Liam & Maddie Duet

Prologue-1

Prologue

MADDIE

“Is there a reason you climbed out of your bedroom window?” Tessa asks when I jump into her Jeep. I’m still panting, trying to catch my breath after running barefoot across the yard at a full sprint. My heart beats faster, and my adrenaline spikes at the thought of my parents catching me.

“Preacher’s daughter, remember?” After I buckle and place my shoulder-strap purse in my lap, I slip on my heels. “Think they’d ever let me go to a party at ten o’clock at night? Nevertheless, a college party?”

Smirking, she shifts into drive. “I knew I liked you, Corrigan.”

Tessa and I met a few months ago through mutual friends. She’s a freshman at Westminster College and invited me to one of the fraternity’s back-to-school parties, but knowing my super-strict folks would never allow it, I snuck out. They’re already asleep, and sneaking back in will be a challenge all on its own, but future Maddie can figure it out later. It’s not the first time I’ve taken risks, and I know it won’t be the last. I’d use the “I’m sleeping over at a friend’s house” excuse, except they don’t allow sleepovers unless it’s a special occasion such as a birthday party with plenty of supervision.

If it were an option, they’d install a chastity belt on me.

That hasn’t stopped me from pushing the limits, though. Unlike my two older sisters who moved out and live in California, I rebel against my parents’ ridiculous rules as much as possible. Some people call me defiant, but I’ll be eighteen in less than six months, then shortly after that, I’ll graduate high school and get the hell out of Park City, Utah. If everything works out the way I want, I’ll be in California with my sisters again. I miss them like crazy, and I feel as if I’m losing my mind without them around. Sophie’s majoring in music and plays the violin, and Lennon’s studying to be a music teacher. My parents taught all three of us how to read sheet music at a young age. Singing and dancing have been in our blood for as long as I can remember. Being home isn’t the same without them and has been an adjustment for the entire household. My parents have really tightened their chain on me since Lennon moved out three years ago and are trying to control me more than usual now that I’m last to leave. Thanks to my Bible-hugging, Jesus-loving upbringing, I’m still a virgin and have been commanded to wait until marriage. But what if I marry someone who’s really bad in bed? Will I be stuck with less than par s*x for the rest of my life?

If my parents have their way, then yes, on both accounts. Unfortunately for them, I’m determined to live my youth as I see fit, regardless if they disapprove of my choices.

After a half hour of driving and singing loudly to the radio, Tessa finds a parking spot and turns off the engine. “Tonight, you’re twenty-one,” Tessa tells me as she reaches into her larger-than-life handbag and gives me a fake ID. I swear, she keeps everything in there. “They card at the door, so if anyone asks, you recently transferred from Utah State, and you’re majoring in education.” She faces me and plasters on a wide grin. “Because you just love children so much.”

I snicker at her tone, and my brows rise at how thorough she’s being. “Twenty-one, transfer student, education major,” I repeat, placing the ID into my clutch. “Got it. Anything else?”

Tessa puckers her lips, tapping a finger against them. “If anyone asks, you’re rooming with me.” She just moved into an apartment off campus, so that works out well for my little white lie.

“Ooh, roomies. Do we shower together too?” I tease as we get out of the Jeep.

“Of course. We’re bi-curious.” She winks, then meets me at the front of the SUV. “You ready?”

“I think I can handle a bunch of rowdy frat guys,” I say fearlessly.

Tessa notices my outfit for the first time tonight. Her gaze starts at my blood-red peep-toe heels and wanders up my black dress that hugs my body perfectly. She reaches a hand out and fusses with my long dark hair that’s styled into waves. I layered on the makeup, which I’d usually get s**t for, but I don’t give any f***s.

“I’m quite confident you can too,” she agrees with a smirk. “The red lipstick is a nice touch. If I didn’t know, I’d never believe you were underage.”

“Good. That’s the look I’m going for.” I flash a mischievous smile.

We walk toward the brightly lit frat house that’s roaring to life with loud music. A ton of people are waiting to get inside, and cars are lined up on both sides of the street. A huge banner with Greek letters hangs from the second-story balcony.

I’m f*****g ready for my first official college party.

After flashing our IDs and walking in, I study my surroundings. While I’m looking for a good time, I’m also not stupid or desperate. Everyone will be drunk, if they aren’t already, and I’ll need to pace my drinking because I’ll have to go home afterward. If I get caught, it’ll be my last night of freedom until I leave for college next year—if my parents don’t kill me first.

“Let’s take a couple of shots first, then find the keg,” Tessa says, grabbing my hand and leading me through the crowd. We eventually end up in the kitchen and fill two Solo cups with beer as Tessa introduces me to a few of her friends. She’s social like me, but I’m out of my element being here. I take two tequila shots, then I suck down the rest of my beer, hoping it’ll help me feel as comfortable as Tessa looks.

After I relax a bit, Tessa loops her arm in mine, and we go into the living room where people are dancing and having a hell of a time. We shake our asses to the music that’s so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts, but the alcohol doesn’t help that either. As I lose myself to the beats, I lose track of time too. This might be the best party I’ve ever been to, and hopefully, there are many more to come.

“Maddie, right?” a guy I met earlier asks me as I refill my cup for the third time. I told Tessa I needed another drink and that I’d be right back. She was busy twerking, and I didn’t want to pull her away from the attention she was getting.

“The one and only.” I smirk, looking at him over the rim as I take a sip. “What’s your name again?”

“Jase.” His lips tilt up, looking past me and gives a head nod, motioning for someone to join us. I glance over my shoulder, and my throat goes dry the second I see a guy walking toward us wearing a devilish smirk. He’s built like the f*****g Hulk—tall with muscles for days—and demands attention from every female in the room. I notice women gawking as he crosses the room, and they follow his every move.

“Liam, my man. You made it,” Jase says as he closes in on our space. They shake hands, then slap each other on the back while I stand aside like an outsider.

“Of course, I did. Wouldn’t miss the party of the year,” Liam responds. I feel tiny standing next to them, even with heels on, and I’m pretty sure Liam’s biceps are the size of my head. “Who’s your girl here?”

My eyes widen as they look at me. I’m nervous about them realizing I’m underage and remember I’m supposed to be a twenty-one-year-old college student. Puffing out my chest a bit, I find my confidence and grin.

“I’m Maddie,” I tell him, holding out my hand. “And I’m not his girl. Or anyone’s, rather,” I say, and I know he buys my act when a wide grin splits his face.

“I’m Liam. Pleasure to meet you, not Jase’s girl.” He takes my hand, then leans in close, pressing his lips to my ear. “Best news I’ve heard all fuckin’ week.” Pulling back, he releases me and winks.

I’m quite sure he can hear the thumping of my heart in my chest, but I swallow down my nerves and square my shoulders. Is this how college guys are? They don’t shy away from what they want and claim you as theirs for the night with just one look.

“Let’s get you a drink, man. Gotta tell me about your fugitive.” Jase bumps his shoulder, then hands Liam a cup filled to the brim.

Fugitive? I furrow my brows, confused.

“This motherfucker…” Liam shakes his head, laughing. “He had me chasing him to hell and back this week. Missed his court date, didn’t contact his parole officer, then skipped town. But I found him, tackled his a*s to the ground, then cuffed him. Might’ve broken his nose first, but…oops. My bad.”

“That doesn’t sound legal…” I blurt out without thinking, and they both look at me. “What do you do exactly?” I ask, then take a sip to shut my mouth.

“Homeboy’s a bounty hunter,” Jase responds proudly.

“Fugitive recovery agent,” Liam corrects. “And legal? Well…depends on who’s asking.” He flashes me another wink, sending butterflies straight to my stomach. Holy hell.

“You do that while going to school?” I look at him, noticing his eyes are a deep blue.

“Graduated in May,” he says. “I’m not from here, but my job takes me all over. Figured while I was visiting, I’d stop by and give Jase some shit.”

“Oh, you know you missed me,” Jase teases. “She came with Tessa, by the way.”

“Great, she’ll want my balls for ditching her last time.” Liam sucks down half his drink.

“You know Tessa?” I perk up, making a mental note to bombard her with an assload of questions about him later.

“Who doesn’t?” Jase snorts. I hate to admit it, but I’m intrigued.

“Well, it was great meeting you both. I better go find her.” I tip back my cup and empty it before setting it down.

“Wait…” Liam stops me. “Don’t run off too far.” The little smirk playing on his lips makes my body shiver.

“I can only run as far as my heels allow,” I playfully say before walking away. “Unless I’m not wearing them, of course.” I glance over my shoulder and bite down on my bottom lip.

Liam arches one brow, the corner of his lips tipping up slightly as if he understands what I meant. I give him a smirk before returning to the living room that’s been transformed into a dance club. Tessa is exactly where I left her—in the middle of the room, being the life of the party—and I join her.

The beer flows freely through my blood, making me feel bold and free. I’ve been dancing since I could walk and plan to major in it in college. With my arms in the air, I sway my hips back and forth. Slowly, I move my hands down my body before the main beat of the song hits.

“Die for Me” by Post Malone, Future, and Halsey blares through the speakers. It’s my new favorite song, and it’s impossible not to move to the rhythm. In fact, I’ve started playing it while I do my warm-ups before ballet rehearsal. Tessa’s tipsy and on her way to drunk when she takes my hands in hers and interlocks our fingers as we dance to the music. Her face lights up, looking behind me, and when Halsey’s haunting voice breaks into the bridge, I feel large hands on my hips. My eyes widen as I peek over my shoulder and realize it’s Liam pressed against my back.

“Don’t stop, beautiful. You shake your a*s like a f*****g goddess. A goddamn temptation,” he murmurs in my ear. His touch has every part of my body lighting up, my skin sparking like fireworks on the Fourth of July. He glides his palm across my stomach, holding me tight against his hard body. We rock back and forth, moving in sync as his lips ghost across my neck.

I’m not completely inexperienced, but this is no high school boy trying to get to second base. Liam turns me around so our chests press together, making it very clear he’s aroused. Obviously, he’s not shy about what he wants. He doesn’t stop touching me as a new song starts, and we continue dancing.

Blood rushes to my ears at the thought of him wanting me. All of me. I’ve kissed guys from my school and have done oral on occasion, but Liam doesn’t strike me as the kind of man to only want a make-out session. I’d gladly give him my virginity, though, and wouldn’t think twice about it. Confidence oozes from him, and I’m positive he knows what he’s doing and wouldn’t fumble around to find my clit.