Page 129 of Wild Tangled Hearts

"I love you too, Damien,” I say softly, “But…” I chew on my bottom lip, uncertainty mixing with hope in a battle my heart and mind war with.

"My heart belongs to you, Bella.” His hands cup my face, his touch gentle despite the desperation I see in his eyes. “My life, my secrets. Everything from this moment forward is for you. Give me a chance to prove it. That’s all I ask.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a delicate silver chain with an emerald pendant.

"I don't have many things that I consider valuable.” He places the necklace in my hand. “It was my grandmother’s.”

"It's beautiful," I reply softly.

"I was six when she gave it to me. A funny gift to give a kid, right?” He chuckles, but there’s no humor in the sound, only sadness. “It was the only thing she possessed that meant anything to her. Probably the only thing worth any money my family ever had.”

"Why did she give it to you?" I ask, curiosity tugging at my heart.

A cloud shifts across his features, casting a shadow over the memories he's stirred up. “She was dying, and I think she was worried if she gave it to my mom, she’d pawn it. Or that my father would get ahold of it and use it to pay off his gambling debts.” Damien shrugs. “I don’t know. But she made me promise to keep it safe until...” He brushes my cheek with his thumb. “Until I found the girl I wanted to spend my life with.”

I draw in a small, shaky breath. His eyes plead with me to accept what I know he's about to ask. They beg for forgiveness, for a second chance, for something deeper and more meaningful.

We sit there in silence for a moment, the weight of the past still heavy in the air.

Damien leans closer, and I can feel his breath against my lips. The pull between us, the magnetic force that had drawn us together in the first place, is undeniable. He kisses me, soft, gentle, and full of promises I want to believe.

“I want you to have it, Bella. And when you wear it, I want you to know I’m yours.”

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Forgive Damiencompletely and jump headfirst into a passionate, intense relationship with him, setting aside fears and doubts. Turn to this page.

Push Damien awayand insist on healing and rebuilding trust before fully committing to a relationship with him. Turn to this page.

Chapter58

Damien

EMBRACING FORGIVENESS

In this pivotal moment, I stand on the precipice of a decision that could redefine my life. Damien's eyes bore into mine, brimming with hope and vulnerability.

With a deep breath, I nod, accepting the necklace and the promises it represents.

The silver chain feels cool against my skin, and the green gemstone pendant seems to hold a world of possibilities within its depths. Damien's gaze intensifies as I fasten it around my neck, a silent acknowledgment of my chosen path.

Damien pulls me into his arms as if the pendant were a talisman, a symbol of our rekindled connection. His lips meet mine with a fervor that ignites a blazing fire within me. The kiss is a passionate declaration of our desire, and I surrender to the intoxicating pull of his presence.

The world around us fades as we lose ourselves in the whirlwind of our emotions. The fears and doubts that had haunted me for so long are pushed to the far corners of my mind, overshadowed by the overwhelming intensity of our connection.

Damien's touch electrifies my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His hands trace a path of longing and redemption along my body.

"Bella," Damien murmurs against my lips, his voice husky with desire. "I missed you so damn much.”

My heart races, matching the rhythm of his words, and I find myself whispering, "I missed you too.”

His eyes, dark with passion, search mine, and I see a mixture of relief and joy reflected in them. "Bella, I promise you, this time will be different. I won't let anything come between us."

In his embrace, I allow myself to believe in the possibility of a love that defies the odds.

I'm acutely aware of the risks I’m taking. But at this moment, I choose to embrace hope and dive headfirst into the whirlwind of Damien Blackwood. I can't predict the future, but I'm willing to take the chance, knowing that love can rewrite even the most turbulent stories.

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