Between Secrets and Obsession (Between Us Trilogy #3)

Prologue

MADDIE

“Is there a reason you climbed out of your bedroom window?” Tessa asks when I jump into her Jeep.

I’m still panting, trying to catch my breath after running barefoot across the yard at a full sprint. My heart beats faster, and my adrenaline spikes at the thought of my parents catching me.

“Preacher’s daughter, remember?” After I buckle and place my shoulder-strap purse in my lap, I slip on my heels. “Think they’d ever let me go to a party at ten o’clock at night? Especially a college party?”

Smirking, she shifts into drive. “I knew I liked you, Corrigan.”

Tessa and I met a few months ago through mutual friends.

She’s a freshman at Westminster College and invited me to one of the fraternity’s back-to-school parties, but knowing my super-strict folks would never allow it, I snuck out.

They’re already asleep, and sneaking back in will be a challenge all on its own, but future Maddie can figure it out later.

It’s not the first time I’ve taken risks and won’t be the last. I’d use the “I’m sleeping over at a friend’s house” excuse, except they don’t allow sleepovers unless it’s a special occasion such as a birthday party with plenty of supervision.

If it were an option, they’d install a chastity belt on me.

But that hasn’t stopped me from pushing the limits.

Unlike my two older sisters who moved to California, I rebel against my parents’ ridiculous rules as much as possible. Some people call me defiant, but I’ll be eighteen in less than six months, then shortly after that, I’ll graduate high school and get the hell out of Park City, Utah.

If everything works out the way I plan, I’ll be with my sisters again. I miss them and am lost without them.

Sophie’s majoring in music and plays the violin, and Lennon’s studying to be a music teacher.

My parents taught all three of us how to read sheet music at a young age.

Singing and dancing have been in our blood for as long as I can remember.

Being home isn’t the same without them and has been an adjustment for the entire household.

My parents have tightened their leash on me since Lennon moved out three years ago and are trying to control me more than usual now that I’m last to leave.

Thanks to my Bible-hugging, Jesus-loving upbringing, I’m still a virgin and have been commanded to wait until marriage.

But what if I marry someone who’s bad in bed?

Will I be stuck with less than par sex for the rest of my life?

If my parents have their way, then yes, on both accounts. Unfortunately for them, I’m determined to live my youth as I see fit, regardless if they disapprove of my choices.

After a half hour of driving and singing loudly to the music, Tessa finds a parking spot.

“Tonight, you’re twenty-one,” Tessa tells me as she reaches into her larger-than-life handbag and gives me a fake ID.

I swear, she keeps everything in there. “They card at the door, so if anyone asks, you recently transferred from Utah State, and you’re majoring in education.

” She plasters on a wide grin. “Because you just love children so much.”

“Twenty-one, transfer student, education major,” I repeat, placing the ID into my clutch. “Anything else?”

Tessa puckers her lips, tapping a finger against them. “If anyone asks, you’re rooming with me.” She moved into an apartment off campus, so that works out well for my little white lie.

“Ooh, roomies. Do we shower together too?” I tease as we get out of the Jeep.

“Of course. We’re all about conserving water.” She winks, then meets me at the front of the SUV. “You ready?”

“I think I can handle a bunch of rowdy frat guys,” I say fearlessly.

Tessa notices my outfit for the first time tonight.

Her gaze starts at my blood-red peep-toe heels and wanders up my black dress that hugs my body perfectly.

She reaches a hand out and fusses with my long dark hair that’s styled into waves.

I layered on the makeup, which I’d usually get shit for, but I don’t care.

“I’m confident you can too,” she agrees with a smirk. “The red lipstick is a nice touch. If I didn’t know, I’d never believe you were underage.”

“Good. That’s the look I’m going for.” I flash a mischievous smile.

We walk toward the brightly lit frat house that’s roaring to life with loud music. A ton of people are waiting to get inside, and cars are lined up on both sides of the street. There’s a huge banner with Greek letters hanging from the second-story balcony.

I’m ready for my first official college party.

After flashing our IDs and walking in, I study my surroundings.

While I’m looking for a good time, I’m not stupid or desperate.

Everyone will be drunk, if they aren’t already, and I’ll need to pace my drinking because I’ll have to go home afterward.

If I get caught, it’ll be my last night of freedom until I leave for college next year—if my parents don’t kill me before then.

“Let’s take a couple of shots first, then find the keg,” Tessa says, grabbing my hand and leading me through the crowd.

We eventually end up in the kitchen and fill two Solo cups with beer as Tessa introduces me to a few of her friends. She’s extroverted like me, but I’m out of my comfort zone surrounded by strangers.

I take two tequila shots, then suck down the rest of my beer, hoping it’ll help me feel as loosen up like Tessa is.

After I relax a bit, Tessa loops her arm in mine, and we go into the living room where people are dancing. We shake our asses to the music that’s so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts, but the alcohol doesn’t help that either.

As I lose myself to the beats, I lose track of time too. This might be the best party I’ve ever been to, and hopefully, there are more to come.

“Maddie, right?” a guy I met earlier asks me as I refill my cup for the third time. I told Tessa I needed to cool down and get another drink.

“The one and only.” I smirk, looking over the rim as I take a sip. “What’s your name again?”

“Jase.” His lips tilt up, looking past me and gives a head nod, motioning for someone to join us.

As I glance over my shoulder, my throat goes dry when a guy walks toward us wearing a devilish smirk. He’s built like the fucking Hulk—tall with muscles for days—and demands attention from every female in the room. I notice women gawking as he crosses the room, and they follow his every move.

“Liam, my man. You made it,” Jase says as he closes in on our space. They shake hands, then slap each other on the back while I stand aside like an outsider.

“Of course, I did. Wouldn’t miss the party of the year,” Liam responds.

I feel tiny standing next to them, even with heels on. I’m pretty sure Liam’s biceps are the size of my head.

“Who’s your girl here?”

My eyes widen as they stare at me. I’m nervous they’ll realize I’m underage, then remember I’m supposed to be a twenty-one-year-old college student. Puffing out my chest a bit, I find my confidence.

“I’m Maddie.” I hold out my hand. “And I’m not his girl.”

I know he buys my act when a wide grin splits his face.

“I’m Liam. Pleasure to meet you, not Jase’s girl.” He takes my hand, then leans in close, pressing his lips to my ear. “Best news I’ve heard all fuckin’ week.” Pulling back, he releases me and winks.

I’m quite sure he can hear the thumping of my heart in my chest, but I swallow down my nerves and square my shoulders. Is this how college guys are? They don’t shy away from what they want and claim you as theirs for the night with just one look.

“Let’s get you a drink, man. Gotta tell me about your fugitive.” Jase bumps his shoulder, then hands Liam a cup filled to the brim.

Fugitive? I furrow my brows, confused.

“This motherfucker…” Liam shakes his head, laughing. “He had me chasing him to hell and back this week. Missed his court date, didn’t contact his parole officer, then skipped town. But I found him, tackled his ass to the ground, then cuffed him. Might’ve broken his nose first, but…oops. My bad.”

“That doesn’t sound legal…” I blurt without thinking, and they both look at me. “What do you do?” I ask, then take a sip to shut my mouth.

“Homeboy’s a bounty hunter,” Jase responds proudly.

“Fugitive recovery agent,” Liam corrects. “And legal? Well…depends on who’s asking.” He flashes me another wink, sending butterflies straight to my stomach. Holy hell.

“You do that while going to school?” I look at him, noticing his eyes are a deep blue.

“Graduated in May,” he says. “I’m not from here, but my job takes me all over. Figured while I was visiting, I’d stop by and give Jase some shit.”

“Oh, you know you missed me,” Jase teases. “She came with Tessa, by the way.”

“Great, she’ll want my balls for ditching her last time.” Liam sucks down half his drink.

“You know Tessa?” I perk up, making a mental note to bombard her with an assload of questions about him later.

“Who doesn’t?” Jase snorts. I hate to admit it, but I’m intrigued.

“Well, it was great meeting you both. I better go find her.” I tip back my cup and empty it before setting it down.

“Wait…” Liam stops me. “Don’t run off too far.”

The little smirk playing on his lips makes my body shiver.

“I can only run as far as my heels allow,” I playfully say before walking away. “Unless I’m not wearing them, of course.” I glance over my shoulder and bite down on my bottom lip.

Liam arches one brow, the corner of his mouth tips up slightly as if he understands what I meant. I grin before returning to the living room that’s been transformed into a dance club. Tessa is exactly where I left her—in the middle of the room, being the life of the party—and I join her.

The beer flows freely through my blood, making me feel bold and free. I’ve been dancing since I could walk and plan to major in it in college. With my arms in the air, I sway my hips back and forth. Slowly, I move my hands down my body before the main beat of the song hits.