Page 34 of Wild Tangled Hearts

"Damien!" A woman’s sharp voice pierces the space between us.

“Fuck,” Damien mutters, glancing at the approaching whirlwind of a woman. She's stunning, with jet-black hair and bright blue eyes, and I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy wash over me. Damien's expression remains unreadable as he responds, "Stacey."

A torrent of questions whirls through my mind. Besides being the infamous Stacey from Damien’s phone, who is this woman, and what connection does she have to him?

Stacey's desperation emanates as she glares up at Damien, her words slightly whiny, reminiscent of a child's plea. "You can't just keep ignoring me. I need—“

"Not here, "Damien interjects sharply, his fingers gripping her elbow as he guides her away, taking their conversation out of earshot.

Time drags on as I stand there, anxiety and uncertainty gripping me. Is Stacey an ex-girlfriend or a more significant figure in his life?

I think about walking away, letting them deal with whatever they’re fighting about, but I catch Damien’s eyes, and he puts up a finger and mouths for me to stay.

Stacey’s frustration seems to wane as their conversation continues, and Damien points toward me. I can't hear their words, but realizing they're discussing me sends a shiver down my spine.

Finally, Damien pulls out his wallet and hands her a few bills. She seems on the verge of starting another argument, but the stern look he gives her halts her in her tracks. When she takes off, Damien returns to my side, his brows furrowed deeply, his jaw clenching with frustration.

"If you need to go with her, I understand," I say, my words tumbling from my lips, laden with my insecurities. "I mean, we've only been on two dates; it's not like we've made any promises—“

"Bella, stop," he says, his voice laced with frustration. "It's not what you think."

"Okay," I reply, my heart pounding in my chest, and I hate the jealousy that stirs in the pit of my stomach.

Damien takes a deep breath before continuing, "Stacey is my sister.”

"Oh," I mutter, instantly feeling like a colossal fool. Kava's words about not assuming the worst echo in my mind, a gentle reminder to give people the benefit of the doubt and not jump to conclusions too quickly.

“She's been going through a difficult time,” Damien continues, glancing over to where the woman had been seconds ago and exhaling a heavy breath. “And she has a six-year-old daughter named Lexi. I help my mom take care of the kid sometimes because Stacey isn’t in her life right now. She’s…” He pauses, his hands scrub over his face roughly, frustration etched into his features. "It's a complicated mess."

"I'm so sorry," I stammer, my face flushed with embarrassment. "I jumped to conclusions, and I should have trusted you."

“No.” He steps closer, leaning in, gaze trained on me. “Trust is earned.” He takes my hand, our fingers lacing together. “You’re smart to be cautious. I've got a lot of shit going on in my life, Bella. Stuff that keeps me up at night.”

Danger, danger, danger, my brain warns. I mean, the guy is practically admitting it to me. But that damn heart of mine plays its own beat,Damien, Damien, Damien.

“You help out with your niece a lot?” I ask, changing the subject. My brain doesn’t need any more reason to scream danger. I want to know more about the good stuff.

“But I'll be honest,” he says, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Lexi is one of the bright spots in my life. I think you'd like her. And I know she'd love you."

I love you, Dami.The text had read. My chest swells with affection for a man who could evoke such unwavering devotion from a six-year-old.

"I'd love to meet her,” I tell him honestly.

“And I'd love her to meetyou." As our lips draw closer, the anticipation in the air is electric. Damien's eyes, filled with warmth and affection, lock onto mine. His breath whispers gently against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. Our faces inch closer, the world around us fading into obscurity, until finally, our lips meet in a soft, tender kiss.

It's a kiss that speaks volumes, a silent promise of understanding and acceptance. Our mouths move in perfect harmony, his lips are warm and inviting, and I feel a rush of emotions coursing through me.

I can't help but melt into him, savoring the taste of his affection.

Time stands still as our kiss deepens, our bodies leaning into each other. It's a moment of pure intimacy. And as we finally pull away, our foreheads resting against each other, I can't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, there could be something real between me and Damien Blackwood.

Something real.

“Would you mind if I joined you?” He asks, nodding toward the art displays. “We can grab some food if you’re hungry and check out some vendors.”

“I’d like that.” I smile up at him and take his hand when he offers it.

As Damien and I wander through the bustling marketplace, the loneliness and mistrust that had weighed on me earlier is nowhere to be found. Instead, a thrilling sense of adventure and excitement takes its place. And I find myself embracing the notion of a hint of danger in my life.

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