Page 12 of Wild Tangled Hearts

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Play it safe and go on a second date with Alex. Turn to this page.

CallSebastian, the impeccably dressed hero, with a smile that could rival a thousand sunsets, and accept a date with him. Turn to this page. If you’ve already had a first date with him, you can have a second date by Turning to this page.

Choose a little danger. CallDamien, the bad boy biker with a smirk who makes hearts race with just a glance. Turn to this page. If you’ve already had a first date with him, you can have a second date by Turning to this page.

Chapter5

Sebastian

WAITING FOR THE UNKNOWN

Sebastian — tall, dark, and incredibly sexy, Sebastian. The mere thought of his name sends a shiver down my spine. Tonight is our first date, and I can hardly contain my excitement or my nerves.

His bronze skin and those broad shoulders have left a permanent imprint in my mind. Not to mention, his dark hair that looks like it was made to be touched, and even darker eyes that seem to hold a universe of secrets.

I glance at my phone; the screen displaying the recent texts between us.

Sebastian: I’ll pick you up at 6:00. Looking forward to spending an evening with you.

Bella: Me too! See you then.

My stupid nerves are sending my heart and head into a full-on conversational loop of whether or not this is a good idea. I can’t help but second-guess myself as I pace my small living room.

A voice of caution reminds me of past heartaches, of promises broken and dreams left unfulfilled. It’s easy to let fear take the reins, to retreat into the comfortable shell I’ve built around myself.

Then I remember the way his voice sounded on the phone, warm and reassuring. It was a stark contrast to the nervous tremor in my own words. It’s as if he knew how to steady me with just his tone, how to melt away the uncertainty that usually ties my tongue in knots.

But, what do I really know about him?

Google was my friend earlier, revealing the basics about Sebastian Sinclair. A successful entrepreneur who’s built an empire from the ground up. The man has ambition, that much is clear. And the photos...well, they don’t do him justice. It’s not just his looks, though; it’s the air of mystery that surrounds him.

Beyond those online snippets, I know very little about the man. One thing is for sure: he has impeccable taste. Tailored suits, crisp dress shirts — every image I found screamed sophistication. A stark contrast to my more bohemian style. It makes me wonder if we’re too different, or if we’ll be able to bridge the gap between our worlds.

As I glance at the clock on my phone, the minutes tick away. I'm not one to get all glammed up, but tonight is special. I’ve put in a little extra effort with my outfit and makeup, though I still feel like a fish out of water.

What am I getting myself into?

The sound of an engine approaching draws my attention to the window, and I see his silver Mercedes pull to a stop by the curb. I take one last look in the mirror, adjusting my hair and giving myself a small pep talk. Then, with a deep exhale, I make my way outside to meet him.

As I approach, he steps out, and my breath catches in my throat.

God, the man is gorgeous.

He’s dressed in a sleek grey suit that fits him like a second skin, accentuating his tall and trim physique. But, it’s his eyes that ensnare me most, darker even than his hair. They possess a piercing and intense quality as if they guard a realm of secrets waiting to be unveiled.

His smile, confident and undeniably sexy, curves at the corners of his lips as he takes in my appearance. I can feel his appreciative gaze, and despite my earlier nerves, a surge of confidence washes over me.

“Bella,” he says in that warm, melodic voice, breaking the spell his presence has cast. “You look stunning.” His words send a shiver down my spine, and I offer a nervous but genuine smile.

“Thank you,” I reply, my heart still racing but my anxiousness slowly giving way to anticipation.

Sebastian extends his hand with a warm grin, inviting me into the sleek car. The interior is a realm of luxury, with pristine leather seats and a high-tech computer system that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.

He settles next to me, and the gentle hum of the engine surrounds us. As we merge into the city’s evening traffic, he asks, “Have you ever been to the opera?”

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