Page 22

Chapter 21

Olivia

My heart is in a constant battle between pain and pride.

W elcome home.

I stare at the house, absentmindedly hearing Stormy’s happy barks as she jumps around us.

Holden steps up beside me. “What do you want to check out first? The inside or the backyard?”

“Backyard? That way, Stormy can run around,” I reply, without taking my eyes off the mansion that could have jumped straight out of a British movie—the classical elegance of a Pride I’m still into watching fights. Well, in theory I am. I’ve mostly avoided them because they remind me too much of Holden and all the times I watched his matches. After his disappearance, I avoided all activities or places that reminded me of him. Then, I gave myself to my job, following orders and building my career. Adapting. The same way I had to with my aunt. I pushed down my wild side as much as possible and stuck to the good-girl image the record company wanted to run with.

Archer’s phone rings, pulling all of us out of this strange time-warp moment.

One look at his phone, and his whole demeanor changes to something more serious. “Work is calling. I’ll catch you guys later.”

That leaves only Holden and me. And Stormy, of course, who’s still jumping around like someone just gifted her the largest bone in history. Holden gets up and throws the ball she found somewhere in the yard.

She flies across the grass, and I smile. I love seeing her this happy. That alone would make moving here absolutely worth it. I can deal with my issues for her. She might only be a dog to some, but to me, she’s my fur baby.

“Sooooo.” Holden draws out the word as if it has a million syllables. “Surprise and all that. Do you want to go inside?”