Page 2 of Tangled in Vows

My hackles rise immediately. Did something happen?

Another quick scan assures me she’s in one piece.

Her focus returns to Evie, a softer expression relaxing her features. “Listen, I’m so sorry for interrupting, but could I borrow one of your cars? Luke just called from the hospital. He got into an accident on the way back here.”

Luke. Her personal bodyguard and driver. One ofmysecurity men. He should have been here tonight with Olivia, but she told him she didn’t need him. Stubborn woman. And he agreed with her. Stupid move. If it wasn’t for me and my other men here tonight, I would have kicked his ass and dragged him here. But he was still supposed to drive her home.

My phone burns a hole in my pocket, and I’m itching to check my messages. There better be an explanation waiting for me. If not, I’m going to be pissed, and Luke can extend his hospital stay.

Evie gasps, “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. That’s awful. Is he okay?”

Olivia swallows and averts her glossy eyes. “He said he broke his leg in several spots, but other than that, he’s fine.”

Phoenix shoves his hands in his pockets. “Take whatever?—”

“I’ll drive you.” The words are out of my mouth before my brain fully processes them.

After reports of weird fan behavior and rumors of inappropriate gifts, I want to make sure she gets home safely.

Usually, I try to give her room since I know she avoids me as much as possible, but there’s no way she’s leaving alone. If it were up to her, she’d probably knee me in the balls every time she sees me. Just like she did last year when I arranged backstage passes for her New York concert as a birthday present for Evie. That was the first time I’d seen her in almost five years. It was also the start of Olivia and Evie’s friendship, which hasn’t dimmed Olivia’s disdain for me.

Much to Evie’s suffering, because she wants all of us to be one happy family.

But I guess that’s on me and my big mouth. If I hadn’t told Evie that I knew Olivia, she wouldn’t have been able to talk me into going with her to the concert. Now I have Evie on my ass, and the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife whenever Olivia and I are in the same room. I get that Evie wants to fix things between Olivia and me. No one enjoys their friends not getting along. But she doesn’t know our past, and for good reason. That Pandora’s box must stay closed unless I want to unleash my darkest secrets and sins.

Olivia eyes me with suspicion, momentarily hiding her concern for Luke. Although their relationship is purely business, he’s still a large part of her life. Probably one of the people she’s around the most. I set him up with her a couple years ago, not that she’s aware of that fact.

I take a step forward. “I don’t think you should get behind the wheel right now. I’m sure Luke wouldn’t want you to.”

Her eyes glisten, and she grasps the chair beside her for support.

“I’m not trying to be an asshole. But I don’t think you want to end up at the hospital too.” And the words just keep coming out of my mouth.

Phoenix closes his eyes and shakes his head.

Evie chuckles nervously. “Listen. I’d drive you in a heartbeat, but I already had a few drinks, and so has Phoenix. I can try to get you a cab, but it’s Saturday night, and getting one out here will take a while. I’m sure Holden will be on his best behavior.”

Nothing like a good silent threat.

Olivia sighs but nods. “Okay, fine.”

Evie puts an arm around her. “Let’s get your things, and we’ll meet the guys in the garage.”

Phoenix blows out a loud breath as soon as we’re alone.

I throw my arms up in defeat. “What did I do now?”

His lips form a thin line. “Sometimes I feel it would be smarter if you didn’t talk around her. I know things are rocky between you, but you aren’t making it any better.”

I brush a loose strand of hair behind my ear in frustration. “I swear, I’m not trying to be a jerk. I thought I’d never see her again, and now I have to be around her constantly. It screws with my head.”

“I know it does. I probably understand that more than most people since I felt the same way about Eve. Just remember, Olivia doesn’t know what happened.” He jerks his chin in the direction of the door. “Let’s go before I get in trouble too. That’s the last thing I need on my wedding night.”

“It’s not your?—”

Phoenix smacks my arm, and I lift my hands again and leave the room.

Unforeseen circumstances ruined their first wedding. At least that’s what the PR company advised us to tell everyone instead of talking about the psychopathic maniac who tried to destroy their lives.

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