Page 43 of Wild Tangled Hearts

I watch him watching me, his expression a mix of emotions I can't quite decipher. It's a collision of our unresolved feelings.

A gorgeous blonde approaches him, her delicate hands moving to his chest. My heart sinks as I watch her draw closer to him.

Alex grabs her wrist, leaning in to say something in her ear. Her lips move in response, and whatever they exchange remains a secret. Then he pulls her away, guiding her through the doors that lead to the outside.

The sensation that had gripped my heart only moments ago morphs into a crushing disappointment. I can't help but jump to conclusions — maybe he's already moved on, perhaps he's a player, and I was just another fleeting interest to him.

I turn back to Jess, my face flushed with frustration, and I manage a forced smile. "I need more shots."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly noticing the shift in my mood. "Are you okay?"

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Yeah, just...I want to have some fun tonight."

“Shots it is!” Her arm links with mine, and we head to the jello shots table. I throw myself into the revelry of the Stag and Doe, determined to drown my sorrows and maybe, just maybe, find a new connection amid the lively crowd.

The shots keep flowing, and I feel a pleasant warmth spreading through me. It’s not long before I spot a cute guy across the room, and as the alcohol takes its effect, my inhibitions start to fade. I make my way over to him, swaying slightly.

With a playful smile, I strike up a conversation, the music making it necessary to lean in close to be heard. He's charming and easy to talk to, and I find myself flirting shamelessly.

“Another shot?” he asks.

“Sure,” I grin at him, stumbling a little, my balance compromised by the alcohol coursing through my veins. His hand steadies me, fingers brushing against my arm and lingering longer than necessary. I should care, but at this moment, I don't.

"Maybe we should find a quieter place to talk," he suggests, his eyes locking onto mine.

A familiar voice pierces through the haze when I'm about to lose myself in this reckless escape. "Bella, can we talk?"

I turn to find Alex standing beside me, his eyes filled with concern. The room spins a bit as I try to focus on him. "Talk to your girlfriend," I slur, my words not as coherent as I'd like them to be.

His brows furrow in confusion, and he attempts to explain. "Bella, she's not—"

But I turn away, dismissing him, and grab another shot from the table. I raise it in a clumsy toast to the cute guy beside me, who joins in the drinking without hesitation.

I'm determined to forget Alex, even if it means drowning my feelings in alcohol and reckless flirting with Mike, or was it Matt? Honestly, I don’t care.

But Alex doesn’t leave. Instead, he grips my elbow and whispers, “How much have you had to drink?”

“None of your beeswax,” I slur, then giggle at how the word tingles on my tongue. “Beezwax.”

Alex sighs. “You should have some coffee.”

I pull my arm away. “I’m fine.”

The cute guy pulls me back against his chest. “You heard her, buddy, she’s fine. Come on, sweetheart, let's get another drink.”

"She's had more than enough to drink." Alex asserts firmly. Jaw clenched, he steps between me and the guy.

"Who asked you to play hero?" the cute guy retorts with a cocky grin. "She's a big girl who can make her own choices."

Alex's frustration is palpable. "Look, man," Alex says through gritted teeth, "she's had enough. It's time for her to take a break."

The cute guy's arrogance doesn't waver, and he seems unfazed by Alex's presence. He leans in closer, invading personal space with a challenging glint in his eye.

"What are you gonna do about it?" he taunts, the atmosphere growing increasingly tense.

The thumping music and swirling lights form a chaotic backdrop to their confrontation. My head is spinning, and I sway, feeling a strange mix of vulnerability and confusion.

As the situation escalates, I can't help but wonder how it will all unfold. The alcohol in my system only adds to the uncertainty, and I grapple with a growing sense of unease.

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