Tangled in Vows (Tangled & Torn #2)

9. Holden

Chapter 9

Holden

Day 161 without you: It seems our divorce is final. I hate it even more than I thought I would.

“ B oss, you need to calm down. People are staring.” Jax steps in front of me, shielding me from bystanders.

“But—”

He nods. “I know. Someone threatened your wife, and you want to destroy that person. I’d feel the same if it happened to my husband. But we secured the area, and Archer is already looking into it. If anyone can find out who sent the flowers, it’s him.”

I let my head fall against the trailer behind us and count to ten.

Some motherfucker sent Olivia flowers with a note that was an obvious threat.

Did you love my surprise? Let’s see how many other skeletons you are hiding in your closet.

Is this from the same person who told the media about our marriage?

And why was Olivia already reacting before she even saw the note? I feel like I’m missing something, but I don’t know what.

Speaking of Olivia. What did my damn wife do after being threatened? Instead of telling me what got her spooked, she disappeared into her trailer to prepare for the photo shoot as if nothing happened. I can’t decide if she’s as nutty as a fruitcake or if she’s in denial.

I want to march in there to shake some sense into her, to demand to know what’s going on in her pretty head. But I can’t do that. For one, I know how stubborn she is. And as much as I hate it, I know this isn’t the place for it. At least, I’m trying to remind myself of that.

So yes, I might have lost it and thrown the bouquet across the alley. Since several people witnessed my slip of control, I hope no one took a picture or video, or we’re in trouble. At least I waited until Nisha was in the trailer with Olivia, or she probably would have ripped me a new one.

After what feels like an eternity, the door to the trailer finally opens.

Heather, Olivia’s assistant, hops out with a water bottle in one hand and a thermos in the other. She notices us and stops for a second, gives us a shy smile, mumbles, “Hi,” and glances away after half a second.

I met most of Olivia’s team earlier. I already knew everyone on paper, but no one needs to know that. In addition to Heather, there’s Harrison, the stylist, Elise, the makeup artist, and Eduardo, the hairstylist. None of their background checks raised any flags, and they’re all pleasant enough. Of course, they’re all confused about my sudden presence and the news that we’re married. But that was to be expected.

My phone rings in my hand, and I take the call when I see it’s Archer. “Please tell me you got the fucker.”

He sighs into the phone, and I grind my teeth, already knowing the answer.

“Sorry, bro. They ordered the flowers online from a burner phone.”

“Damn it.” I clench my free fist as tightly as possible to keep from hitting something. There would be no way to keep that out of the news.

Jax exhales loudly and rubs his hand over his short hair. He doesn’t need to hear Archer to know the search was a dead end.

Anger is coiling tightly in my stomach, the pain radiating outward until small white flecks pepper my vision.

You need to calm down.

Going berserk doesn’t help find the guy or keep Olivia safe.

“I’ll keep digging. Maybe I missed something,” Archer says.

I close my eyes and inhale deeply until the rage simmers to an appropriate amount of frustration.

Nearby voices draw my attention, and I turn just as Olivia steps out of the trailer.

“Holy shit.”

“What’s happening?” Archer’s alert voice is in my ear.

My mouth is dry, and I have to swallow several times before saying, “All good. Thanks for the call, Arch. We’ll talk later, okay?”

I pocket my phone, my gaze never once straying from Olivia.

I’ve always thought she was beautiful. Even when I met her, and she was dressed in the most unflattering clothes. But this . . . her . . . right now, she’s an absolute vision in the red dress she’s wearing. It covers most of her body, leaving only her forearms and one of her shoulders exposed like a little tease. But it’s tight around her chest and hips, and the hint of cleavage she’s showing doesn’t go unnoticed by my dick either.

Add her matching pouty red lips, dark eye makeup, and brown curls, and she’s a walking wet dream.

My brain has officially short-circuited.

Well, at least it’s distracting you from the other crap.

Jax whistles softly next to me, and I spin to glare at him. “You’re happily married.”

He presses his lips together so hard they turn white. But I see the twitch in his right cheek.

After a moment, he says, “Yes, but I can still appreciate beauty when I see it.”

“Well, don’t, or I’ll tell Daniel.”

He only shrugs, clearly not bothered by my threat.

My feet carry me toward Olivia, unable to stay away for a second longer.

I approach, and her mouth parts. Damn it, those full lips. Would they taste as good as they look?

Don’t go down that rabbit hole. She hates your guts and will never let you near her.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” At least I can still talk, so there’s that.

She shrugs, worry and fear slipping through her neutral expression. Then her mask is back in place.

I check that no one is within hearing distance. “We need to talk about what happened.”

“Later.”

“Fine.” I open my mouth to say more, having this inexplicable need to be near her longer, but the photographer is calling her.

Unease emanates from her as she scans her surroundings and brushes her hands over her dress. “I better go.”

I can’t wait to get her home. No, not home, but back to her condo, where I know she’ll be safe.

You wish you could take her home.

I do.

Hopefully, she’ll consider my offer to move out of the city.

I catch one more glimpse of her big eyes before she walks away. I try not to let my gaze drop to her round ass, but I fail miserably. That dress is practically molded to her generous curves, showing the entire world what a walking temptation she is. I both hate and love that millions of people will be able to appreciate her this way once the magazine releases.

The next few hours are a series of “Olivia, shift a bit to the left,” “Beautiful, Olivia,” “Sway your hips some more,” “Look over your shoulder at me,” and “Happy thoughts, Olivia.”

She struggled with the last one the most and needed several prompts until the photographer was satisfied. Her team kept rushing around her, doing touch-ups on her makeup, fixing her hair and wardrobe, and handing her drinks and snacks. After a few outfit changes, someone finally yells, “All done.”

Olivia thanks everyone and heads toward the trailer. I stay close.

Nisha heads in the same direction and calls for Olivia, who stops by the steps in front of the white trailer.

“Good job today, sweetie. The photos will be stunning.”

Olivia gives her a small smile. “Thank you.”

She’s still in her last outfit, a black dress that ends around the knees. It’s not as tight as the red number, but this one shows more cleavage. My cock has long given up the fight and is officially noticing every single thing about her. That means she’s only allowed to wear oversized sweatpants and sweatshirts from now on. Preferably mine.

Nisha turns to me, and it takes great effort to focus on her. “I overheard you talk to Jax earlier about going to Onyx Luxe club tonight, right?”

I don’t like people knowing my whereabouts. “Yeah. Why?”

Olivia stiffens. “You’re leaving me alone tonight?”

I shake my head. “Of course not. Jax will be with you.”

Olivia’s expression doesn’t change with my statement. Her brows are still furrowed, her lips pinched. Is she worried something might happen if I’m not there, or why does she seem so unhappy?

I try to reassure her, “I promise Jax will keep you safe.”

Olivia swallows and casts her gaze away from me, looking at the ground instead.

Nisha laughs nervously. “Sorry, I thought you guys had talked about this. I just thought it would be an easy opportunity for you two to be seen together for a few good PR pictures. Some dancing and hanging out, you know?”

I hate leaving Olivia, even for a couple of hours, but I promised Archer I’d be there tonight. Knowing Jax will keep her safe is the only reason I’m going at all.

If I thought Olivia would like to come along, I would have asked her. But I thought that was the last thing she wanted. Not just because it would mean spending more time with me than necessary, but this has also been one hell of a week for her. And that was before more was added to the shit list with the flowers and note earlier.

I’m still staring at Olivia, waiting to see what she says, but she stays quiet. So I do too.

Nisha prompts, “What do you think, Olivia? We could also set up something for another day. I just thought it would be a breeze since Holden’s already going anyway, and you already got your hair and makeup done.”

Olivia finally glances up, her gaze unreadable, neutral. “I guess we could do that, if Holden is okay with it. I don’t want to screw up his plans.”

Her mask slips at the last word, and my brain is trying to solve the puzzle that is Olivia. Is she mad? Worried about her safety? It can’t be because I’m going out without her, right? That’s impossible.

I was trying to respect her wish to stay away from me. Plus, my reason for going to the club isn’t exactly the heartwarming press moment the higher-ups are going for either. But I guess I have to be more careful about what I’m doing or where I’m seen. People might try to get dirt on me to paint Olivia in a bad light.

“Holden?” Nisha raises a brow. “What do you say?”

I ignore her and focus only on Olivia. “Do you actually want to go? Otherwise, we can figure out something less loud and public in a few days.”

She narrows her eyes at me, accentuating the sensual way her long lashes frame her eyes. Then she licks her lips, clearly trying to kill me on the spot.

No, you can’t get hard right now. I know she’s fucking hot, and you want her lipstick all over you, but bad timing. Worst timing, really.

My cock practically whimpers behind my zipper, but getting hard in public with so many eyes on us is a terrible idea.

Olivia shifts on her feet. “Nisha is right, I already have my hair and makeup done, so why not get it over with?”

Well, there goes my happy cock, because ouch .

I’m still unsure how anyone will believe we’re happily married. Olivia’s eyes are basically full of daggers whenever she looks my way.

But I guess we’re going to do this. I swallow down the irritation and nod. “I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

Nisha smiles as if we just had a pleasant conversation. “Great. I’ll make some calls, too, to ensure some good photographers will be there. Olivia, if you’re hungry, there’s some food in the trailer. Heather ordered something from your favorite Italian restaurant.”

Surprisingly, that puts a genuine smile on Olivia’s face. “Thank goodness. I’m starving.”

“Perfect. Have fun tonight.” Nisha heads away, her eyes already glued to her phone.

At least one of us is happy.

Olivia turns away too, but I grab her arm and pull her toward me.

“Are you sure about this? You can tell me if you don’t want to go.”

Instead of drawing back like I expect her to, she takes a step closer, leaving only inches between us. “If you don’t want me there, just say so.”

I frown. “What the hell are you talking about?”

She sighs, her warm breath fanning over my cheek. “Listen, if you were planning on meeting with someone at the club, just tell me. But stop trying to keep me from going by pretending you’re interested in my opinion, my well-being, or whatever game you’re playing.”

For a second, I don’t know what to say. So I just stare at her. At the pinched expression on her face. The slight color of her cheeks. The way she keeps breaking eye contact.

What is going on with her?

Something clicks inside me, but I immediately push that thought aside. Because there’s no way she could be jealous. Right?

Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out.

“Hurricane, are you trying to figure out if I was going to the club to find someone to hook up with?”

Her pupils dilate only a fraction, but enough for me to see.

She scoffs and glares at me. “Obviously not, since that wouldn’t be any of my business. As long as you’re discreet, I don’t care what you do.”

My kitten has her claws out.

Maybe it’s time to see how sharp they really are.

I raise a brow. “So that’s the only rule? To be discreet?”

“Sure.”

Stay calm. Stay calm. Stay calm.

I put a hand against the trailer, caging her in on one side. “Are you planning on being discreet with other men?”

Her eyes narrow to slits like she’s ready to murder me. “That wouldn’t be any of your business then either, would it?”

“You bet your sweet ass it would be. You’re my wife .”

Her chest heaves, the ample swell of her breasts rising and falling rhythmically.

She’s a vision and too damn tempting.

I want to press her against the trailer, hike up that dress, and fuck her so hard the whole world knows who she belongs to irrevocably.

No, no, no. If you go down that path, you’re truly fucked.

And not in the way you want to be fucked.

I groan and angle my hips so no one can see the growing bulge in my pants.

“Holden, our marriage is only on paper.”

I get even more in her face. “I don’t give a fuck if it’s only on paper. Everything changed the instant we found out we’re still married.”

A humorless laugh bubbles out of her tempting lips. “So what? Are you telling me you’re not going to sleep with anyone for the next six months?”

“Exactly,” I say without a second thought.

Her eyes widen. “You can’t be serious.”

“ Dead serious.” I push my hand into her hair and put my mouth to her ear. “Just as dead as every man will be who dares to touch what’s mine.”