Page 18 of Tangled in Vows

A shiver runs down my back at the menace in Holden’s voice. Most of the men must hear it too, since they stay where they are. All except for the one who just spoke up.

He continues to approach, and Holden shoves him back with a push to his chest. “Don’t test me.”

The man finally lowers his camera and snarls at us, “Just trying to make a living.”

Holden ignores him and guides us away from the small crowd.

We decidedon the long route through the park, and I’ve been soaking up as much sunshine as possible. Usually, a walk and some Vitamin D help me calm down. Today, my body is too wired.

Maybe there’s a chance we got lucky, and the pictures they got weren’t interesting enough. But what if they followed us? They might be taking pictures of us right now. It wouldn’t be the first time.

We’re only a few blocks away from home, and somehow, I dread returning. Out here, it’s easier to pretend everything’s okay. I can watch Holden throw the ball and Stormy chase after it. Just like old times.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. The text message from my publicist, Kenisha, slams me back to reality. That was a lot quicker than I thought.

Nisha: You’ve got a lot of explaining to do. I’ll be there in an hour.

“Shit.” I close my eyes. My stomach churns uncomfortably, and I know it’s not just because I haven’t eaten yet.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Everything okay?”

I heave a sigh and whistle for Stormy. “Not really. We have to go. My publicist will be at my place soon.”

“Your publicist? Because of last night?”

I shake my head and clip the leash to Stormy’s collar, but then I pause. “I’m not sure. I talked to her before I went to bed, and she said she’s handling the break-in.”

“What’s it about then?”

“She didn’t say. Just that I had a lot to explain.”

His gaze is so intense I can feel it burn into the side of my head. But I ignore him and don’t say anything else either. Instead, I let Stormy lead me out of the park and straight into what might possibly be the biggest clusterfuck of my career.

Chapter 6

Holden

Day 92 without you: I wish I could have explained things, but it’s better you don’t know what a monster I am.

The knock on the door might as well come from the boogeyman himself.

At least, that’s how Olivia is acting.

Just when I’m about to ask if she wants me to open it, she reaches for the door handle. “Let’s get this over with.”

The instant the door is open far enough, a woman steps through. “Where is he?”

I take in the newcomer—average height, red dress, dark skin, curly hair, in her mid-forties.

After a quick scan of the foyer, her gaze zooms in on where I’m leaning against the back of the couch.

She points a finger at me and says, “You,” then does the same to Olivia. “Let’s talk. But first, I need a drink.”

Olivia and I glance at each other before she hurries after the woman.

“Nisha, it’s not even noon yet.”

She curtly nods but doesn’t stop her brisk walk toward the kitchen. “Fully aware of that fact, trust me.”

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