Always Yours (Roommate Duet 6)

Ty shifts uncomfortably as if he’s trying to keep a straight face since there are cameras. He’s more easygoing than Eric, and if I have any chance of getting out of here, Ty’s my ticket.

“Maddie.” Ty and I turn to face Eric who’s standing behind us. “You need to respond to a text so your phone will stop blowing up.”

I walk eagerly toward him with Ty on my heels. I hadn’t known where my cell was until now, but it makes sense that Victoria would have them keep it. If I don’t respond to my sisters after a couple of days, it’ll send a million red flags, and after Sophie’s kidnapping last year, they won’t think twice about reporting me missing.

“There are rules…” Eric warns harshly. “You can use it with supervision only. Type out your message, then one of us will read it and give you permission to send. Failure to cooperate will result in consequences.” He repositions himself so I can see the two guns in his shoulder holster. “Text your sisters only.”

Nodding, I look at the screen and see twenty-five unread messages with ten from Liam. The others are from Sophie and Lennon. Along with over a dozen missed calls and voicemails.

Liam: I know you didn’t leave willingly. If by any chance you get this, give me some kind of clue to where you are. I’m going crazy.

Liam: I won’t let her do anything to you. I swear, Mads. I miss you and will do whatever it takes to get you back.

Liam: When this is over, please let me explain. I know you’re mad at me right now, and you have every right to be, but what we have is stronger than this. Please.

I clench my jaw, unable to keep reading his messages. I’m so pissed at him, even if my heart aches for his touch. I miss the way he’d whisper my name as our bodies unraveled together, the way he’d hold me, and the way he’d suffer through hours of mindless TV and movies because he knew it made me happy.

But that doesn’t excuse what he did. I was blindsided by Victoria’s news. Their news.

“Hurry,” Eric demands.

I glare at him, keeping my angry thoughts to myself. I look at my sisters’ messages and see they started a group text.

Sophie: Where the hell are you?

Lennon: You can stay here if you need space. We’ll make room.

Sophie: Are you safe?

Sophie: Who are you staying with?

Lennon: Please answer so Sophie can stop freaking out.

I scan the rest of their messages with the most recent one being from Sophie ten minutes ago.

Sophie: I’m about to call the fucking National Guard if you don’t answer me. You know Mason’s job has connections, and I won’t stop at anything to find you. So you either respond with a selfie so I know you’re alive or I’m having Mason’s friend track your phone.

Shit.

“She wants a selfie,” I say.

“I know,” Eric replies. “The location has been disabled on your phone, but do what she wants so she stops freaking out.” Sophie won’t stop until I’m back at home, but I don’t tell him that.

Swallowing hard, I nod and walk around to find a good spot for a picture. I’m sweaty from yoga and look like a hot mess, but maybe that’d actually convince her I’m alive and well. I find a blank wall and then position myself. I stick out my tongue, hold up a peace sign, and give her my best Miley Cyrus impression before snapping a pic. Then I attach it to the group message.

Maddie: I’m fine, was just doing yoga actually. See?

I show Eric and wait for his nod of approval before hitting send.

Sophie: Madelyn Grace! Where the hell have you been?

Lennon: You look sweaty like you’ve been having lots of hot sex. If you ran away with a sexy billionaire, just tell us.

Maddie: Yes. His name is BOB. He’s the grandson of a dildo inventor, and he swept me away to the Alaskan mountains where we’re hot-tubbing naked and drinking five-thousand-dollar bottles of wine.

I type out my response, then show Eric who looks less than amused.

“Trust me, if I’m not my normal sarcastic self, they’ll know something’s up,” I explain.

“Fine, but you have a minute, and then I’m taking your phone back.”

I hit send and wait for their responses.

Lennon: Told ya she was out getting dicked. You owe me 20 bucks, Soph.

Sophie: You two are the most annoying sisters ever! I hate you both.

Maddie: I’m fine! I’m not a child and can take care of myself for a week or two, okay? I just needed some space, and I can’t have that being in the same house as him.

I hit send before showing Eric, needing to wrap up this conversation.

Sophie: You really sure you’re okay?

Maddie: I promise. I’ll reach out when I’m ready.