Page 16 of Wild Tangled Hearts

Damien’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “Okay, then. Tell me your deepest, darkest secret.”

I feign surprise, placing a hand on my chest. “I thought you’d ask for something more challenging. But here it goes: I secretly have a stash of chocolate hidden in my closet. I know, it’s scandalous.”

He laughs, the sound warm and infectious. “Chocolate, huh? That is a dangerous secret.”

I wink at him. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg. But for now, it’s your turn. Tell me something intriguing about Damien Blackwood, the man of mystery.”

His expression turns contemplative before he answers, “I can recite the entire first season of ‘Peaky Blinders’ from memory.”

I burst into laughter. “Seriously? That’s your hidden talent?”

Damien shrugs, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Hey, you asked for intriguing, not earth-shattering.”

Our playful conversation continues, each question and answer revealing more about ourselves while keeping the mood light and flirtatious. It’s a delightful dance of getting to know each other, and with each passing moment, I’m even more drawn to him.

Minutes or hours, I don’t know, because I lose track of time when I’m with him go by, and the setting sun casts a warm, golden glow around us. The occasional breeze rustles the leaves of the massive oak tree, sheltering our picnic spot as if nature is eavesdropping on our conversation.

“Tell me more about your family,” Damien requests, his posture relaxed as he lies on his side. One arm is propped up, his hand resting casually on the back of his head, and his muscles bulge through his black t-shirt. It’s hard not to be distracted by the sight.

“They’re great,” I say. “My dad is a bit of a goofball, always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. And my mom, she’s a real sweetheart.”

He listens, a soft smile playing on his lips. His eyes, those enigmatic ice-blue orbs, hint at curiosity as he leans in, showing genuine interest in my stories.

I glance at Damien, sensing an opportunity to learn more about him.

“What about your family?” I ask again, this time with a gentle persistence, hoping he’ll open up a bit more. “Do you have any siblings?”

Damien’s expression grows somber, and for a moment, I think he might deflect the question. But then he exhales, as if making a decision.

“Yeah,” he begins, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability, “I have a sister. We used to be pretty close when we were kids, but...life happened, you know?”

I nod, sensing that there’s more to this story. “I understand. Family dynamics can change over time.”

He continues, “My mom, she’s a fighter. She’s worked hard, but life hasn’t always been kind to her.” There’s a note of admiration in his voice when he talks about her and a touch of sadness.

I reach out and place my hand on his, offering a reassuring squeeze. “What about your dad?”

Damien’s expression darkens, and he looks away for a moment. “My dad isn’t in the picture. He left when we were kids.”

I can sense the complexity of his emotions and the pain of his family history. “I’m sorry,” I say softly, giving his hand another comforting squeeze.

As I watch Damien lost in contemplation, I can’t help but wonder about the stories he keeps hidden, the scars that have yet to heal. There’s a vulnerability in this moment, a rare glimpse beneath his tough exterior.

Damien turns back to me, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to.

“Enough of the past,” he says, his touch gentle as his fingers brush my cheek. “I’d rather focus on what’s right in front of me.”

I lean into his touch with a soft smile, savoring the moment. As he sits up, his eyes never leaving mine, a tender smile graces his lips. He leans closer, the gap between us narrowing until our breaths mingle in the space between our lips. His hand cradles my cheek, his touch gentle yet filled with a heat that fills my whole body.

As his lips meet mine, time seems to stand still. The world around us fades away, and all that remains is the gentle pressure of his mouth against mine. It’s a kiss that ignites a thousand sparks, a slow and passionate dance of lips and tongues, a symphony of desire and longing. Every nerve in my body comes alive, tingling with sensation, and my heart races. I could lose myself in the sweet ecstasy of his kiss.

As we pull away, breathless, I know I’m falling too fast for him. But it’s so damn easy.

Slow down, my brain urges. But my heart has other plans, and its steady beat is one word on repeat:Damien, Damien, Damien.

Or maybe it’s really saying,danger, danger, danger.

“We should head back,” Damien says, pulling away from our shared moment. He glances at his phone, which lights up with a new message, distracting him from the intensity of our connection.

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