Always Yours (Roommate Duet 6)

“Why does this all of a sudden feel like boot camp?” I tease.

“This is nothing like a real boot camp. Trust me, you’re living in paradise compared to that.”

“You were in the Army?” I ask, standing taller.

He grabs a handful of veggies and fruit, then places them on the counter. “I’ll put these in your smoothie, and you’ll barely taste the protein powder.”

The way he ignored my question doesn’t go unnoticed. I want to pry, but I know there have to be boundaries while we have eyes and ears on us. It’d make sense, though, considering how meticulous and strategic he seems. How the hell did he go from being a soldier to working for the mob?

“Well?” Ty asks after I take my first sip of the drink he made me.

“Better than the first one,” I tell him and wrinkle my nose. “But still, it’s no steaming hot breakfast.”

“I’ll make pancakes and bacon tomorrow. Don’t worry,” he tells me with a grin. Of course, Eric saunters in and ruins the nice moment we were having with his loud and commanding demeanor.

“We need to talk,” he states, staring at Ty.

“Sure. What’s up, Captain?” I say, though I know he’s not addressing me.

Eric’s eyes snap to mine. “Enough!” he barks, and I jump. “Go to your room until told otherwise.”

I risk a glance at Ty who looks like his jaw might snap.

“We can talk in the office,” Ty tells Eric, shuffling to put the items back into the fridge.

“No, now. Maddie can leave,” Eric states harshly.

“Maddie’s leaving,” I say, mimicking his tone. He doesn’t approve of Ty treating me like a human being, that much is obvious, but why does he have to be such a dick?

I set my drink down and awkwardly leave the kitchen. The air is still and silent, and after I walk a few steps, I freeze at the sound of Eric’s voice.

“Victoria’s getting impatient with your behavior. She’s sending a replacement in a couple of days and wants you to start packing for your departure,” Eric tells him.

What? No!

“I haven’t done anything wrong,” Ty argues. “Just because I’m not an asshole to her doesn’t mean I’m not obeying orders.”

“You’re getting too close,” Eric says roughly. “Which means you’ll think twice about taking care of the situation, if needed.”

What the fuck does that mean?

My skin goes ice cold.

Is Victoria ever going to let me out of here? I’m afraid to even think about the answer to that because deep down in my gut, I know there’s only two possibly ways I’m leaving this place— in a body bag or running like hell and escaping.

Chapter Six

LIAM

I’ve slept better now knowing Tyler is with Maddie. Though I’m still stuck in this fucking hellhole with Victoria, her threats bounce off me a lot easier. It’s been two weeks since everything imploded in my face and I lost Maddie, but I’m gonna do whatever it takes to get her back. To prove my love and loyalty.

Victoria, on the other hand, is on my last fucking nerve, and I’m using all the willpower I can to keep from telling her off and risking everything. I don’t know what Tyler’s plan is, so I can’t act until he does. I contemplate texting him, but I have a feeling he’s not allowed to use his personal phone, or if he is, it’s probably being watched. Either way, I’m in limbo waiting for his next move.

“Good morning, hubby,” Victoria singsongs as she walks into the kitchen wearing lingerie. I roll my eyes when she grabs food and juice from the fridge. “I was thinking we should do some shopping today. We need to register for the babies and get some stuff for their nursery. Daddy wants to buy their cribs, and Nana wants to buy a double stroller, but we’ll need a lot more than that. Plus, I want some new bras.”

I clench my jaw, swallowing down the words I really want to say. “Isn’t it a little early for all of that?”

Victoria spins around and glares at me. “It takes time to get everything together, Liam,” she snaps. “I want to repaint and have new carpet installed. Then there’s research for the right equipment–baby monitors, bottles, bassinets, pacifiers, changing tables. We need to make sure we get the right brands.”

Narrowing my eyes at her over my coffee cup, I take a sip and scowl. She knows damn well there’s no “we” in this situation, but she pushes it every chance she gets.

“I’ve been here long enough. I need to get back to work,” I tell her after I set down my mug.

“You need to be here with your pregnant wife,” she retorts, pouring herself a glass of apple juice.

“Your grandmother went back to New York, and your dad is plenty convinced. What more do you need?”