Page 116 of Wild Tangled Hearts

It’s Over! Shut the door on him, let your heart heal, and see where a romance withSebastiancould lead. Turn to this page.

Chapter51

Alex

CONFLICTED HEARTS

Istand in the dimly lit parking lot, the soft hum of the night surrounding me. The air is charged with tension, and I can feel the weight of the men’s gazes on me. Sebastian looms behind me, a silent presence, his concern almost palpable. But it's Alex who stands before me, his expression a mixture of desperation and longing. He yanks at his tie, and I can't help but notice how his fingers fumble with the top buttons of his shirt.

"Please, Bella," he implores, his voice raw with emotion. "Just hear me out."

Sebastian's voice cuts through the tense atmosphere like a knife, his tone calm yet tinged with concern. "Bella, what do you want to do?"

Alex’s eyes narrow on Sebastian, and his nostrils flare before returning his gaze to mine. His jaw clenches, frustration and longing etched across his handsome face.

Their contrasting energies pull at me from either side, and I feel like I'm standing at the crossroads.

Swallowing hard, I turn to Sebastian. "Thank you for the offer," I say, my voice trembling slightly. "But I'm staying."

A fleeting look of disappointment passes over Sebastian's face, but he nods, understanding in his gaze. "Call me anytime, Bella," he says softly before turning away and retreating into the shadows.

I turn back to Alex, my heart pounding like a drum.

His intense gaze softens, his shoulders relaxing. "Thank you for giving me a chance," he says, stepping closer.

I put my hand up, stopping him. I can feel the pull between us, the undeniable chemistry that's always existed. I don't trust myself not to melt into his arms.

His gaze softens, understanding dawning in his eyes. He takes a step back, giving me the space I need.

“Okay," I say softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm listening."

We stand in the parking lot, a world away from the wedding reception, still in full party mode inside. The cool night air wraps around us, carrying the weight of unspoken words and tangled emotions.

"I didn't kiss Angie," Alex's voice breaks through the silence. "She kissed me, and I pushed her away immediately."

I search his eyes for any hint of deception but find none. Relief washes over me, knowing my eyes hadn't deceived me earlier. But it wasn’t just the kiss. It’s so much more.

"Why were you alone with her in the first place?"

"She needed to talk," he replies, his eyes searching mine for understanding.

"And, of course, you jumped to be her hero again," I retort, my voice tinged with frustration. “Just like the other night.”

"You're upset I went to the hospital?"

My frustration turns into a knot of conflicting emotions. "No. Yes. Maybe. It's not just that. It's...she's everywhere. She's part of your friend group. Even your sister wants you back together. And the way she looks at you, touches you, you have to know she wants you back."

My words spill out, my insecurities and fears exposed. I watch Alex's face, hoping he can decipher the turmoil that's been churning within me.

"But I don't want her," Alex insists, his voice brimming with earnestness. "We've been over for a long time."

I can't help but challenge his words. The pain is still too raw. "Really? Because from where I'm standing, it doesn't feel like that."

Tension thickens between us, emotions swirling in the night air. Alex takes a step closer, his body radiating warmth, his ragged breaths echoing the chaos of our emotions. His gaze locks onto mine with a penetrating intensity that leaves me breathless.

"I need you to understand," he says, his voice soft but persistent. "Angie told me she wanted me back. I wanted to make it clear that I would never be with her again."

I can't help but snort at his words, skepticism lingering. "Well, by the look of that kiss, Angie definitely didn't get the memo."

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