Page 3 of Tangled in Vows

They undoubtedly deserve this celebration. This re-do. I love them both and wish them nothing but the best, but I was serious about Olivia. Having her around fucks with my head, and I haven’t truly felt like myself in a while.

But I don’t have a choice. She and Evie hang out every chance they get, so how am I supposed to avoid her? They all travel so much that we try to spend as much time together as possible when they’re home. The two ladies have been almost inseparable, with Evie and Phoenix leaving again in a few days.

Phoenix and I work out together almost daily and are business partners. While he’s the main face of our Foxhole Foundation and primarily handles the new safe places we build for teenagers, I still play a very active part behind the scenes.

Phoenix catches up with me and swings his arm over my shoulders. “One of the other men can drive her if it’s too much for you.”

As if I hadn’t thought about that myself and immediately vetoed it. Some part deep inside me doesn’t want her around any other guys she doesn’t know. “I can handle it.”

“Spoken like the true grump you turn into whenever she’s around.”

A grumbling sound reverberates through my chest. “It’s?—”

“Complicated. I know, I know.”

Phoenix claps me on the shoulder. It’s harder than necessary, but I don’t blame him. At first, I thought things with Olivia would improve with time, but it seems it’s only made things worse.

We pass the door to the large sunroom, where the hardcore partygoers remain. Music and laughter float from it. If it wasn’t for Evie losing one of her earrings, apparently her excuse to get me alone, I’d still be in there too. Maybe even having a good time.

Instead, I’m about to get into a car with the woman who hates me.

As if summoned, Olivia and Evie get there just as we do.

Evie immediately heads toward the blacked-out armored SUV in the back. I knew she’d have my back.

No, we don’t see eye to eye about Olivia, but keeping her friend safe is still her priority while she tries to do what she thinks is best for me. It’s not her fault she doesn’t know the whole story.

Evie helps Olivia into the passenger seat. The two talk quietly, ending it with a hug before Evie shuts the door. Irritation courses through me. I need to know what they were talking about.

Evie joins Phoenix and me.

She stares at me as if trying to peek inside my brain. She always wants to figure me out, so she can help. That’s the only reason I can usually stay calm about her meddling. I know she means well.

“Please make sure she’s okay. I think this hit her a lot harder than she lets on.”

I nod. “I will, Princess. Promise.”

“Okay.” She leans against Phoenix’s side. He immediately wraps an arm around her. “Keep me updated?”

“You know it.” I spin my keys around my finger. “But don’t worry about her. She’ll be safe with me. You two should kick everyone out and call it a night though.”

Phoenix sighs. I know he’s had enough of the party. Neither of us has been keen on large crowds since our time in prison. And while Evie was the one to put him behind bars, she doesn’t understand that part of our lives. But she’s never been a big party person either. None of us are anymore. Even Evie’s best friends, Mason and Ruby, left several hours ago. Although she barely sees them anymore. At this point, I’m not even sure who’s still here.

Evie looks up at Phoenix. “I think Hold might be right. I’m good with calling it a night if you are.”

I clap Phoenix on the back, then mouth, “You’re welcome,” before pressing a kiss to Evie’s temple. “Happy wedding re-do day, lovebirds. Enjoy your night without me.”

They both groan, and I saunter off. I feel Olivia’s gaze on me as I walk around the front of the SUV. I slide into the cool seat, the leather smell instantly calming me. Out of habit, I grab one of the Tic Tac boxes from the middle console and pop two into my mouth. Passion fruit. Delicious. Before overthinking it, I offer the box to Olivia.

To my shock, she extends her open palm to me and mumbles, “Thank you.”

She still likes the mints then.

We wait in silence for the garage door to open. I reverse out of it and head toward the edge of the property, where my security guards open the gate for me with a nod and a, “Have a good night, boss.”

At the stop sign that leads to the main road, I turn to Olivia. “To the hospital or your place?”

“My place.” She pauses for a beat, then says, “Do you want me to enter the address into the GPS or give you dire?—”

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