Page 70 of Between Secrets and Obsession
“I can’t,” I tell her. If this was a different time—before I kissed Maddie and if she didn’t live here—I’d consider it. But right now, it feels wrong and dirty that I can’t even get hard.
“No?” she questions as if she’s offended. “I’m not sure you realize how this works.”
“Victoria,” I hiss. “I do understand how it works, but we agreed the roles were played in front of people, not behind closed doors.”
“I told you when we first met that I love to fuck and a girl has needs. So as long as I have this ring on my finger”—she reaches out and grabs my dick—“this is mine too.”
I feel sick at the truth of her words. Too damn bad I can’t get fucking drunk first. Even though we hooked up once before, I barely remember it and wish I never had. The manipulation runs blood deep, and she literally holds my life in her hands, so I do what I have to do and regret every second of it. Once she collapses on the bed next to me, I leave and take a shower. Afterward, I can’t even go downstairs, so instead, we fall asleep together.
A few days later on the Fourth of July, Victoria and I watch Sophie perform with the symphony in the park. It’s been a tradition since we’ve been friends, and I haven’t missed it once. She’s a killer violinist, and we all usually have a great time hanging out.
As soon as I show up with a blanket in my hand and Victoria on my arm, Mason and Hunter greet me, but Maddie walks away. Lennon follows her with the kids, but I keep a smile on my face.
Maddie’s avoidance only encourages Victoria to step up her public affection, to the point where Mason laughs and tells us to get a room. Hunter cracks a joke about the newlywed honeymoon phase and how he remembers it well. A chuckle escapes me, but there’s nothing funny about it.
Sophie plays amazing, as always, and afterward, we all get into position to watch the fireworks. Victoria asks for a bottle of water, and I get up to buy a couple. I pass Maddie, who’s looking extra beautiful in her cutoffs and crop top. The warm summerbreeze blows through her dark hair that’s slightly curled. She’s layered on her makeup more than usual.
Looking around, I notice guys watching her, but she’s too focused on her phone to realize it. When she finally looks up at me, she scowls and turns away. I’m half-tempted to force her to talk to me so I can apologize for what I’ve done, but I don’t.
Victoria and I go through the motions. We smile. We laugh. We kiss. Rinse and repeat.
After the fireworks show, we all head back to the house. Victoria and I take the scenic route because I want some time away from my friends to get my thoughts together. When we finally make it home and walk in, everyone stops talking. It’s more than obvious we were the topic of discussion, but Victoria seems to enjoy it.
“Hey, you two lovebirds,” Mason says, coming from the kitchen carrying a beer. “Want a drink?”
“I don’t, but I’m sure Liam would love one,” Victoria tells him, and Mason happily fetches one for me. “We were gonna watch a movie. Wanna join us?”
Maddie freezes and stops breathing.
“No, I?—”
“We’d love to join you,” Victoria interrupts. I hadn’t wanted to stay and rub Maddie’s nose in this any more than I have to. “Right, baby?” Victoria reaches for my hand and pulls me closer.
I let out a breath. “Yeah, sure. That’ll be fine.”
“You two can have my seat,” Maddie says, getting up from the recliner. “I’ve already seen this one a million times.”
I frown as Maddie walks away. The urge to go to her is so strong but I force my feet to stay frozen to the floor.
“What’re we watching?” I ask, turning away when she disappears out of the living room.
“Dirty Dancing,” Sophie says.
Victoria squeals. “That’s one of myfavoritemovies.”
We all hear Maddie’s bedroom door slam. Sophie shoots me a death glare before turning toward the TV, and Mason shrugs, then presses play. Though I don’t want to, I take a seat in the recliner, and Victoria sits on my lap. I wrap my arms around her waist, and she leans against me. The whole time I’m only thinking about one woman, and it’s not her.
The last time I watched this was with Maddie, and she knew every line. I’m stuck in a memory while staring at the screen but don’t pay attention to what’s happening. Once the movie is finally over, we tell everyone good night, and Victoria says her goodbyes since I’m taking her to the airport early tomorrow morning. Sophie gives her a side hug and so does Mason, but they’re just being polite. Even if they hate her, they respect me enough to remain civil.
“Great to see a woman was finally able to win over his heart.” Mason grins.
“It was a tough game, but I played my cards right,” she says cheekily, but she’s insinuating more than they know.
I keep up the façade and pull her into my arms. “You sure did, babe.”
“Safe travels,” Sophie says as Victoria and I make our way upstairs.
“I think I’m growing on them,” she tells me when we’re in my room. “Except maybe Maddie. She’s nice, but she looks like she wants to slap me.” Victoria gives me a concerned look, arching one brow. “You two were never a thing?” she asks while changing into the revealing nightie she insists on wearing.
