Page 100 of Wild Tangled Hearts

When he comes back into the room, that heaviness is even thicker.

"You're leaving," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. It's not a question. Even as we stood together in the shower, I sensed his decision, our bodies intertwined. This is the end, and it feels like a chasm has opened between us.

He stands at the door, his silhouette outlined by the dim light filtering through the room. I can't see his features clearly, and part of me is grateful for that because I don't know if I can bear to look into those icy-blue eyes right now, knowing that he's about to shatter my heart.

"I need to make some phone calls," his voice is rough and thick with emotions that threaten to overwhelm him. "One of my guys will watch the house for the next few days."

"I don't need—"

"I won't let anything happen to you again, Bella." He cuts me off, his tone filled with anguish. "I should never have put you in this position in the first place. My life is too dangerous—"

"So that's it," I say, sitting up and drawing my legs to my chest. "You're giving up on us."

"I'm protecting you, Bella. It's what I should have done from the start."

"You're protecting yourself, Damien." I refuse to beg him to stay. My trepidation and fears weigh heavily on me, and I don't have the strength to carry his doubts as well. If he's unwilling to fight for us, maybe he isn't the man I thought he was.

"Take care of yourself, Bella." With those words, he turns and leaves, disappearing into the darkness. With him, a piece of my heart goes, leaving an emptiness I never thought I'd have to face.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Go to work and try not to think about her heartbreak. Turn to this page.

Feel all the feels, skip work, and spend the day eating chocolate and ice cream. Turn to this page.

Chapter44

Damien

CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES

The seconds drag on like hours. The police are still in my house, meticulously combing through the shattered remnants of my once-peaceful home. Intrusive flashlight beams dance across my living room, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

I've already given my statement, and the words felt heavy on my lips as I recounted the terrifying intrusion. The man's threat still echoes in my ears, and my heart races with fear. But what weighs even heavier is the guilt that lingers, the knowledge that I still haven't called Damien.

Each passing moment intensifies the nagging sensation in the pit of my stomach, a relentless reminder of my silence. My phone lies nearby, its screen dark and untouched. I had thought of reaching out to Damien, wanting his reassuring presence, but uncertainty held me back.

As I watch the police work diligently, I can't help but wonder how Damien will react when he finds out what happened and that I hadn't sought his comfort in this dire moment. Guilt and apprehension swirl within me, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.

Sebastian hasn't left my side, offering quiet comfort, and I'm grateful for his presence. But it's Damien I honestly long to have standing beside me.

A shiver races through me, and I rub my arms. "I’m not sure why I’m so cold."

"Here," Sebastian says, grabbing a blanket from the couch and placing it over my shoulders. Sebastian's comforting presence surrounds me, his gentle touch and soothing words offering solace amid chaos. His offer of aged malt whiskey and a change of scenery tempts me, and a few weeks ago, I might not have hesitated to accept.

But now, all I can think about is Damien. My heart aches for him, and the urgency to have him by my side outweighs any other consideration. Our relationship might be undefined and complicated, but in this moment of vulnerability, he's the one I yearn for.

Call him, my heart yells, the urgency growing stronger with each passing moment. But my brain, ever practical, knows that no matter my choice, things between Damien and me will change after this night.

The room feels tense as I sit on the couch beside Sebastian, my phone in hand but my thumb frozen over the call button.

Suddenly, the front door bursts open, startling us all. My heart skips a beat as Damien strides into the scene, his eyes blazing with anger, concern, and something I can't quite decipher.How did he know?I never called him.

Sebastian stands, his expression shifting to surprise as he takes in the unexpected arrival of my not-quite boyfriend. Damien's gaze locks onto me, and I can see the jealousy that flickers beneath the surface.

"Bella!" Damien's voice is laced with irritation, though I can detect a hint of relief beneath the anger. "Why the hell didn't you call me?"

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