The following week, our routine remains the same. Sneaking around between our schedules and texting when we can. Victoria continues to be on my ass, per usual, reminding me about going to Vegas and playing the doting husband role. It makes me fucking sick, but I’m putting up with her bullshit for only one reason—Maddie. The lies and threats that get thrown my way are weak, but I’ll amuse Victoria until I can walk away from this whole shitshow.
Maddie: I’m starving! I wasn’t able to get a snack between classes. Would you mind stopping somewhere for me after you pick me up?
It still angers me that someone took advantage and sold her a stolen car. She saved all her money and then ended up with nothing. Though I offered her my truck to drive since I have the Mercedes, we decided it’s too risky with Johnny’s men watching. I don’t want them following her or anywhere near her. I don’t mind taking her to school or picking her up when she’s finished, but I hate that she’s unable to leave during her long breaks to rest or get food.
Liam: Of course, sweetheart. Wherever you wanna go. I’ll be in the parking lot in 10.
Liam: But it’s gonna cost you ;)
Maddie: Way to take advantage of a desperate, hungry woman!
Liam: You were begging me to take advantage in the shower this morning.
Maddie: Hmm, I don’t remember that. Must’ve blocked it out.
Instead of typing out a response, I send her a picture of my hard cock.
Liam: Maybe this’ll help your memory loss?
Maddie: Jesus. Well, now Joel has a visual too.
Liam: Seriously? Keep your phone to yourself, woman.
Maddie: I did! He peeked over and got an eyeful.
Liam: Tell him it’s a guy from your stupid dating app.
Maddie: Don’t worry, I did. Then I explained I was breaking it off because the sex was mediocre. Then the teacher yelled at us for laughing. Oops. See you in 10!
I growl, shaking my head.
When she finally gets in the truck, I pin her with my eyes.
“What?”
“Mediocre?” I arch a brow.
Maddie smirks, giggling. “Don’t feel bad, Hulk. Joel says it’s perfectly normal for guys to be nervous and not be able to perform their best sometimes.”
Rolling my eyes, I grunt. “Remind me to thank Joel the next time I see him. With my fist.”
I take Maddie to get some food, but instead of going home afterward, I drive us to a used car dealership. I still have ten grand saved from when I tried to pay back the O’Learys, but now that it’s been “forgiven” for being Victoria’s husband, I can at least spend it on Maddie.
“What are we doing?” she asks, looking around.
“Picking out a car for you.” I park my truck and get out, then walk around to her door and open it. “Come on.”
“Wait, what?” She yanks on my hand. “What do you mean?”
“You need a car, baby. I have to go to Vegas next week and won’t be able to drive you around. Plus, I hate that you don’t have a reliable form of transportation. This way, you can drive home between your classes and after work.”
“Liam, I can’t let you do this.”
“Why not?”
“I-I don’t know. It just seems like a big deal,” she stutters over her words. Maddie and I give each other shit a lot, even still being in a relationship, but the way she’s looking at me now—like I hung the moon for her—gives me the slightest hope that I’m not fucking this whole thing up between us.
Leaning down, I tilt her chin and flash her a wink since I can’t kiss her. “Let me do this for you. C’mon.”
She finally agrees and starts browsing. Three test drives and two hours later, Maddie picks out a cherry red Chevy Cruze that’s perfect for her. I teach her all about the ethical ways of buying a car and make sure everything is put in her name.
“What should I tell Sophie?” Maddie asks over the phone. I’m driving my truck behind her, and she’s testing out her car’s Bluetooth.
“What if you tell her I cosigned for a loan, and you’re going to be making the monthly payments on it?” I suggest.
“I haven’t been working that much, but I don’t think she’ll ask for specifics either. I’ll say you helped me get approved, and that I plan to teach more classes to make up for it. ”
She hasn’t said anything, but I know having to sneak behind her sister’s back and lying is getting to her. As soon as everything goes back to normal, we’ll tell Sophie the truth together.
“Yeah,” I tell her. “I’ll even add in that I did it so I didn’t have to keep picking up her pain in the ass sister.”
“So funny.” I can almost hear her eyes rolling.
For once, I don’t see Johnny’s guys following me and wonder if Victoria finally got her father to back off. It gives me hope I’ll have my privacy back. “Hey, turn at the next intersection.”