Chapter 10 Liam
Liam
If Maddie thinks I’m leaving her there alone after all that happened tonight, then she’s delusional.
I park my SUV next to her Jeep at the bottom of the stairs to her apartment.
If she won’t let us stay at her place, I’ll just sleep in my car.
There’s no way I’m leaving her here alone.
Not only would I spend the night worrying about her safety, but I want to be the one to protect her.
It’s a primal thing I just can’t explain, but I need to be the one keeping her safe.
After Walker heads back to bed, I grab a pillow and a blanket and drive back over to Maddie’s.
All I can think about is what might have happened tonight.
What if I’d lost her before she was even mine to begin with?
The “what if’s” are awakening my protective instincts in a way I’ve never experienced before.
Maddie might not know it yet, but she’s mine to protect, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s safe.
I’ve been waiting around for her to see that I’ve changed, that I’ve stepped up, but if tonight’s taught me anything, it’s that I’m done waiting.
The light’s still on, so I make myself comfortable in my front seat. In my head, I review a list of the things I talked to the police about last night. Things Walker and I can do easily that will give her more protection. She needs several, but we’re on it.
After practice tomorrow, we’re hitting the hardware store.
Walker’s got an entire security plan in his phone notes.
I’d get her a whole new door if I thought she’d let me.
Hell, I’d buy her a whole new apartment to keep her from harm, but I know her.
Which is why Walker and I didn’t ask for permission.
Sometimes asking for forgiveness is the better move, especially with Maddie.
She can be stubbornly independent. Which is something I admire about her, but I refuse to let her put herself in danger because of it.
I know. It’s very caveman of me, but I don’t care.
I can live with her being upset with me if it keeps her protected.
Eventually, the light goes out in her window, and I’m lulled to sleep by the hum of the streetlight.
Why can’t I run? It’s like my legs are stuck in glue.
Why can’t I move them? I need to get out of here, but something’s wrong.
Bell’s face appears in front of me. I hate that asshole.
Why the fuck is he here? I try to move my head, but I can’t.
Someone is holding me down. Several people.
I struggle, but I can’t move. What the fuck?
Then I hear it. The sound of someone pulling out a strip of duct tape. Oh, fuck no! Not again. That’s fucking never happening again. I struggle in earnest. No! No, not again.
Knock, knock, knock!
I startle awake, hitting my head on something. The pain pulls me from my dream, and the fog abruptly clears. Why am I in my car?
That wasn’t real. It was just a dream.
Knock, knock.
Oh shit! I glance out the driver’s side window.
Maddie’s standing with her hands on her hips, looking pissed.
Blonde hair up in a messy bun, olive green eyes flashing despite the cute little sleep crease on her cheek.
Pert nipples poking through her pink sleep tank.
I avert my eyes, but I’ve already seen enough that it’s not helping my morning wood situation.
I roll down the window instead. It’s going to be a minute before I can get out of the car without embarrassing myself.
“Morning, Mads.”
“Liam Ferguson! Tell me you did not sleep in your car last night.”
I can’t help grinning.
“I did not sleep in my car last night.”
“Damn it, Liam.” She stomps her foot. It’s fucking adorable, like an irate kitten. My dick likes angry Madison way too much, which just makes the whole morning wood situation even worse.
“I told you I was fine.” She grumbles, but I can see the indignation diminish, which just makes my grin widen.
“I know.”
“And yet, here you are, parked outside my house.”
“Sorry, Mads, but I wasn’t about to leave you here alone last night.”
I tell my dick to calm the fuck down so I can get out of this damn car. I keep trying to think of anything to get it to listen. Gray sweatpants were a terrible idea in hindsight.
“Let me get out of my car so it’s easier to yell at me.” I say with a wink, hoping the situation in my pants has resolved enough not to be obvious.
“Liam!” I’m getting far too much enjoyment from her irritation.
I open the door and try to stretch my legs out.
This fucking car is too small. I swivel my neck.
Ow fuck! Sleeping in the car was not my best idea.
All my muscles are protesting as I try to exit my vehicle with some semblance of dignity, and without pulling something.
Finally, I make it out, stretching my arms wide and wincing at the pinch in my neck.
She doesn’t even try to hide her amusement at my predicament.
“Problem?”
“Absolutely not.” I say, moving around to get all the kinks out. She sighs.
“Well, as long as you’re here, you might as well come up for coffee.”
She gestures towards the stairs. My legs protest at the thought of climbing them, but I ignore them.
“But I’m still mad at you.” She adds, flouncing off up the stairs, perfect ass swaying in her cute little sleep shorts. Jesus, my girl is hot.
“Are those koala bear slippers?”
“Yes, they are and they’re amazing.”
“They really are.” Those slippers are so perfectly her. They’re also adorable, just like Mads. I smile at the thought of coffee and some time with my favorite person. It sounds perfect.
She’s already got a pot of coffee brewing, and it smells like happiness after my uncomfortable night.
We both eagerly watch it finish brewing, preparing our cups.
Madison adds her one spoonful of French vanilla creamer.
Not me. I add a big splash straight from the container and then another for good measure.
I need sugar and caffeine first thing in the morning, and lots of it.
She gives me the side-eye.
“What?” I smirk, knowing exactly what she’s going to say.
“Want some coffee with your creamer?” she teases.
“Why yes, thanks for asking, I may need more.” I pop right back at her.
Then we look at each other and burst out laughing.
“Well, I can see you haven’t changed your habits.” She says, eyeing my coffee with disgust.
“Never.” I’m very serious about my morning coffee. It’s a thing.
After what feels like forever, the coffee’s ready, and we both grab for the handle. I hold my hands up, blushing.
“Ladies first,” I say, backing away.
She smiles and pours a cup, then offers the pot to me.
There’s nothing like that first sip of coffee in the morning. We both savor our first taste before heading to her comfy couch across the room.
It’s old, beat up, and a little worn, but in the best way. She’s had it for years, and I love it. It’s not huge, just big enough for two people, or one person and a large hockey player. I sink down into it with a sigh.
“This is best couch. I’ve never found one like it, and believe me I’ve tried.” I say, wallowing deep into the cushions with a happy sigh.
“I know, right? I’m never giving it up. It’s my emotional support couch now.” She grabs a throw off the back, draping it over her legs. I find Maddie in her cute PJs very distracting, so that’s probably for the best.
“If you decide to get rid of it, tell me and I’ll take it.”
“As if.” She sips her coffee carefully, then sighs with contentment before she’s back to her stern look. I breathe a sigh of relief that it’s no longer an angry face, as I’m all too familiar with that one lately.
“I’m mad at you.” She says, but without the heat from earlier this morning.
“I know, Mads. But I just couldn’t stand the thought of you here by yourself. Sorry but that’s the truth and honestly, I’d do it again, even though you’re upset with me right now.”
Her face softens, and she grabs my free hand, squeezing it tight.
“Okay, maybe I don’t hate it.” She says with a small smile and another squeeze.
“Yeah?” I say, hope blooming deep in my heart.
“No, but next time just tell me. I’ll let you sleep on the couch. You looked so uncomfortable when I woke you up.”
I blush, remembering my nightmare.
“Yeah, that wasn’t my best night’s sleep.”
She nudges my knee.
“Don’t you have practice today? How’s that going to go with no sleep?”
“Nah, It’s media day, so no biggie. I don’t mind it. The social media stuff they make us do is usually pretty fun. Plus, it’s just a lot of smiling, pictures and signing shit. I’ll be fine. Do you have a class this morning?”
“Yeah, a couple today, but the first isn’t for a few hours.”
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, each of us thinking about the day ahead.
It’s sweet and domestic, and I wish I could do this with her every morning.
Except for Walker, Madison’s the only other person I can be totally myself around.
There’s this feeling of needing to be “on,” with everyone else, and even more so since I’ve become captain.
It can be exhausting, but being with her feels effortless.
This is how I know she’s my person. I’ve always known.
We finish our coffee, so I rinse and put my cup in the dishwasher. If I’m going to make it to the arena on time, it’s time to leave, but this time feels special, and I don’t want it to end. I’m also the captain, so I need to be responsible. This adulting thing sucks.
“Thanks for the coffee, Mads. See you tonight.” I say as I head to her front door. “Lock up after me.”
“Tonight? What are we doing tonight?” she queries.
“Uh, you know Walker’s going to want to stop by and update your security, right?”
“Oh right. I totally forgot.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Fine, whatever. See you later.” She practically slams the door in my face.
“Madison King, lock that door!” I yell on my way down the stairs.