by Kennedy Fox
“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 stopping and 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 he winks and walks down the hallway.
Chapter Four
LIAM
It’s been seven days since I arrived in Vegas to play the part of doting husband and father-to-be. It’s been the worst week of my life. Stress and guilt are my new constants along with playing by Victoria’s rules. 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.”
Words form in my mouth, but I swallow them down. I probably shouldn’t tell her to fuck off when I’ve accomplished walking on thin ice all week. I’m hoping my good behavior will allow me to get more intel. Maybe I can beat her at her own game, though I have a feeling she’s already a mile ahead of me. If anything, the O’Learys are strategic as hell. Well except for JJ, he’s the family dumbass.
She clears her throat, grabbing my attention again after I shoot down the alcohol and pour another double. I glance over at her as I take it with a big gulp. “Can I help you?”
“The last thing you need to do is show up to this party drunk. It’s disrespectful to my father.”
“Sweetheart, it’s gonna take a lot more than a few shots, trust me.” I glare at her, put the bottle to my lips, and drink. Placing it on the counter, I walk to my room and fall onto my bed, closing my eyes. I feel nothing. After a moment, Victoria barges inside, fury written on her face.
“Goddammit, Liam.” She crosses her arms and scowls. “You better be on your best behavior tonight.”
“Planned on it,” I snap, annoyed. I’ve been a good boy all fucking week.
“We leave in an hour,” she tells me before slamming the door behind her. I check the time on my phone and end up scrolling through the last text messages I sent Maddie, a shitty reminder of how things were left between us. Tendrils of turmoil suffocate me and I sit up, rubbing my hands over my face, trying to gain what little composure I have left. My sweet, innocent Maddie could be hurt right now, and the only person I can blame is myself. I miss her so fucking much that it hurts. I’d do anything to talk to her, but Victoria would never allow it, so I don’t bother pushing the subject.
Knowing I’ll need to impress the O’Learys tonight, I put on my costume of a suit and tie. It doesn’t take long before Victoria is screaming like the witch she is that it’s time to go. The drive over is a blur and so is the dinner as she talks about all our plans to her family. Her father and grandmother sit around the table, along with a few cousins and her brother. I nod and smile like I’m supposed to, randomly leaning over to give her kisses while keeping my arm placed firmly around her petite body. To anyone looking in, we’re the perfect couple just starting a new life together. The reality is much more dreary than that because I’m nothing more than her prisoner. When she says jump, I’m required to ask how high.
“Two babies are a miracle, Victoria,” her grandmother says. She’s been talking about the pregnancy nonstop, which only vindicates Victoria further.
“Oh, it won’t be the last great-grandchildren you get. I want a big family,” she says, interlocking her fingers with mine. Smiling, I take a sip of wine to wash down the bile creeping up my throat. I glance at Victoria and notice she’s pale.
“You okay?” I whisper.
For a moment, she seems like a normal human being. “I feel sick. I don’t think the food agreed with me.”
“I have a big surprise for everyone,” her father announces, grabbing our attention. “I rented out the pub a few blocks down and sent out invites. I wanted a proper way to announce the pregnancy to our friends.”
Before Victoria can say a word, she begins dry heaving. Quickly, she stands and rushes to the bathroom, and I do as I’m supposed to and follow her. I grab the doorknob, but she locked it, so I press my ear against the door and listen to her emptying her stomach.
“Victoria, you alright?” I ask.
But she continues to puke. After five minutes of waiting, she opens the door with a cold rag pressed to her head. “I need to go home.”
“Okay, not a problem,” I tell her, and we walk back to the formal dining area.
“Sorry, Daddy. What were you saying?” she asks, taking a small sip of water.
“I rented the pub on the corner to celebrate, but you don’t look as if you’re up to it, princess.” He leans forward and kisses her cheek.
“No, Daddy. But I’ll send Liam to stand in, if that’s okay. Something I ate isn’t settling well, and I think I need to sleep it off.”
Concern is written across his face, but he concedes and tells her to lie down in his room instead of leaving. Victoria agrees, and I follow her down the hallway. The room is fit for royalty with a California king bed, gold fixtures, and carpet so plush it feels like I’m walking on clouds.
Victoria climbs on the mattress and settles under the comforter, placing the cool rag over her forehead and closing her eyes.
“Don’t embarrass me at that party,” she mutters.
“Is this a setup, or are you really sick?” I heard her throw up, but I still don’t trust her. She’s used shady ass tactics before.
Victoria grunts. “Fuck you, Liam. I feel like shit.”
I hold up my hands. “Okay, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t keep everyone waiting,” she snarls, then rolls over on her side, dismissing me. I turn on the lamp next to the bed and turn off the main light, then walk out. At least if I want to leave the party, I’ll have an excuse, so that’s a plus. Maybe being alone with her family will be a good thing. I won’t have her beady eyes watching everything I do or listening to every word I say.
Johnny tells Victoria goodbye, and we head to the pub. On the way over, he passes out Cuban cigars and pats me on the back with his strong, bone-breaking hand. “I’m glad I didn’t kill ya, Liam,” he tells me as we enter the building that’s full of people.
“That makes two of us,” I say. Johnny introduces me to his longtime friends, and I can’t help but wonder how each of them is connected to his business. Regardless, they all look like they’re the types who have guns and money.
After I make my way around the room, introducing myself to those who don’t know me and answer where Victoria is at least fifty times, I go to the bar and order a drink. I need it more than anyone can understand because all this actin
g is fucking exhausting. As I sit on a stool, drinking scotch, Johnny plops down next to me. My nerves are on edge because I know every word I say is being analyzed.
“When do you plan on moving to Vegas permanently?” he asks, not segueing into the conversation whatsoever, but that’s who he is, sharp and rough around the edges.
“We’re still trying to work out the details, but I’ll be here for all appointments.” I hope my answer is good enough, but when he narrows his eyes, I have a feeling it’s not.
He scowls, then orders Irish whiskey. “You need to be here for your wife. My daughter shouldn’t be second place in your life.” His voice is gruff and commanding.
“She’s my number one,” I say, but I think about Maddie when the words leave my mouth. A small smile touches my lips when I remember the good times we’ve shared over the past few months. So much has changed. The thought of her brings the strength I need to talk with Johnny. Then I get an idea that might give me answers that Victoria won’t share.
“I do have one favor to ask,” I say, finding my courage. Victoria thrives on control, which means Maddie is somewhere she’s familiar with and can access anytime she wants. No doubt it’s someplace she or her family owns. “I’d like to take Victoria somewhere secluded, away from all the hustle and bustle. A babymoon, I guess they call it, and since we didn’t have a honeymoon, it could count for both. Maybe help take her mind off everything and relax a bit, but I’m not sure where to take her. Do you have any suggestions?”
He eyes me curiously. “I have a few properties you could go.”
“Really?” I want to ask where, but I impatiently wait for him to continue.
“Got a condo in New York and Colorado, a cabin in Montana, a lake house in Tahoe, beachfront property in Florida, and a few other places,” he brags proudly. “Victoria really loves the mountains, but I’m sure you know that already.”
“Of course,” I say immediately, faking pride in my voice.
“Montana’s always held a special place in her heart. Probably because the house is so big and luxurious. Completely secluded and miles away from town. Beautiful scenery this time of year too. If you want to take her there, let me know, and I’ll make sure the plane is reserved.”
I give him a smile. “Absolutely. Thank you.”
“You’re family now. We take care of each other,” he states, which sends shivers down my spine. I don’t want any part of this damn family.
I nod, agreeing, and shoot down my drink as JJ sits on the other side of his father. This is as close as I’ve been to him since Victoria and I got married. My glass is refilled, and I can’t help but think about all the different places Maddie could be. If I know Victoria as well as I think I do, she more than likely brought her to one of the family properties.
Johnny turns and narrows in on JJ who’s going on about someone he saw recently.
“And the bastard looked at me like he saw a goddamn ghost.” JJ laughs. “Mickey isn’t anything other than DeFranco scum.”
The room stills and conversations move to hushed whispers as everyone turns to JJ. Johnny snaps at him and shakes his head, as if telling him to shut the hell up. I swallow, wanting to know more, but know I shouldn’t push my luck. But I am a part of the family now.
“Who are they? The DeFrancos? Mickey?” I ask, keeping my voice low.
Johnny glances at me over the rim of his cup. “Dead, if they come near us.”
I nod, repeating the words Victoria has said to me in the past. “Any enemy of yours is an enemy of mine.”
He slightly raises his glass and chugs the rest of the amber-gold liquid.
Victoria texts me and says she’s going home because she’s feeling a tad better, and I send her a thumbs-up emoji. Johnny is still annoyed about the mention of the DeFrancos and looks as if he’s chewing rocks as he takes several shots. His hair is a mess, and he looks completely unhinged. Leave it to JJ to ruin a semi-normal night. I mean, hanging out with mobsters is never normal, but no one spoke of killing anyone until he opened his big mouth. If Victoria were here, she’d be pissed and would’ve already slapped that grin right off his dopey face.
After another hour, I tell everyone goodbye and schedule an Uber to take me back to Victoria’s. When I walk in, she’s sitting on the couch watching TV with her feet propped up in fuzzy slippers as she drinks water from a straw. I sit on the loveseat and look at her. She almost looks normal with her hair piled on top of her head while wearing comfy clothes. Pregnancy sickness has made her the nicest I’ve ever seen.
“So how was the party?”
“Fine. Well until JJ brought up the DeFrancos. Then it got weird.”
Victoria stills, then sits up and narrows her eyes. “Why the fuck would he bring them up?”
I shrug. “He ran into some Mickey guy and was bragging about wanting to kill him.”
Her entire mood shifts, and she groans with an eye roll. “What an idiot. Sometimes I wish someone would cut out his tongue and do us all a favor.”
The visual her words create is almost too much, but she seems serious. She’d have no problem getting rid of her own brother, which proves what kind of monster she truly is.
“We need to talk,” I say, abruptly changing the subject but keeping my tone level.
“Agreed,” she quickly replies but then speaks before I can. “You need to stay for the next two weeks. I need you here, or my father will get suspicious and assume you don’t care about me and the babies.”
My face contorts, and while I want to disagree, I decide to negotiate. “Yes, he did make a comment about me living here, but I assured him I’d make it to all your baby appointments. Also, you said a week would be enough time, and it’s been seven days. I’m supposed to leave tomorrow. I need to get back to work.”
Placing her hand on her growing belly, she speaks, “And things changed.”
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” I snap, standing.
“No!” She’s growing more upset. “You can’t.”
“I can, and I will,” I say as I walk toward my room, undoing my tie.
She says my name, stopping me in my tracks. “Liam. Let’s play let’s make a deal, shall we?”
The coldness in her voice sends a chill up my spine, but she has my attention and knows it. I go back to her, cross my arms, and wait. Of course she smiles like the devil she is.
“Why don’t you sit?”
I don’t.
“You stay as long as I need, and I’ll show you proof your precious little home-wrecker is safe.” She cocks an eyebrow and smirks because she knows she has me by the balls.
Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I nod, wanting to put a time limit on how long I’ll be here but understanding this opportunity to see Maddie may come only once. “I want proof before I agree to anything.”
Leaning over, she swipes her iPad off the glass coffee table and unlocks it. “So, that’s a yes if she’s okay?”
“Yes.” Among everything, I need the peace of mind, for it to be driven home that she’s being taken care of. While Victoria has given me her word, there is zero trust between us.
Grinning, she swipes through pages, logs into an app, and pats the seat next to her. My heart races knowing I’m about to see Maddie and see what condition she’s actually in. After everything that happened with Sophie last year, I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle it if Maddie’s in any distress.
I move next to Victoria, and she refreshes the app so I know it’s in real time.
“There she is…” she gloats, knowing she owns my ass even more now.
Maddie. Fuck, she’s beautiful. I miss her so goddamn much. She’s sitting at a breakfast bar, talking to a guy who’s standing in front of her, but I can only see his back. Heat rushes through my body when she smiles at him. Quickly, I study the white walls but can’t see much of anything, considering it’s dark outside. My mind begins to reel as I replay all the places Johnny said the family owned.
“See? She’s being well
taken care of, living it up in a luxury cabin, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about.” Victoria’s pleased with herself as she watches me. “Until you stop playing by my rules, of course,” she adds arrogantly.
Cabin. Confirmed. Maddie’s in Montana. But where? I’m not sure I’ll have another opportunity to get Johnny alone for the address without him wanting to schedule a private jet to take us there. It’d be disastrous, and Victoria would never fall for it, not in a million years. Now I’m wondering if he knows what Victoria has done and is aware she’s using their property to hold someone hostage. Or is she doing this all behind his back?
I can’t stop staring at the screen, and I’m somewhat annoyed there’s no sound, but I’m sure she has it muted to keep my mind spinning. The guy stands up and walks to the fridge, and when I see his face, my heart stops. What the actual fuck is he doing there with Maddie?
I try to keep my composure so she doesn’t notice my reaction, but inside, I’m confused as hell.
Tyler, one of my closest friends, is laughing and talking with the one girl I want more than anything to be with right now. How the hell did this happen?
“They seem to be getting along perfectly fine, don’t they?” Victoria asks, digging the knife in a little deeper, noticing my expression when I saw Tyler. She probably thinks I’m jealous and is hoping for it. Put Maddie in a position to flirt with another guy and watch me squirm, knowing I can’t do shit about it. But what she doesn’t know is that Tyler is on my side. We’re as thick as thieves, which will most definitely hamper her plan, whatever it is.
Maddie watches him, smiling, and I try to act unfazed. Tyler hands her a bottle of water, and Maddie says something to him. Some smart-ass remark, I’m sure. Another guy comes into the picture, and he looks like a total asshole with hard lines and a scowl on his face. He says something to the two of them, and Tyler nods, but Maddie shakes her head. The guy continues for a few more seconds before storming away.
Maddie eventually bursts into laughter. How I wish I could hear that sweet sound. The things I’d do to go back to that time when life was easy. Before Victoria and before any of this ridiculousness.