Tangled in Vows (Tangled & Torn #2)

13. Olivia

Chapter 13

Olivia

I’m floating in darkness, not a light in sight.

“ H olden, let me go.” I wriggle in his hold, but he only tightens his arms around my midsection.

“Not happening. You said I owe you a dance, so let’s dance, babe .”

And then he sways against me.

Good God, does he sway . His hips press into my ass, rocking left and right, hypnotizing my body one swing at a time.

Someone as large as Holden shouldn’t be able to move like this, yet here we are.

An unmistakable tingle buzzes between my legs.

Bad body.

Damn it. I need to get out of here.

Remember, it’s for Nisha and the press. Just a dance or two. No biggie. And then you can go home and hide from Holden and the rest of the world.

I repeat the words over and over, willing my body to relax against Holden as much as I’m capable of. The sooner we finish this show, the better for my sanity.

With my eyes closed, I let the beat pulse through me. Guide me. Swinging my hips. Lifting my hands in the air and threading them around Holden’s neck. Sinking into his body and letting the hard planes of his muscles enfold me.

His breath is hot on my neck, tickling my already oversensitive skin. When his grip loosens, and his large hand flexes on my stomach, I have to bite my lip from groaning.

How long has it been since I’ve had sex? Apparently, way too long if I react like this to one tiny movement.

Maybe it’s because it’s him touching you.

I ignore the thought, yet I cannot ignore how my body is growing more feverish by the second, or how my breath is quickening.

I also can’t deny the sudden flush of warmth that spreads from my lower stomach to my now throbbing clit. Or how heavy my breasts feel. I want him to move his hand lower and touch me, to relieve me of this sudden all-consuming need.

That would undoubtedly show every other woman he’s unavailable because he’s already mine.

Spurred on by that thought, I arch my back and grind my ass against Holden. My movements sputter when I feel him hard behind me.

Of course he’s hard. You’re rubbing yourself all over him like a cat in heat, and he’s only a man. He can’t help himself.

I swallow the momentary disappointment that it’s not because he wants me.

You’re ridiculous.

The champagne clearly went to my head more than I thought. This thing with Holden is as fake as it was six years ago, and this is only for show. To save my career. He’s doing this for me. Again.

His face edges closer until his lips press against the sensitive skin of my throat.

A shudder runs through me, and I have to press my thighs together to alleviate the ache in my core.

This is fake. This is fake. This is fake.

To bystanders, this will look incredibly intimate.

“You’re so beautiful.”

His words are so low I barely hear them. Or maybe I imagined them altogether.

He inhales. “And you smell so damn enticing. God, I want to . . .”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, and I don’t ask what he was about to say.

I’m too scared he doesn’t want me. Even more frightened he does.

One song turns into another and another. At some point, his thumb brushes the underside of my breast, and a small gasp escapes my lips. I don’t know if it was an accident or on purpose, but the reaction in my body is the same regardless. He might as well have cupped my naked breasts for how much damper my panties just got. At this point, they are completely soaked.

Holden groans low in his throat, the sound reverberating against my back. “You’ll be the death of me, Hurricane.”

The alcohol has completely clogged my brain because instead of moving his hand away or getting out of his embrace altogether, I slide my hand on his to keep it in place. When I open my eyes, his hungry gaze is already on me. I lick my dry lips, and Holden’s attention immediately snaps to my mouth.

I decide then and there, I enjoy his eyes on me.

Before I can think things through, I whisper, “Kiss me.”

Holden swallows, an almost sad expression taking over his face. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

His words are a cold shower to my libido, and I stiffen in his hold.

You knew he didn’t want you like this.

No, I saw the lust in his eyes, didn’t I? His pupils were definitely dilated. Or was it only the alcohol mixed with a portion of wishful thinking that somehow slipped through my defenses?

I push his hand away to get out of his grasp. This time, he lets me. I misjudge my balance and stumble in my heels. Of course, Holden catches me with a steadying grip on my elbow.

Why does he always have to save me?

“You okay?”

There’s a hint of worry in his tone, but I ignore it.

He doesn’t want you. This is just a job for him. You’re nothing but a nuisance.

“Sure. Just tired.” It takes all of my focus to maintain a friendly expression, aware that people are still watching.

“Let’s get you home then. It’s been a long day.”

We walk toward the table, and Evie gives me a worried look. I pull her close for a hug and mumble, “Later,” in her ear. She doesn’t seem pleased but nods.

Holden produces a water bottle from somewhere and hands it to me. “Here, drink that. I’ll tell Jax we’re ready to leave so he can meet us out back.”

“Okay.” I drink the water, knowing I need a clear head to be alone with Holden. Especially after what just happened.

Why on earth did I just tell him to kiss me? What is wrong with me? He’s the last man I should get closer to.

Fool me once, shame on you, and all that.

After saying our goodbyes, and promising Evie we’ll get together soon for some girl time, Holden leads me through the crowds of people toward the exit. They stare and whisper as we pass, some pointing and whipping out their phones to take pictures or videos.

I lower my gaze, caught off guard by our intertwined fingers. His much larger hand swallows mine, and I’m strangely fascinated by the sight. I’m forcefully yanked out of my thoughts when cool night air hits my clammy skin, and Holden lets go of my hand so I can climb into the SUV.

Jax steers us away from the alley and into busier streets. It will take us at least half an hour to get home, so I lean my head back and close my eyes. Anything to escape Holden and my embarrassment. Just for a minute.

The next thing I feel is strong hands banding around my legs and back, hauling me against solid warmth. I snuggle closer into the embrace, breathing in the familiar spicy scent, followed by a loud sigh. “You still smell the same.”

Something rumbles under me, but I’m too tired to open my eyes.

“Is that good or bad?” Holden asks.

His voice penetrates my sleepiness, and I manage to crack open an eye. Bright lights meet me. Elevator lights. My apartment elevator. A ding announces the arrival on my floor, and Holden steps out with me.

He walks to my door with me cradled to his chest and says, “Thanks,” to someone.

“No problem, boss. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Jax replies.

Jax? I didn’t realize he was still with us. I hold back a groan, realizing he must have been with us in the elevator too.

All while Holden’s carrying my big ass.

My brain fires up for a moment. “Let me down, I’m too heavy.”

He snorts. “You’re a lightweight, Hurricane.”

I know I’m not anywhere near a lightweight with all my extra pounds, but I’m too exhausted to argue. Plus, his breathing does seem pretty even.

Since Stormy is with my neighbor, Susanne, our breaths and Holden’s footsteps are the only sounds. He maneuvers us through the condo and into my bedroom, where he gently lowers me onto the thick comforter of my bed.

Instead of moving away, his face hovers inches from mine. “You didn’t answer my question.”

His full lips move, his beautiful brown eyes boring into mine.

What would it feel like to kiss him?

I hate that the question still occupies my brain, despite his rejection at the club.

“Hurricane.” My nickname leaves his throat in a low growl.

A warning. One I’m not sure I’m in the right mind to heed with the remainder of the alcohol still rushing through my veins.

I clearly overshot my limit by more than I thought, or why else would I blink at him and say, “Yes, Holden?” in the most innocent voice I can muster?

He closes his eyes, probably to reconsider some life choices. Because same.

His hands flex around me, renewing the desire in my body.

I bite my lip to keep the moan at bay that is wandering up my throat.

Holden leans closer, and I’m holding my breath.

Is this really happening?

I close my eyes, waiting for his mouth to touch mine. Wanting him to do so desperately.

His lips press against my forehead. “Have a good sleep, Hurricane.”

Tears prick my eyes as he draws his hands out from underneath me.

Only once my bedroom door clicks shut do I open my eyes again and expel an agonized whoosh of air.

Rejected twice in one night.

Enough is enough.

My pussy hasn’t gotten the shameful memo yet, and with the way it’s pulsing, I decide at least one of us deserves a happy ending tonight. Maybe some oxytocin will help clear this power Holden has over my body.

Without overthinking it, I reach for my bedside drawer and get my trusty bullet. I’m so worked up from all the small touches tonight that it doesn’t take long to push me over the edge.

Holden’s name leaves my lips in a forbidden moan, and I’m sure I only imagined the noise coming from outside my door.