Page 62 of Wild Tangled Hearts

I'm convinced he possesses an uncanny ability to say the perfect thing to make my heart flutter with every word.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, opening the door, my stomach rumbling with the mention of food.

“I can always eat,” Damien says, frowning as he studies the latches and lock of the door. He kneels and traces the deep scratches that scar the once-pristine paint job. “What’s this?”

“I had some raccoons living under the porch last year. I left the door slightly open once, and they got into the house and went through my trash. After that, they wouldn’t stop trying to get in. I had to call Pest Control to get rid of them.”

He stands and shuts the door, still frowning. “Think you should consider a security system.”

“It’s a pretty safe neighborhood.”

He wraps his arms around my waist and chuckles. “Well, you never know when those raccoons might make a return visit."

I chuckle. “I’ll think about it. But how about we start with pizza: Pepperoni or Delux?”

He kisses my forehead. “Surprise me."

I quickly place the order and join him in the living room, where all six-foot-two of him is sprawled out on my tiny couch. He pulls me down beside him, large arms wrapping around my shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world. The contrast between his size and the quaintness of my home doesn’t go unnoticed.

Snuggling into him, I ask, “So, what do you want to do?”

He lets out a low, seductive chuckle and nuzzles my neck with soft kisses. "Well, I have a few ideas in mind," he whispers, his breath sending shivers down my spine. “But how about we kick things off with a movie?"

A part of me can't help but feel slightly disappointed that he's not ripping my clothes off right here and now. But there's something incredibly sweet about this moment, about having him here, being in his arms, cuddling like tonight is more than just about sex.

The first thing that comes on is a cheesy romantic comedy, and I’m surprised Damien doesn’t protest.

“You’re sure you’re okay watching this?” I ask.

“I grew up as the only guy in the house. Trust me. I’ve seen my share of rom-coms.” He pulls me closer, and I’m obsessed with how perfectly I fit in his arms.

It’s a perfect moment. One that I don’t want to end.

It’s not until the pizza arrives that I realize how hungry I am when I open the box. I dig in, take a big bite, and moan in pleasure as the first taste of melted cheese, pepperoni, and carbs hits my tastebuds.

"I like that," he says with a mischievous grin.

I pause mid-bite. "What?"

He leans in closer, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "How much you enjoy your food," he says with a playful wink.

I can't help but laugh, a blush creeping into my cheeks. “Why?"

“You're not afraid to indulge in your desires," he says, his voice filled with a hint of seduction that makes my heart race. “And, I’d like to hear that moan again, just next time; I’d like it to be me who causes it.”

His words send my imagination into overdrive, and suddenly, the pizza becomes a mere afterthought. My focus is now entirely on the incredibly hot man sitting beside me. My mind races with desires, imagining the sensation of running my fingers over his chiseled chest across those bulging abs, eager to explore every contour.

Damien chuckles softly and returns his gaze to the movie. "Patience, beautiful," he teases, his eyes fixed on the screen. "Let's watch the movie, Bella."

I playfully pout and nudge him. "You're such a tease, you know that?"

A sly grin tugs at the corner of his lips, and he replies with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "You have no idea."

As the evening unfolds, we engage in light-hearted banter about the movie, sharing laughter and playful remarks. Damien's sense of humor shines through, and I can sense his guarded demeanor slowly melting away, revealing a side of him that's more relaxed and carefree.

As the credits roll and the movie ends, there’s just one slice of pizza left in the box.

“Do you want the last slice, Bella?" he asks, but his eyes tell a different story.

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