Page 58 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“What are you doing here?” his voice carries an edge, his gaze piercing and unyielding.

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. “I was visiting a friend. She had a baby, and...” I trail off, my explanation faltering as I realize there’s no need to justify my presence here.

The tension between us is palpable, and the unspoken emotions that have been lingering for weeks seem to hang in the air, demanding to be addressed.

“Look, I don’t know what game you’re playing,” I say, my voice tinged with frustration. “But you either don’t have time for me or don’t want to—”

Before I can finish my sentence, Sebastian suddenly closes the distance between us, pulling me against him with a fierce intensity. His lips crash down onto mine in a passionate, desperate kiss that leaves me gasping for breath.

My knees weaken beneath me as desire courses through my veins, and I respond with equal fervor, my hands finding their way to his strong shoulders, fingers curling into his suit jacket.

Sebastian finally pulls back, his breathing heavy as he gazes deeply into my eyes. There’s a vulnerability in his expression, a rawness that wasn’t there before.

“All I think about is you,” he says, voice raspy. “I’m sorry for being so tied up these past few weeks. But I’m not playing games, Bella.”

I place my trembling hands on Sebastian’s chest, pushing him away gently. As much as I want to believe him, to surrender to the intense connection we share, I can’t ignore the nagging feeling deep within me. I deserve someone who will make time for me, someone who won’t leave me hanging in uncertainty.

Sebastian curses under his breath as he checks the time, his face etched with frustration. “I have to go,” he says, his voice heavy with regret. “But have dinner with me tonight. I’ll have a car pick you up at seven-thirty—”

“No.” I cut him off, my resolve firm. “I don’t want any more fancy dinners or operas. I just want to be able to talk.”

His gaze softens, and he nods. "We can have a conversation tonight," he assures, his voice filled with sincerity.

Before he leaves for his meeting, he leans down and kisses me one more time. As he departs, I’m left standing there, my heart divided.

There are so many mixed signals with Sebastian. So many unanswered questions, and I’m torn between giving him another chance and starting something new with Anthony.

The uncertainty weighs heavily on my mind. But I have to choose a path that will lead me toward the kind of love and commitment I deserve.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Trust Sebastian’s intentions and have dinner with him tonight. Turn to this page.

It’s time to move on. Call Anthony and set up a coffee date. Turn to this page.

Chapter26

Jessica

THE TROUBLE WITH TEQUILA

The pounding bass reverberates through the air, making it impossible to hear anything but the music. The bar is a whirlwind of neon lights and dancing bodies, and my heart races in rhythm with the beat. Jess is in her element, her blue eyes shining as she laughs and twirls around. I can't help but join in the infectious energy as we dance.

“Come on, Bella! Let loose!” Jess yells over the music, handing me a shot glass filled with amber liquid.

I grin and grab the glass, clinking it against hers. “Cheers.”

“To a night we won’t remember!” She shouts.

The tequila burns as it goes down, but I welcome the warmth that spreads through me. The group we’re with is a mix of familiar faces and new acquaintances. I met a few of them during previous nights out with Jess.

One of the girls, Sage, leans in close, her voice barely audible above the music. “This place is insane.”

I nod in agreement, taking in the chaotic scene around us. The bar is pulsing with energy, and it’s a perfect escape from the mundane routine of our daily lives.

Another girl, Mischa, raises her shot glass and shouts, “Cheers to the best girls’ night ever!”

---