34. Chapter 34 - Madison
“How am I supposed to go back to the party and act like everything is okay, Liam?” I whisper-shout, pacing the deck of the bedroom Diego and I share. My hands have come up over my lips as in prayer.
What the fuck is going on? God, I hope he is able to get out of this. Those are some serious charges stacked against him. He’ll be lucky if he doesn’t get the death penalty. At the thought of a life without Diego’s smile, his eyes, his sarcasm, or his hands all over me, my heart rate spikes. I continue to pace back and forth, lost in my spiraling thoughts.
Liam’s tattooed hand grips my bicep, stopping me. “ Mad . Stop. It’s going to be alright. I swear on my life I will make sure of that. Diego, Antonio, and I have come extremely close to getting this case wiped clean.”
His voice is softer than normal. This is the Liam I miss. The person I once fell in love with. The man I could still love, just not what it was before. Not romantically, that is.
Twisting my body to stare up at him, I ask, “Who was that woman? The female officer?” I cross my arms over my chest, forcing Liam to drop his hand. He in return, runs it through his hair before pinching the bridge of his nose .
“Diego isn’t leaving you out of his plans, so let’s get that clear before I start. I had mentioned to your man that I have an in with an FBI agent named Lindsay. She’s helped my brother and me out of a lot of shit that could have been the end for us. She and I used to cross the line between business and pleasure…even though it felt like part of the business transaction. Anyway, I gave her a ring the other day, strictly business —so don’t get ya panties in a twist—and she offered to hop on the case. Being associated with the notorious El Rompe Huesos case would help her career. Even if that outcome meant his name was cleared and it all fell on his uncle Geraldo. At the very least, she could keep an eye on him if and when he was taken into custody.”
“He never told me that,” I pout.
“He didn’t know I called her. All Diego knew was that I was going to call. This is a good thing Madison, she’s on our side. As for who is behind this… We need to discuss that. I will nev er kill a woman. So what the fuck do I do? She betrayed me, my family, and not one, but two syndicates. One of which is our ally.” Liam’s pained eyes stare down at me, asking me what to do here. He wants me to call the shots. How refreshing.
“ You may not kill a woman… doesn’t mean I won’t,” I growl, my anger boiling, dangerously close to causing an explosion. Someone is about to get burned.
“That’s not a burden you want on your shoulders. Trust me. An angel like you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself. Taking a life will always sit with you, no matter how evil the other may be. You don’t want that blood on your hands,” he rasps, his mind going elsewhere.
“So, you need me to go outside and act like none of this happened? Lainey probably watched the whole damn thing with a bucket of popcorn somewhere,” I huff, throwing my hands in the air before letting them slap the sides of my thighs.
“She wasn’t up here. I just saw her prepping the dessert station outside before I came up,” he confirms .
“He can’t be in prison forever, Liam.” A fresh coat of tears pools in my lash line.
Liam pulls me to him by the back of my head, securely wrapping me in the safety of his arms. He soothingly pets my hair. “I know. It’s gonna be alright, love.”
I nod my head up and down as tears drip onto his tattooed forearm. “I’m going to collect myself and head back outside. You find Killian. Let’s meet back here in an hour. If you don’t get her by then, I am dropping this plan and will drag her by the hair back here,” I promise.
Liam’s deep chuckle vibrates my face. “You’ve always been too cute when you’re mad.”
“Shut up. Now’s not the time.” I smack his chest, using it as leverage to push me off and get moving.
I inhale deeply, centering myself before walking out the door. Taking the steps two at a time, I head back toward the commotion by the pool. Lexi is on Con’s shoulders wrestling John, who is on Simon’s shoulders.
“Winner has to run ass naked into the ocean,” Lexi taunts.
“Bring it, Alexis,” John shoots back. “I hope your wax girl was thorough,” he snides playfully.
Normally, I would be joining right in on the banter. Right now? I can’t help but scan the property for the little bitch that decided to ruin my whole world. ‘ Girl’s Girl ’ my ass. Jealousy drove her to betray her syndicate. The people she was raised with. The man she claims to love.
Puhhhlease .
Liam is right, I won’t kill her. I want to—but that isn’t something I think I could ever do. That doesn’t mean we can’t hash it out with our fists before Liam ultimately decides her fate. Maybe I’ll even face my fears and revisit the dungeon.
Speak of the fucking devil . Lainey is over by Sel, chatting away with her—as if she didn’t just stab her brother in the back with a butcher knife. She must have thought her anonymous call would stay anonymous. Or perhaps she didn’t think they would come to the island today and take him away. Well, if she thinks she can play me, and my family, she has another thing coming….
I approach the bar, pretending to search for Diego. “Hey, Sel…Lainey,” I nod at them. “Have either of you seen my husband?”
A look of concern crosses Sel’s relaxed features. “He was over by the docks last I’d seen him…” She leans forward to whisper. “But you didn’t hear that from me.” She winks.
Now she has me curious. What was my husband up to? He told me we weren’t sleeping in the room tonight… does that mean he was over by the docks because we were going somewhere? Did he know the feds were coming? Some sort of tip-off?
“You alright, Madison? You look a little pale.” Sel begins to mother me by rubbing my arm.
“Yeah. Diego kept me up all night. I’m just a bit tired.” I add in an obnoxious faux yawn.
“Love you, girl…but I don’t need to hear about my brother’s sex life with my best friend.” Sel covers her mouth with her hand, pretending to gag.
I roll my eyes. “Lainey. I know the last few days have been a lot. Liam’s been looking for you. I think he wanted to apologize and make things right with you.” I make sure to lay the charm on thick.
Her eyes light up, looking hopeful. I almost feel bad for her. Almost . “I have been avoiding him. Maybe I should go find him. I’m sorry for the drama, Madison.” No you’re not.
Liam walks out of the sliding door, locking eyes with me. He nods subtly.
He stops by the edge of the pool. “Hey, Lainey? You want next?”
He pulls his shirt over his head, flexing his muscles. Next to go is his belt and then his pants. Lainey’s tongue is practically hanging out of her mouth. Go get him, tiger.
“Excuse me, ladies,” she announces.
Pulling her dress over her head, she walks towards him, swaying her ass as she goes. Lexi pushes John, causing Simon to step back exactly where the shallow end meets the deep end. John goes tumbling backward.
“YES!” Lexi shouts, throwing her arms above her head as Conor makes a victory lap. “Get moving boys…I wanna see hineys jiggling down towards the ocean.” She points to the dark water.
Perfect timing. I don’t need Simon and John witnessing whatever is about to happen. Lexi’s brother and his husband jog after them, cracking up as they go.
As Lainey approaches Liam, he tackles her, knocking her into the pool. She comes up sputtering before he pulls her arms behind her back and pushes her head back down.
“Liam! What the fuck are you doing?” She coughs as she resurfaces before her head is submerged again—this time longer.
He cages her hands behind her back in one strong arm as his other grips her by the hair. Tugging her up by the scalp, he lowers his mouth to her ear. “Why did you do it, Lain?” he growls between clenched teeth.
“I already apologized to Madison,” she lies.
Violently, he shoves her face back into the water as her body bucks against his. When he finally lifts her head back up, she's sobbing. “Fuck all of you. Especially Madison. She never deserved a spot in this life.”
I get closer, drawn to the chaos. If this is karma, Liam is the justice.
“Here’s what’s gonna happen, Lainey. You are going to be dropped off in Ireland by one of my men. You will be monitored. So if you think for one second you’ll find your way back here, you’re dead wrong. A crime like this in our world is punishable by death. Since I won’t kill a woman, and your mom was an angel, you’re in the clear of that. However, you are going to wish for death with the life you’ll live. You will never see another country again. You will live and breathe in Ireland. No traveling. No vacations. For as long as you live. You’ll be lucky to find a job or ever love again after our family in Ireland hears about this. Best wishes to ya, lass.”
“You’re making a mistake!” she screams. “Madison is the toxic bitch here, not me! I hope her man rots in prison, and I hope he takes you all down with him.”
Liam drags her up the pool stairs, tossing her into Ryan’s arms. “Dry her off. Leave her in her bathing suit for all I care. Take the two recruits with you. I want eyes on her at all times. I’ll call my family in Ireland and let them know of her arrival. Keep me posted. I’ll let you know of your assignments when you get there.”
“Yes, Sir,” Ryan confirms his orders, collecting Lainey and slapping on some zip ties to keep her restrained.
“Fuck you, Liam Kennedy!” Her manic screams carry towards the house.
Lexi’s mouth is hanging wide open. Con looks at her, shaking his head. Now wouldn’t be a good time for a sarcastic remark.
Kil comes up to me, smelling of rich smoke. He wraps his arm around me protectively. “You alright, love? What the fuck happened? I was smoking a cigar with some of the guys in one of the cabanas.”
“I’m fine. Liam will explain everything. Find me when you are ready to form a plan,” I clip. Anxiety is starting to creep in.
Somehow my legs carry me over to the dock. I stare up at the gorgeous new yacht Diego purchased with the insurance money. It’s all lit up, looking majestic. I need a place to look at the stars and be alone with my thoughts. As I approach the boarding platform, I notice a beautiful butterfly painted onto the bow of the ship. In an elegant script, ‘Mariposita’ is positioned underneath the mural.
Tears prick the back of my eyes. Diego named his superyacht after me.
He made me a reading nook. Not that the word nook even gives this room justice. Where on Pontus the upper levels hosted a gym and spa, this upper level has that included along with this gorgeous space.
I tilt my head to stare up at the dome glass that is providing the perfect visual of the stars. My gaze travels lower to the rows and rows of bookshelves. Warm underlighting and comfy furniture fill the space, adding to the charm of the room. I find my way to the oversized couch and plop down, pulling a gray throw blanket over me. I lean my neck against the arm of the couch and once again look up at the glass dome, admiring the clear starry night.
This is incredible, and so thoughtful. Not only did he name his superyacht after me, but he added a goddamn library with a real-life planetarium. A fresh round of tears hits me as I curl up with the blanket. What if he doesn’t clear his name? Is it even possible for him to come out of this completely unscathed? I can’t see how…and I’ve always been an optimist.
Reaching behind me, I snag the brand new Kindle that is propped up on a stand on the end table. Another sweet gesture. It shows how much he has paid attention in our short time actually together. Sliding a thumb across the screen, I set it up and dive right into the last fantasy romance book I left off on. Nothing like a woman and her dragon defeating the odds stacked against her. Perhaps it will give me some inspiration in my own life circumstances.
I’m not sure when I closed my eyes, but I am stirred from sleep by a deep voice calling my name. I brush the hair off of my face and sit up, disorientedly looking around for the source.
“Madison? Are you up here?” Liam shouts, his voice carrying from outside the door.
“Yeah,” I call back.
The wood door slides open, revealing a disheveled Liam.
“Christ, sweetheart. I’ve been looking all over for you. Nice touch by the way on the space by the pool. Did you have the event planners do a trial run for the rehearsal dinner?”
That prompts me to sit up straighter. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ears and swing my feet over to stand. “No. I came straight up here. The dome was the first thing that caught my eye. What are you talking about?”
Liam raises his hand to rub the back of his neck. He looks around, silently in awe of the room Diego created. “You should take a look then. I just hope it won’t upset you…” he trails off.
I walk over to him, still standing awkwardly at the threshold. “Why would it upset me?” I ask.
“You’ll see. I guess that is where Diego went off to while you were getting tatted.” He reaches a hand out to collect mine.
Needing the comfort, I place my hand in his and allow him to lead me out of my library and over to the elevator on the helipad.
We take the short ride down in silence. The doors open with a ding, revealing the reasons Diego said we wouldn’t be sleeping in our room tonight. Flameless candles flicker, lining the entire deck that surrounds the pool. A table is prepared with a bucket of champagne and chocolate-covered fruits and pastries. The entire pool is filled with rose petals and floating candles in flower-like lily pad votives. String lights crisscross over the pool, warming the space and enchanting it. A white screen is set up with a projector facing it. The screen is blue, just waiting to be played.
I cup a hand over my mouth in awe of what is set up before me. For a guy who claims he has zero idea of how to ‘do romantic’, he sure is good at it.
“So… this wasn’t for the rehearsal dinner.”
“Nope,” I confirm, dropping my hand.
Liam whistles low. “Seems like he prepared a special night for the two of ya.”
“Seems that way,” I agree, unable to vocalize any real opinions. My mind is swimming with what ifs. He already proposed again. So what was this for?
A sniffle leaves me as tears rebuild. God, I am an emotional wreck tonight.
Liam pulls me into him. “It’s gonna be okay, Mad. He’s coming back,” he soothes, rubbing gentle circles over my arm.
I wish I could be as confident as he is right now. I nod my head against his chest.
Liam’s phone vibrates in his pocket. He releases me to grab it, placing the phone to his ear. “Ya?... I got her, she was on the yacht…” His dark eyes reach mine. There is contemplation there. “No, we’ll come to you… Alright, brother. See you soon.” Pressing a middle finger to the bottom of his phone, he ends the call before slipping the phone back into his pocket.
“That was Killian. He’s been looking for you too. He wanted to know if he should meet us up here… but clearly, this night didn’t go as planned for you and your man, I don’t want to tarnish what he was surprising you with by bringing the drama up here. Let’s head back?” he asks, stretching his hand out again.
I smile up at him. So hot and cold all the time. This is the sweet Liam I miss so much. I let my hand slide into his as we head back to the house.