Always Yours (Roommate Duet 6)

“You won’t hurt me,” she states oddly. “You’re a lot of things, but you’re not a monster who’d hurt a pregnant woman.”

I see red at her challenge, as if I’m weak and should buy into her pity party. She’s trying to use reverse psychology on me, and it’s not gonna work. I stalk toward her until her back presses against the glass balcony doors, then I lower my face to hers. “You’re absolutely fuckin’ right. I’m not like you or your family, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have you thrown off this balcony. I’ll make sure it looks like a goddamn suicide. After all, you did betray your family and you’d rather die than face your father. Right, honey?” I mock in a snarky tone. “You wanna play this fucking game with me?”

Victoria swallows hard, and it’s the first time since we’ve met that I see real fear in her eyes. The last thing I want to do is hurt her, but scaring her into releasing me is the only option I have left. She has to believe I’ll really send the evidence to her father, and since it’s my only weapon, I’m using it to my maximum potential.

“Fine,” she says softly.

I tilt my head. “What was that?”

She groans, narrowing her eyes at me. “I said fine!”

Slowly, I reveal a satisfied grin. “Good. I’m glad you finally came to your senses. I really didn’t want to have to go to plan B.” I shoot her a wink, which makes her glare at me harder.

“What was plan B?” she boldly asks.

I’m so fired up with adrenaline rushing through my blood, I don’t think twice about grabbing the gun out of my waistband, taking the silencer out of my back pocket, and twisting it to the barrel. Then in one swift movement, I point it at her head and undo the safety.

She inhales sharply with a gasp, shock and horror written all over her face.

“As I said, I’m really happy we came to an agreement.”

“You are a monster,” she says.

I shrug. “Guess I learned it from the best.” Then I lower my weapon, clicking on the safety, and shove it back into my jeans. “And, Victoria, if you do try anything, I know where your little boy toy lives.”

“You’re cruel,” she spits after I walk toward the bed. “Maddie was never in danger. She was at a luxurious cabin with cable, food, a gym, and a hot tub. I didn’t hurt a hair on her.”

“You did the second you blackmailed her into leaving me,” I retort. “And I’m gonna be watching you until the second our divorce is finalized. In fact, you better look over your shoulder for the rest of your life because trust me, I have no problem giving your father that info. He might be able to accept his grandchildren are half DeFrancos, but he’ll never forgive you, and he won’t spare Mickey’s life,” I remind her. “So from this moment on, you stay in line. You mess with me or anyone I love, and he’ll find out. I’m not the only one who has copies either. You have one week to get our divorce papers drawn up and signed. Got it?”

Chapter Eleven

MADDIE

Ever since Liam confirmed he got the computer, I’ve barely breathed as we wait for the news that he’s confronted her. Not knowing what’s being said or how Victoria’s reacting drives me insane. I know Liam can take care of himself, but that bitch is a fucking psycho. What if she lets him leave and then retaliates ten times harder? She has an abundance of resources and money and could end all of us with a snap of her fingers.

From the phone conversation with Liam and what Tyler has told me, there’s enough evidence of her affair that would shun her from the family. But will it be enough for her to let Liam go and give him a divorce? I can’t help but feel like no matter what he does or says, it’ll never be over.

After an hour of pacing in the bedroom and doing some yoga, I decide to try out the bathtub and hopefully ease my mind. I’m too worked up to sleep even though my body is tired. I won’t be able to fully rest until Liam is here, and I can feel his heartbeat against me.

“Maddie?” My eyes bolt open at the sound of Tyler’s voice on the other side of the door.

“Yeah?”

“Doing okay?”

“Yes, I’ll be out in a moment,” I call out and realize how cold the water around me feels. Shit, I must’ve dozed off.

Once I’m dry, I change into my last pair of clean leggings and an off-the-shoulder sweater, then make my way into the living room. If we’re going to be here a while, I’ll need some supplies and a washer and dryer. Victoria’s bathroom was stocked full of beauty products, and I was able to do my laundry there every few days. Considering I couldn’t bring a lot of things with me, I’ve been limited on my wardrobe.