Only Him (Only One 1)

“You have no fucking idea,” he whispers. “I think they’ve doubled this time around.”

I snort, turning on the street that leads to the gym. “Sorry I’m not there to witness it.”

“Yeah, right. But since I don’t have a lot of time, I’m gonna get straight to the point. I’m worried about you. Are you sure you should go to Vegas?” Liam’s voice is full of concern. “Victoria’s gonna find out one way or another. She might send her guards after you as soon as she finds out you’re involved with this case. I seriously wouldn’t put anything past her at this point. She’s a monster, and you don’t wanna be at the end of her wrath. Are you absolutely sure you wanna do this?”

“I have nothing to lose at this point…” I say without hesitation. If she tries to retaliate, she’ll come aftermethis time. The only way I’ll ever move on is to keep living my life without worry. Since I can’t do anything about Victoria framing me, the least I can do is help take her down for another crime she’s committed. “It’s the only revenge I’ll get. If she’s having me followed, it’s just a scare tactic, and it’s not gonna work this time. I refuse to let her get away with another murder. I’m not letting her have that kind of power over me.”

“I understand what you’re saying, Tyler, but she’s dangerous. I just know you wanted a fresh start and not to get mixed up into the same old shit as before.”

“It’s one deposition,” I remind him. “But if the opportunity presented itself to take her out for good, I can’t promise that I wouldn’t take it.”

“Tyler…” He groans.

“I have to do this, Liam. She doesn’t get to run my life anymore. If she wants to come after me, then I’ll do whatever it takes to protect myself and the ones I love.”

“Please be careful. Don’t go to Vegas alone.”

“Serena and Eric will be there. I’m flying in, doing the deposition, then flying home. It’s not for another few weeks, so don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

He sighs, defeated. “Alright, if you must do this, then at least promise me you’ll be careful. If you think you’re being followed, call the police.”

“You mean Sheriff Todd? He’s all we have in this small town,” I say with a chuckle. “He’s fat and can’t run to save his life.”

“God. Don’t tell me that.”

“Liam, I’ll be fine, Ipromise. If I think I’m being followed, I’ll just go up to the SUV and confront them.”

“Goddammit, Tyler.”

I laugh at my best friend’s frustration. “I’m kidding, relax. You know me. I’d be pulling them out by their collars and kicking their asses.”

“I’m gonna go find my child before I jump on a plane to kickyourass.”

“You wish!”

“Let me talk to him.” I hear Maddie’s booming voice in the background. Liam passes the phone, and she clears her throat. “Tyler James Blackwood.”

“That’s not my middle name,” I sing-song, but she continues.

“I know you’re six-feet-something and two hundred pounds of pure muscle, but for the love of God, don’t put yourself in danger.”

“For the record, I’m six-five and a hundred and seventy-five pounds. Well, maybe one eighty after eating all the Southern food down here.”

“Not the point, Tyler!”

I chuckle at her annoyance. Maddie’s always been dramatic and loud, but it’s why I love her.

“Then whatisyour point, Mads?”

“You’re a big guy, and you like to fight, but I’m asking you not to, okay? If you see one of her bodyguards, don’t instigate the situation. Just quietly walk away.”

I snort loudly, shaking my head at her motherly tone.

“I’m being serious. You have a criminal record now, which means you can’t just go around kicking people’s asses. It’ll be easy to throw you back in prison. Though I’d probably see you more if you were, but I don’t want to see you in that position again. I want better for you because you deserve to have the life you want, Tyler. Don’t make me worry.”

I hear the sincerity in her tone and wish I could reach through the phone and give her a big hug.

“Okay, Mads. I’ll be careful and not cause any mischief. I promise.”