My Husband Wants An Open Marriage (Julie and Ryan) novel Chapter 85

CHAPTER 085: Virgin Mojito 

Everything about tonight has been wonderful. Luke’s friends Sebastian, Asher, and Kofi have mostly been nice. Kofi’s the loudest and more free–spirited one. Sebastian’s the father of the group, while Asher’s like the middle child. I can see why they’re friends with Luke. Other than the fact that they went to the same college, they are mostly alike. Sharing inside jokes. Completing each other’s sentences. And asking me the same questions a million times. 

“Are you sure you don’t want alcohol, Julie?” Asher says. “Seems really weird that we’re all taking shots and you’re on your fourth glass of that thing.” He points at my glass. 

It’s–a virgin mojito. 

“No, thank you, Asher,” I say. “I still have a long night ahead. Need to stay sharp.” 

They all take my meaning and laugh, except Luke who’s stealing suspicious glances at me. Oh, god. Don’t let him figure it out before I tell him. 

By the time we’re ready to leave, I’ve downed six glasses of the virgin mojito and have visited the restroom twice. 

Luke says, “We should head out.” 

There’s a collective groan of disappointment. Kofi protests, but Asher waves him off, already standing to shake my hand. 

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Julie,” he says. “Come back anytime–next time, with a real drink.” 

I laugh, but it’s strained. “We’ll see.” 

Sebastian nods, his eyes lingering on Luke for a second longer than necessary. Then he tips his glass toward me.” Take care.” 

As we leave the VIP section, Luke’s hand rests lightly on the small of my back. He’s silent, and his touch, though gentle, feels heavier than usual. By the time we reach his car, I’m already bracing for what’s coming. 

The engine hums to life as I settle into the passenger seat. The air between us is thick with unspoken words, and I can feel the tension rising like a tide, ready to crash. 

“Where are we going?” I ask, breaking the silence. 

He glances at me. “I’m taking you home.” 

“My house?” 

“Mine,” he says. “From now on, I’m going to imprison you as much as I can.” 

I laugh, but it’s uneasy. “Well, that’s romantic.” 

Something’s off; I can sense it. I can’t tell if it’s because we’ve both craved this freedom for so long that now we don’t know what to do with it. Or it’s because I have a lot of questions on my mind. 

It seems Luke has the most questions, because right then he asks, “Julie… is there something you haven’t told me?” 

“What?” 

“I don’t know.” His grip tightens on the steering wheel. “I just feel like you want to tell me something.” 

My heart races, and before I can stop myself, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “I met Sara earlier today.” 

He freezes. “What?” 

*29 BONUS 

“She comered me at the courthouse,” 1 say, forcing calm into my voice. “Wanted me to break up with you or something.” 

He doesn’t say anything, just stares ahead, his jaw clenched. 

“And,” I continue, “she also said that the day you allegedly threw her down the stairs, she texted you to come over. Of course, I knew that was bullshit. You went there because you had questions, right?” 

Silence. 

“Right?” 1 repeat, my voice sharper. 

Luke exhales. “She texted me. 

My stomach twists. “You’re joking.” 

“Nope.” 

“And you waited till I asked to tell me? What is it with you and not telling me things, Luke?” 

“I’m sorry, Julie. I just- 

“You just what?” My voice rises. “Got a text from your ex, felt it was okay to go to her house, and then lied about it?” 

“I didn’t lie.” His tone hardens. “I skipped that part.” 

“How nice.” 

His hands tighten on the wheel. “It wasn’t like that.” 

“Then explain it.” My voice is shaking now, part anger, part disbelief. 

“I went because she mentioned your name alright?” he says, glancing at me briefly. “She said something about your ex–husband contacting her about you. And that it was bad. And she’d only tell me if I came over. I realize how crazy that sounds now. But at the time, I wasn’t thinking. Or maybe I was thinking that Ryan could do something like that. I went there and it turns out she lied. I didn’t tell you because I knew how it would sound.” 

“Yeah, it sounds great. Real trustworthy,” I snap. “Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?” 

“I wasn’t trying to hurt you.” His voice is quieter now, almost pleading. 

“But you did. You should’ve told me.” 

“I know.” He sighs. “I messed up.” 

I turn away, staring out the window. The lights of the city blur past, and for a moment, neither of us speaks. 

Finally, I whisper, “Why don’t you tell me anything, Luke? Do I have to ask every goddamn time?” 

He sighs, long and heavy. “I thought I had everything under control. I didn’t want to bother you with anything.” 

“Bother me?” I whip my head around to face him. “That’s your excuse? You think protecting me means keeping me in the dark?” 

He grips the steering wheel tighter. “I thought I was doing the right thing. You had your trial coming up. I didn’t want to bother you.” 

“And how about the other things you don’t say? The ones you don’t think I need to know?” 

CHAPTER 085 Viroth Mojito 

+25 BONUS 

His jaw tightens. “Things like what?” 

“How am I supposed to know if you haven’t said them?” 

His eyes flick toward me, then back to the road. “This is Sara’s doing, right? She said something at that courthouse? You let her get to your head.” 

“At least she said something.” My voice rises. “All you’ve ever done is treat me like some delicate flower that’s going to split in two at any inconvenience.” 

“I do that because I love you.” His voice is defensive now, almost desperate. “When you love someone, you protect them.” 

“By what? Giving them half–information?!” 

“I said I’m sorry!” He shouts it this time, the words bouncing off the walls of the car. “Oh, my God.” He shakes his head, breathing heavily. 

“Because you were caught,” I snap. 

“Jesus.” He groans, bouncing his head lightly on the steering wheel. 

“Watch the road,” I warn.