Page 37 of Tangled in Vows

He’s dressed in his typical black jeans, biker boots, and leather jacket. With his short buzz cut, several face piercings, and tattoos running up his neck, he can be one scary ass.

Although he’d never touch me or what’s mine, I take a small step in front of Olivia. “I need to talk to Archer.”

Damien hums and opens the door wider. “Come on in.” His gaze moves to Olivia, and he bows a little. “My condolences toyour marriage, Miss Parker. I’m Damien, and I’d be happy to take his place.”

She stares at his large frame and rougher appearance with wide eyes. “Mmm, it’s nice to meet you, Damien.”

Olivia’s voice is quiet, and I punch Damien’s shoulder. “Cut the crap.”

Turning to Olivia, I say, “Ignore him, Hurricane. He’s all bark but no bite.”

“Don’t ruin my reputation, Hold. I can bite plenty, trust me.” He gets a knife out of his pocket and plays with it. Twirling the handle around his finger, flipping it open and closed.

Before I can react to his deranged antics, Archer steps between us. “Aww, he’s got a cute nickname for her.” He winks at Olivia. “Good to see you, Olivia. I’m going to throw my name in the hat too.”

Damien stays focused on his task but snorts.

I glare at them. “You’re both impossible. Stop acting like you’ve never seen a beautiful woman before.”

“He called her beautiful.” Archer elbows Damien.

I roll my eyes. At the sound of Olivia’s quiet snort, I turn her way. “Please don’t encourage them.”

But she ignores me. “Good to see you too, Archer.”

My brain short-circuits because she’s smiling. At the situation. At me. The way she used to until she thought I betrayed and abandoned her. The smile reaches her eyes, causing them to sparkle, and I momentarily forget where we are or why we’re here.

Then I remember how distraught she was not too long ago.

Imagine how devastated she’d be if she knew why you left her. Not just devastated but also disgusted. If she knew who you are at your core and that you killed for her, she wouldn’t even touch you right now, let alone smile at you.

That thought is like a punch to my gut.

Because no matter how much I know there’s an expiration date to our marriage, the thought of continuing my life without her again is impossible to digest.

I can’t do that.

I don’t want that.

Thankfully, a loud double thump comes from the hallway, followed by a booming voice yelling, “Ten minutes.”

I rub my hand over my beard. “Shit. We need to talk.”

Chapter 12

Olivia

I feel so lost when we are apart.

Archer starts jumping in place and wiggles his brows. “I’m guessing you’re not staying?”

Holden shakes his head and gestures toward me. “Too high-profile without a disguise. Tell Tom I’ll catch up with him soon.”

“Will do.”

Tom? But wait what? No.

“We can’t stay and watch? Please?” I’m so disappointed, I honest-to-goodness pout.

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