Page 78 of Tangled in Vows

“Yeah.”

“I could use a damn hug, but that can wait until we’re safe.”

Shit. What I wouldn’t give to pull her over the middle console and straight into my arms this very moment. But she’s right. No matter how much I want that, stopping would be stupid. We need to get back to the house as soon as possible.

“Just five more minutes, and I’ll give you the biggest hug you’ve ever gotten.”

I almost miss her quiet, “Okay,” as I focus on the road and getting us home safely.

We make it back without running into any more issues, and once the engine sputters to a stop in the garage, I click the release button on Olivia’s seat belt. Before I can even reach for her, she already half scrambles and half leaps toward me. And then she’s on me, wrapping her trembling arms around my head and burrowing her face into my neck.

I encircle her body and hold her tightly to me.

I could have lost her today.

We stay this way until my door opens so forcefully the hinges screech in protest.

“Fuck. Are you guys okay?” Archer fills the doorframe, coming close as if he’s going to join our tangled limbs.

He puts a hand on my shoulder and one on my hand that’s on the back of Olivia’s head. “Anyone get hurt?”

I shake my head. “We’re good. Just a bit shaken.”

His cheeks fill with air before he exhales loudly. “Well, fuck this shit. When we find whoever is behind this, I will tear every limb off their body as slowly as possible. All of these motherfuckers are driving me insane.”

“I’ll help you.” I let my head fall back, slightly soothed by Olivia’s warm breath near my ear. She stays quiet, but at least the trembling has lessened. My gaze locks on Archer. “Have you heard from Jax? He followed the SUV.”

“He called me from the road and told me what happened. He was able to catch up with the SUV, but by the time he got there, it was abandoned. Empty except for some food wrappers. I called O’Neal, so hopefully, he can get some fingerprints for us.”

He brushes his hand through his hair, down his face, and over his jaw. If he keeps this up, he’ll rub his skin raw. But I get it. This was way too close. I think neither of us expected things to escalate like this, if the attack is even connected to the other incidents.

“Thanks, Arch.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “Of course, man. I’m just glad you guys are okay.”

“Me too.”

He steps back and straightens to his full height. “Do you need anything?”

I scrunch my nose. “Nah, thanks.”

He points a thumb over his shoulder toward the door leading inside the house. “I’ll check if there is any news. And then I’ll bake some cupcakes or something.”

Olivia mumbles something into my neck.

Archer tilts his head and furrows his brows. “Did she just say lemon?”

Olivia hums.

Relief spreads through my chest at that one simple sound.

Archer’s confusion morphs into a beaming smile. “Lemon cupcakes for my buttercup. You got it.”

I groan at his ridiculousness, but he’s gone before I can say anything. And there are a lot of things I could say. Like, stop calling Olivia all of those ridiculous pet names. Stop smiling at her. Stop flirting with my wife, and don’t look at her either.

But of course, I’d never do that. Archer might push my buttons sometimes, especially regarding Olivia, but I’m glad he’s concerned for her and her well-being. Baking the damn cupcakes will help calm him down and make her happy too—a win-win.

Plus, she’s in my lap and clinging to me as if I’m the only thing that keeps her alive, so there’s no competition.

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