Page 76 of Married to the Frenemy

But before we can make our escape, Beckham shakes free and storms back toward Oliver. In one swift motion, he delivers a harsh right hook to his nose. The crack of his nose breaking is deafening above the typical background noise of our quaint Main Street.

Oliver’s expression contorts in pain as he covers his face, blood staining his hands. “What the hell was that for?”

“Nobody calls my wife names and gets away with it.” Beckham grips his shoulders then gives a quick knee to his groin, causing Oliver to bend over and grab his crotch.

Then Beckham wraps an arm around my shoulder and ushers me away. “Let’s get you home.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

BECKHAM

“Are you okay?” I ask Haley as we sit in the front seat of my parked truck, not making any move to start it just yet.

It was by pure luck I was even downtown this morning. After my conversation with Grady yesterday, I wanted to talk to my lawyer as soon as possible to discuss formulating an official offer to buy the vineyard. It’s a bit more involved than buying a house, which I expected, so the sooner I get the ball rolling, the better.

But when I got a text from Layla, the owner of the coffee shop, informing me of some prick in a suit bothering Haley, I didn’t hesitate in walking out on my lawyer. Haley’s my priority, not putting in an offer on the vineyard.

It’s an odd notion, considering the only reason Haley’s my wife in the first place is so I can buy the vineyard. But after Layla’s description, I had a feeling in my gut who it was.

I was right.

“Let me see your arm,” I tell her once my anger has waned enough for me to think clearly.

“It’s fine.” She rubs her wrist, and I can see the makings of a bruise starting to form.

If I didn’t already punch him, I’d storm out of this car right now.

“It’s not fine, Haley. That asshole hurt you.”

I grip the steering wheel, needing it to ground me before I do something I’ll regret. Or that might land me in prison yet again. Nothing’s off limits right now.

“Has he…” I swallow hard and meet Haley’s eyes. “Did he ever touch you like that when you were together?”

“No,” she answers, then hesitates. “Well…”

“Well, what?” I seethe, frustration seeping into my voice.

She pulls her lips into a tight line, her indecision evident.

“Please, Haley. I have to know.” My voice cracks at the mere notion of this guy harming her.

“Do you promise you won’t go after him and do something stupid?”

“Where you’re concerned, I can’t make any promises.”

For a moment, we just stare at each other, everything we’ve left unsaid over the past fourteen years heavy between us.

“When I told him I was pregnant,” she finally admits.

“So let me get this straight…” I lick my lips, my nostrils flaring. “You told him you were pregnant, and he…hit you?” I can barely manage to get the words out, my blood boiling.

“He didn’t hit me. Not like that.”

“There’s no fucking gray area here. He either hit you, or he didn’t. Which is it?”

“He…pushed me.”

“What kind of push?”

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