Page 58 of Tangled in Vows

My thoughts are quickly spiraling, but the anxious bubble pops when I’m distracted by something hard pushing against mefrom behind. I briefly forget how to breathe, lying here frozen like a statue.

Warm air fans over my nape, followed by a low grumble.

Holden.

It’s Holden.

Goodness. I take several deep inhales, giving my heart time to calm down.

Who am I kidding? The reality of being so close to Holden only excites the organ in my chest more, utterly ignoring the shouts from my brain that this is a terrible idea.

Who knew that news about my ex-fiancé being dead and never being able to track me down was not only the way back into my heart but also my libido?

It’s a strange kind of love language, but here we are.

That’s it? That’s all it took?

The irked voice keeps droning on about how stupid I am even to allow him this close.

Shut up. Just shut up, and let me have this moment in peace.

I close my eyes and bask in the comfort this rare physical contact brings me.

Maybe Holden won’t notice I’m awake for a bit longer.

He yawns quietly and stretches. The movement has not only his hand tightening on my stomach but also his erection pressing farther against my ass.

And good God, heat shoots straight to my core.

Just like yesterday when I found Holden in the kitchen in only a pair of gray sweatpants that sat dangerously low on his hips. I drank in the tattoos on his exposed back. The way his muscles moved underneath his skin. His firm ass.

Then he burned himself, and I got my first glimpse of his chest. My brain barely had a second to admire the tattoos, including a beautiful large script tattoo under his left pec, beforethe outline of his hard cock straining in his sweats stole my attention.

My breath hitches as the pulse between my legs intensifies at the memory.

I’ll probably regret this later, but I just want tofeel for now.

A shiver rushes through my body. The movement is slight, but I’m positive Holden notices it. His hand flexes again, so close to the underside of my breasts that my entire body is buzzing with anticipation.

You haven’t been with anyone in ages. That’s the only reason you could ever react this way to Holden. Yes, he’s a beautiful man, but you hate him. Remember? He left you. Anyone would be craving touch after only getting a few hugs in the last few years, most of them from Evie.

Yes, it’s pure instinct. Nature is taking over. That’s all this is.

“Hurricane.”

My name leaves his mouth in a hoarse whisper. The raspy sound is so sexy, a series of sparks course through me.

His fingers move a fraction like he’s unable to keep them still, and I rest my head on his shoulder.

I know I should stop. I know I should have jumped out of his arms the second I woke up, but something is holding me here. Curiosity? A longing to be held? For once, I want to throw all caution to the wind, be reckless, and dive in headfirst.

What’s a little awkwardness added to our already shitty situation?

“Hurricane.” This time, his voice is sterner, the warning clear.

And what do I do? I arch my back and tilt my head in some twisted offering. “Mmm?”

“Damn it, I can’t . . . you don’t know what you’re asking. Tell me to stop.”

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