Page 141 of Wild Tangled Hearts

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Chapter66

Damien

A DIP IN THE LAKE

Above us, a million stars spark to life, their luminous dance reflecting upon the lake's surface. The full moon, a radiant silver orb, casts its tender glow, lighting our way as we walk along the shore.

“This night is perfect,” I say, digging my bare toes into the cool sand and leaning into Damien’s embrace.

“It is.” He kisses the top of my head and then whispers in my ear. “You know what would make it even better?”

I glance up at him, narrowing my eyes, when I hear the mischief in his voice. “What’s that?”

“A quick dip in the lake.”

"No way,” I say, chuckling. “It’s freezing.”

“Not once you get in. I promise.” A playful glimmer dances in his eyes and a mischievous grin curves his lips.

I glance down at my clothing, realizing we hadn't prepared for this impromptu adventure. “We don't have our bathing suits," I protest.

“Who needs suits?” With a devil-may-care attitude, he begins to undress, his chuckles echoing in the stillness of the night. Clothes fall to the ground, leaving him standing in the moonlight, looking like a Greek god in all his glory.

“You’re crazy. I’m not skinny dipping.”

He strides into the lake, then takes the plunge, disappearing beneath the surface with a playful splash.

I hesitate, my toes dipping into the water. It's colder than I anticipated, a sharp shock sending a gasp to my lips. Damien's head emerges, his teasing grin still intact.

"Come on, Bella," he encourages, his voice coaxing.

I strip off my clothes, the night air raising goosebumps on my skin, and I step into the water. The cold grips me, making me shiver, but determination keeps me moving forward. “Oh my god, it’s cold.”

“Just think about how good that bath will feel later.”

“That’s not helping,” I say, then finally make the full plunge. I gasp when my head emerges, but like Damien noted, it only takes a few seconds before the water feels warmer than the night air.

“Come here.” Damien lunges towards me, and I squeal, attempting to dodge his playful attack. It’s no use. He’s faster than me, and in fairness, I don’t try too hard to get away.

His arms wrap around my waist, and those stormy eyes, illuminated by the moonlight, lock onto mine, a smile tugging at his lips. “You know what else would make this night perfect?”

I feel my heart quicken, a rush of anticipation coursing through me. “What?”

“This,” he says, kissing me.

It is perfect. A moment that will forever live in my heart. It's as if time conspires to give us an eternity in a single night.

We spend the next two days in a blissful blur of laughter, love, and simply enjoying each other's company. It's as if time itself has slowed down. We take long walks in the forest, hand in hand, and sit by the crackling fire in the evenings, lost in conversation and each other's gaze.

I savor every stolen kiss, every shared laugh, and every loving glance. These moments are a gift, a testament to the healing power of our love.

“I don’t want to leave,” I say against Damien’s lips, wishing that tomorrow wasn’t a school day and we could stay here for another few days or even forever.

He smiles down at me, tucking my hair behind my ear. “It’s only a short ride home. We can come back next week—“

Bam.

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