Page 139 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“I grabbed a cast iron frying pan. Shit, I could barely lift the thing, but I managed enough strength in that moment to hit him with it.” He snorts, shaking his head. “Knocked that bastard out cold. Thought for a hopeful moment that he was dead.”

A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine the scene playing out in this very spot. The darkness that must have haunted him, that still haunts him.

“What did he do?”

"I thought he’d beat me senseless when he finally came to. But he didn’t remember a thing when he woke up the next morning. Acted like it never happened."

I take Damien’s face, making him meet my gaze. “I’m so sorry.”

He offers a faint smile. “It was the last time he laid a hand on either of us and took off not long after. But the damage had already been done. Stacey felt it the most. She never really recovered from the shit he’d done to her. Started spiraling by the time she was thirteen, got messed up with drugs, then started dating assholes who were fucking clones of our father. I thought having Lexi would change things, but it just got worse. Child Services were going to take Lexi away if my mom hadn’t stepped in.”

I wrap my arms around him, pulling him close, my heart breaking for the pain he and his family endured. “You and your mom have provided a stable home for Lexi. I’ve seen her, and I know she’s thriving.”

He nods, resting his head against mine. "We're doing our best.”

“Thank you for sharing that with me.”

“I hate that I have so much fucked up shit in my past, Bella. You deserve better.”

I climb onto his lap and straddle him, placing my hands on his face. “I love you, Damien Blackwood. Demons and all. And if it takes months or years, I promise we’ll fill this place with laughter and love.”

“And sex,” he says, grinning, that playful smirk back on his lips.

I laugh. “Yes, lots and lots of sex.”

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Be adventurous. Make new memories with Damien with a midnight dip in the lake. Turn to this page.

Stay warm, but not dry. Make new memories with Damien in the two-person jetted tub. Turn to this page.

Chapter65

Damien

UNVEILING SHADOWS

Damien’s motorcycle roars to life when we hit the open road. The wind rushes around us, tousling my hair as I grip him tightly, a rush of exhilaration washing over me. I feel a growing sense of contentment and freedom with each passing mile.

The road narrows as we wind through the forest, the dappled sunlight playing on the leaves overhead. I can't help but feel a sense of wonder as I take in the beauty of the natural world around us. The anticipation builds with every mile we cover, and soon, the cottage comes into view. It's a charming, rustic cabin nestled amidst the trees, its wooden exterior blending seamlessly with nature.

I glance at Damien, and his expression mirrors my emotions.Happy. Peaceful. Loved.

He unlocks the door, and we enter the cozy interior: A large stone fireplace, plush furnishings, and huge bay windows that frame picturesque views of the surrounding forest and lake. It's a world away from Damien's sleek loft apartment, with all its high-scale security.

“It’s gorgeous.”

“I hoped you’d like it.” His arms encircle me, and I rest my back against his chest. “What Ireallythink you’ll like is the ensuite bathroom. There’s a tub built for two.”

I twist in his arms. “Well, that settles it; I know what I want to do first.”

He chuckles. “Really? Because my first preference was christening the primary bedroom, then the bathtub, and if you still have energy, the couch.”

I kiss him, then murmur against his lips. “Best plan ever.”

“God, I love you.”

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