Page 57 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“Tobias Sinclair Pulmonary Ward.” My heart skips as I read out loud. Sebastian must have donated a significant amount of money to the hospital to have this ward named after his brother. The act of generosity speaks volumes about the person he is.

A masculine voice breaks the silence behind me. “Do you need any help?”

Startled, I turn around to meet the gaze of a tall, handsome man in scrubs. His hazel eyes widen slightly when they meet mine, and I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest. I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure.

“Oh, um, yes, I’m lost,” I admit, my voice stuttering. “I’m trying to find the north exit.”

A sexy smile spreads across his face, making my heart skip a beat. “Just head down that corridor, take a left at the end, use the elevators to go down to the first floor, and you’ll see the signs for the north exit.”

“Thank you.” I turn to leave, but before I can take a step, he speaks again.

“It’s forward, I know,” he begins, his tone hesitant, “but would you be interested in having coffee sometime?”

I blink, caught off guard by his directness, but also pleasantly surprised. I glance at his ID badge, which reads “Dr. Anthony Laframboise.” His warm smile and the sincerity in his eyes make it difficult to refuse.

My cheeks warming slightly, I nod. It’s time to realize that Sebastian just isn’t that into me.

I need to move on.

With a newfound determination, I retrieve my phone and hand it to Anthony. “You can add your number.”

With a gracious smile, he types, and after a moment, he hands my cell back and says, “It’s under Anthony Laframboise.”

“Yeah, I read your name on your badge,” I admit with a playful grin.

Anthony chuckles. “Then I guess you have a one-up on me.”

I arch an eyebrow. “How’s that?”

He smiles, his eyes sparkling with humor. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”

I chuckle, a hint of embarrassment warming my face. “I’m Bella.”

“I look forward to coffee, Bella.”

As I exchange a final smile with Anthony and turn away, a sudden shift in the atmosphere catches my attention. I sense a presence at the end of the hallway, and when I turn, my heart skips a beat.

Sebastian.

As he approaches, he emanates power and magnetism. He moves with a graceful confidence that demands notice, every step deliberate and purposeful. His eyes are trained on me, yet they betray no emotion.

I swallow hard as I take him in.

His chiseled features are framed by a hint of stubble, and his dark hair is impeccably styled. He’s dressed in a tailored grey suit that drapes over his lean frame with an effortless elegance.

He stands before me, his presence echoing the complex feelings and unanswered questions that linger between us. It’s also a reminder of just how sexy the man is. And as much as I want to move on, seeing him again makes it difficult.

Sebastian’s gaze briefly shifts past me and he nods. “Anthony.”

I glance at the other man, who looks between us with curiosity, before focusing on Sebastian.

“Can’t get enough of this place, huh?” Anthony quips, though it’s clear that his attempt at levity doesn’t resonate well with Sebastian.

“There’s an emergency shareholders’ meeting.” A firm and unmistakable look accompanies Sebastian’s words, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It’s a clear signal to Anthony that his presence is no longer welcome.

Anthony nods, acknowledging Sebastian’s unspoken message. Before leaving, he turns to me with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Bella.”

I swear I hear a faint, low growl rumble from deep within Sebastian’s throat. It’s a sound so subtle that it could easily be dismissed, but it sends a shiver down my spine. Whatever emotions are simmering beneath his composed exterior, they remain concealed.

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