Page 118 of Wild Tangled Hearts

Alex

THE WRONG RIGHT CHOICE

The gentle hum of Sebastian's silver Mercedes fills the space between us as we glide through the city streets. My heart aches, the image of Alex and Angie's kiss haunting my thoughts. How could I have been so blind, so foolish to think there was a chance for us? I stare out the window, my gaze fixed on the passing city lights, their glow illuminating the dark streets.

Sebastian glances at me from the corner of his eye. Concern etched into his features. "If you want to talk, I’m a good listener."

I force a smile, though it feels fragile, like it could shatter. "Thank you." But the words catch in my throat, and I can't bring myself to say more. Sadness weighs too heavily on my heart, leaving me speechless and drowning in my thoughts.

He doesn't press further, and I'm grateful for his understanding.

As we pull up to my house, I turn to Sebastian, my voice trembling. "Thanks for the ride. I appreciate it."

His smile is both confident and sensitive, a rare combination that never fails to make my heart flutter. I can't help but be grateful for his understanding and the warmth he offers.

"It was nice seeing you again," he says, his voice soft and reassuring. "I know you have a lot going on, but my offer still stands. Call me anytime."

I nod, my throat tight with emotion.

He reaches across the center console to gently squeeze my hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. "Take care of yourself, Bella.”

I watch as he drives away, his taillights disappearing into the night. I'm left alone with my thoughts, his offer lingering. But it's thoughts of Alex that continue to take center stage in the tumultuous theater of my heart. The image of him and Angie locked in an embrace plays on a loop, a dagger to my fragile emotions.

Walking up to my front door, I insert my key in the lock, my hand trembling slightly, and the familiar click of the bolt sliding open provides a momentary distraction. Just as I'm about to step inside the sanctuary of my home, the screeching of tires shatters the stillness of the night.

My heart leaps to my throat as I turn to see Alex's truck skidding to a dramatic stop in front of my place. The engine rumbles to a halt, and he practically leaps out, slamming the door with a force that echoes in the quiet street.

"Bella!" he calls out, desperation lacing his voice. "Wait, please, we need to talk!"

His words pierce through the darkness, and I can see the urgency in his eyes, a mixture of sorrow, regret, and even fear. My heart aches at seeing him, torn between the anger that still simmers within me and the love that had begun to take root.

In the moonlight, Alex appears disheveled and undone. His tailored suit jacket is discarded, and the top of his collared shirt is unbuttoned, exposing the hint of his sculpted chest beneath. His hair is a tousled mess as if he's run his fingers through it in frustration.

I take a hesitant step away from my door and meet his gaze. "We can talk," I reply, my voice soft but firm. "But let's do it outside."

I know I can't trust myself if I let him in, can't let my guard down like before. I need to stay firm, and focused on protecting my heart. I won't allow myself to fall for that charming dimpled smile again, no matter how much my heart yearns for the familiarity of his presence.

He nods, his expression a mix of relief and apprehension as he takes a few hesitant steps towards me.

His hazel eyes fix on mine, and I see the anguish in his gaze. He starts to reach for me, his hand extending hesitantly, but then he stops himself as if uncertain of how I'll react. "I didn't kiss Angie," he says, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "She kissed me, and I pushed her away immediately."

His words hang in the air, and I can see the truth in his eyes. I had seen what happened, but hearing him confirm it gives me a sense of relief. But it still doesn’t change anything.

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

“She needed to talk.”

“And, of course, you jumped to be her hero again," I respond, unable to keep the bitterness out of my tone.

"You're upset I went to the hospital?" he asks, searching my eyes for an answer.

I let out a frustrated breath, trying to find the right words. "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."

The words spill out in a rush, my insecurities and fears laid bare. I watch Alex's face for a reaction, hoping he can understand the turmoil that's been churning within me.

"But I don't want her," Alex insists, his voice filled 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."

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