The other end goes silent, and for a moment, I’m scared she didn’t hear me because we lost connection, but then I hear her sniffles. Emotion briefly takes over before she speaks. “Says the man who thought he was incapable of love,” she says softly, then continues, “I love you too. I always have.”
I feel as if I’m dreaming, and if I am, I don’t want to wake up. Hearing her say those words back means more than she’ll ever realize. It means everything.
“Good night, sweetheart. We’ll talk soon.”
“Good night, Hulk.”
I press end and sit on the edge of my bed, my body buzzing. Every text message and call from that number is deleted before I place my phone on the charger. There’s no way I’m leaving any sort of evidence behind for Victoria to find. I’m filled with shock and awe, and I’m so damn grateful for Tyler. The man is honorable and loyal, and without him, I’m not sure how I would’ve gotten us out of this mess.
After a while, I lie on my bed, adrenaline pumping through my veins as I figure out what to do next. Somehow, I have to break away from Victoria’s hold and go to Tyler’s to get his laptop. The only problem is time because it’s running out fast, and she’ll want to retaliate any way she can once she discovers Maddie is gone. Eventually, I’ll have all the cards in my hand, and she’ll have nothing. It’s about damn time.
Chapter Nine
MADDIE
We’ve been driving for hours, and my back is killing me from sitting for so long, but I’d sit for days if it meant escaping Victoria’s wrath. The only thing I really regret is not being able to see her reaction when she learns what Tyler did and that she no longer has a hold on us. Thinking about it brings an evil smile to my face, but I’m sure Liam will fill me in on her reaction when we’re reunited. I just hope he’s careful because he’s about to be in an extremely risky situation. Hopefully, Victoria doesn’t blame him for this because he didn’t have anything to do with it, but I’m happy he’s aware of it now so he doesn’t think the worst happened to me. Undoubtedly, Victoria would use me missing to her advantage as she played puppet master in the background and taunted him that she disposed of me. She’d say anything to him to get what she wants and has proven as much.
Liam.
Just the thought of his name causes my breath to hitch and my body to tingle. Even though we’re miles apart, he still somehow has that effect on me. Liam told me he loved me, and I knew with every fiber of my being that he meant it. Heat rushed through me, and his confession left me briefly speechless, which doesn’t happen very often. The words burrowed deep into my soul, implanting themselves on my heart. Repeating the words back felt so natural, because the truth is, I do love him. I’ve always loved him and there’s no denying how I’ve felt for years, but being in love with him is an indescribable feeling. It’s always been more than a stupid little crush, and I knew the first time we met there was a connection that neither of us could explain. I refused to give up on us regardless of how much he wished I could. Being relentless paid off, but now we’re in a world of a mess, and I’m not sure how we’re going to get out of it.
I wish I could talk to him again although his words are on replay in my mind. Not being able to speak with Liam or know if he was okay was more difficult than I ever imagined it would be. The unknown of what was going on in the outside world cut through me like a knife, especially after Victoria used Liam as bait to force me to leave. She knew he was my weakness and understands I’m his, so of course she manipulated the situation to her advantage and played us against each other, and it worked. She’s devious and cunning, and has all the key qualities of a truly evil person.
Liam’s voice was both soft and gruff, and I could hear the worry coating his tone, but I hope I was able to ease his mind, even if it was only slightly. I trust Tyler and so does Liam. I’m safe now or at least I feel that way, but it doesn’t mean I won’t constantly look over my shoulder to make sure we’re not being followed. I’ve been through too much to walk around blindly, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to again.
That’s the worst part about this whole thing. Even if Tyler’s plan works and Liam’s free and we’re able to go home, I’ll never truly feel like this is really over. I’ll still jump at dark shadows and wonder if any of the O’Learys will come and finish the job for her instead. I know what Victoria is capable of, but I imagine her father is much worse. Even with the evidence Liam is going to present to her, no one knows how she’ll react. She could shoot him right there, and then I’d be on the run for the rest of my life.