, then go downstairs to grab a drink. Loud moans echoing from the kitchen have my feet glued to the living room floor.
God. Are they seriously fooling around in there? Mason and Sophie are still in the honeymoon phase and can’t keep their hands off each other. And though it’s cute, it’s disgusting to witness.
“Mmm…so good…” More moaning.
For fuck’s sake.
“What is that?” I jump at the sound of Sophie’s voice and realize she’s standing next to me.
Blinking, I furrow my brows. “I thought that was you in there again.”
