Chapter Twenty-Six
LIAM
It’s been seven 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.”
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.
She clears her throat, grabbing my attention again after I shoot down the alcohol and pour another double. I glance at her. “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, put the bottle to my lips.
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. 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 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?”
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.” Then rolls over on her side, dismissing me.
I click 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 acting is fucking exhausting.
As I sit on a stool, drinking scotch, Johnny plops down next to me.
My nerves are on edge because 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 to.”
“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.
“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 smile. “Absolutely. Thank you.”
“You’re family now. We take care of each other.” His voice sends shivers down my spine. I don’t want any part of this damn family.