Page 119 of Wild Tangled Hearts

The tension between us thickens, our emotions swirling in the night air.

Alex takes a step closer, and I can feel the warmth of his body radiating toward me. His ragged breaths seem to echo the chaos of our emotions, and his gaze locks onto mine with an intensity that leaves me breathless.

"I need you to understand," he says, his voice soft but determined. "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, my skepticism still lingering. "Well, by the look of that kiss, Angie definitely didn't get the memo."

Alex's smile, though faint, seems to hold a hint of amusement, as if he understands my doubts. But then, his expression grows earnest, and he takes a step closer, his voice filled with a vulnerability that pierces my heart.

"Bella," he begins, his words slow and deliberate, "I had just told Angie that I was in love. Deeply. Passionately. Head over heels. Never looking back in love."

My heart skips a beat as I realize the weight of his words. He's not talking about Angie; he's talking about me. His gaze never leaves mine as he continues, "I love you."

Torn between my love for him and the need to trust him completely, I let out a shaky breath. I know that without trust, there can be no future for us.

"I love you too," I admit.

A soft smile forms on his lips, and he draws me closer, but I gently place my hands on his chest, stopping him. My head shakes slightly, and I meet his gaze with a mixture of longing and caution.

"Loving someone isn't enough," I say, my voice trembling with the weight of my words. "We need to be able to trust each other."

Alex's eyes fill with understanding. We both carry the scars of past relationships, the pain of broken trust still etched in our hearts. We know all too well that once trust is shattered, it's a monumental task to rebuild.

"I know," he replies, his voice soft and sincere. “And I would never do anything to break your trust. As for Angie, I won't see her anymore." Alex's voice is firm as he continues, "I made it clear to her that she crossed a line, and our friendship is done. The only person that matters to me is you, Bella."

His words wash away most of my doubts. But can I trust myself when he's so close? His masculine scent envelops me; those hazel eyes have always been my undoing.

The weight of the decision is heavy on my shoulders, and I know I have a choice to make. I can choose to believe him and take the chance on mending what's been broken between us. Or I can take some time for inner reflection, sort through my insecurities and fears, and say goodnight for now, hoping that time will heal our wounds.

The final option looms like a shadow in the background: to end things for good, to walk away from the love that has both lifted me up and torn me apart. The moonlight offers no answers, and the night holds its breath, waiting for my decision.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Trust in his sincerity and invite him inside. There’s nothing a little forgiveness sex can’t heal. Turn to this page.

Believe that he’s telling the truth. But trust takes time to rebuild after it’s shattered. Say goodnight, and let him prove his love and commitment. Turn to this page.

Time for a fresh start. Say goodbye to Alex. Take a couple of weeks to heal and then accept a date with Sebastian. Turn to this page. If you’ve already been on a first date, go on a second date. Turn to this page.

Chapter53

Sebastian

A HEART IN PIECES

Istand by the window, gazing out at the streets, rubbing my arms as a fresh wave of betrayal rushes through me. It’s been a week since I left New York, leaving behind my suitcase and the man who shattered my heart.

He showed up at my doorstep with my luggage, pleading for a chance to come in and explain. I turned him away and blocked his calls and messages, wanting nothing more than to forget the pain he caused.

Except I can’t forget him. The image of Sebastian with that woman won't leave my mind.

And even now, I can’t stop loving him.

Groaning at how pathetic I feel, I grab my purse and get ready for work. Locking the door behind me, I make my way to my car. Knowing the familiar routine, teaching and an after-school coffee at The Artful Bean will ground me, if only temporarily.

My stomach clenches when I spot Sebastian’s Mercedes parked nearby. He gets out, his dark eyes locked on mine as he approaches.

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