Page 143 of Wild Tangled Hearts

"Damien!" I cry out, my voice a mixture of relief and desperation. Without hesitation, I rush to him, my arms wrapping so tightly around his chest that he grunts. His presence and warmth are a lifeline in this nightmare, and I hold onto him as if my very life depends on it.

"It’s okay, Bella," he murmurs. “Everything is going to be okay.”

I clutch onto his neck, tears streaming down my face. "I thought..."

His grip on me tightens, and he gently kisses my forehead. "I promise, Bella, I'll never let anything happen to you again. I'll protect you with everything I am.”

“I wasn’t worried about me.” I lean back and study him, then gasp when I see the blood on his shoulder. “You’re hurt.”

He grunts, wincing at his injury. "It's just a scratch. I'll be fine," Damien reassures me, his forehead resting against mine. "I'm so fucking sorry I put you in danger again."

I reach up and gently cup his face in my hands. "Don't," I start, my voice trembling. "Don't do that."

His lips thin, and his jaw clenches, a mixture of guilt and frustration in his expression.

I shake my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "I love you. Anything that happens, we’re in it together. Promise me that.”

His gaze meets mine, and I can see the truth in his eyes. "I'm not leaving you, Bella," he says with a fierce determination that sends a shiver down my spine.

I nod, my heart finally finding some solace in his unwavering commitment.

"I need you to stay here with Stacey until my men come," Damien says firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You don't need to see any of this."

I swallow hard, feeling a mixture of fear and relief, and nod in agreement.

Then, his gaze shifts to Stacey, and his expression hardens. "And you," he begins sternly, "this is it. When my men get here, they drive you straight to rehab. You'll stay there until I know shit like this will never happen again."

Stacey nods, her eyes downcast and her shoulders slumped in resignation.

“We’ll be okay,” I assure him.

He gives me a grateful smile, kisses me hard, and then turns to shut the door behind him, leaving Stacey and me alone.

Hours pass like an eternity, and Stacey somehow manages to find sleep amidst the turmoil. But I'm left to pace the room, my mind a whirlwind of worry and uncertainty.

When Damien's men arrive, I hear their muffled voices, muttered curses, and the tension in the air. I don't know how they’re handling the situation, and I'm not sure I want to know. I want to be in Damien's arms, safe and reassured.

Finally, the door swings open, and Damien enters, flanked by two imposing, muscular men. Their presence alone is enough to send shivers down my spine. One of them silently approaches Stacey, lifting her gently and carrying her out of the room. With a slight, reassuring nod to me, the other follows suit, leaving Damien and me alone in the wake of the chaos that has unfolded.

Damien approaches, his eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and relief. He pulls me close, and I can't resist the magnetic pull of his lips on mine. The kiss promises safety and love amidst the chaos we've endured.

He grunts when I touch his shoulder.

I pull back and frown up at him. “You need to see a doctor.”

He chuckles softly, though it's tinged with a hint of discomfort. "I've had worse, Bella. Trust me."

His attempt at reassurance doesn't ease my worries, but I can't deny the rush of emotion that surges within me. He kisses me repeatedly, his lips a sweet distraction from the lingering fear.

Adrenaline courses through me, my body still buzzing with the remnants of fear and heightened emotions. It's as if the intensity of the recent events has created an electric charge within me, and I can't help but seek a release for all this pent-up energy.

Our hands are frantic, tearing at each other's clothes with a feverish urgency. Each garment discarded leaves us more exposed, our breaths growing increasingly ragged with desire and need.

Naked and rampant, our bodies collide, the heat between us intensifying with every touch, every kiss. The room is filled with the symphony of our moans and the rustling of sheets as we tumble onto the bed. Our movements are desperate, fueled by the fear and adrenaline of the night's events.

Damien's lips find mine, and we kiss with a raw hunger, tongues dancing in a passionate tango. His hands explore my body, igniting a fire that burns hotter with each caress. My fingers trace the contours of his muscles, feeling the strength and warmth that I know so well.

Our bodies move in harmony, desire, and longing as we seek solace in each other's embrace. Damien's touch is tender and passionate, and every caress sends pleasure down my spine.

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