Page 25 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“I try to keep my private life off the internet.”

I can sense a certain guardedness in Sebastian’s demeanor. The air around us, so charged with chemistry moments ago, now carries a hint of vulnerability. I decide to probe gently, hoping to uncover more about the man beneath the composed exterior.

“Tell me about your family,” I inquire softly.

There’s a subtle clenching of his jaw, a slight furrow of his brows, and he looks away. The vulnerability in his expression is palpable. “It’s just my dad now. My mom passed away after my brother.”

“Oh, Sebastian, I’m so sorry.”

“My parents were hardworking middle-class people who did their best to provide for us. But we...” He clears his throat. “My brother was sick from an early age,” he says, gaze distant as he recalls the past. “The disease took a toll on every aspect of our family.”

After a moment of silence, I ask, “How old were you when he died?”

Sebastian’s expression turns solemn. “I was twelve,” he replies, his voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and resilience. “Thirteen when Mom…” He curses under his breath and shakes his head. “When she passed.”

“I can’t imagine how hard that was.” Holding his gaze, I place a palm on his cheek. I can feel the pain that he’s trying to rein in.

Sebastian brushes off the heaviness by twirling me around, and I gasp with delight as he pulls me to his chest.

As we continue dancing beneath the open sky, a sudden downpour catches us by surprise. Raindrops fall hard and fast, drenching us within seconds. We scramble to find shelter under a nearby tree, but the rain is relentless, and we’re still getting wet.

I glance up at the sky, bewildered. “There wasn’t rain in the forecast.”

“Weather is as predictable as the stock market,” Sebastian chuckles, his dark hair plastered against his forehead. His shirt clings to his muscular chest, emphasizing the contours of his abs. “My place is nearby," he gestures towards a luxurious apartment building north of the park. “We can go there.”

As we huddle closer under the tree, seeking shelter from the downpour, he turns to me, and his suggestion hangs in the damp air. I’m fully aware of the consequences of my decision, and where it could lead if I choose to go with him..

“Or,” Sebastian continues, gaze searching my face. “I can call a car to take us back to your place.”

The choice hangs in the air. Should I embrace the spontaneity and turn up the heat at Sebastian’s apartment? The thought of exploring the chemistry we share is thrilling.

Or should I opt for the safer route, have him call a car and head home? Our connection is fresh. Maybe I should get to know him on a deeper level before diving into something more physical.

I can’t help but smile, realizing that no matter which path I choose, our relationship is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Decide to go to Sebastian’s apartment. It’s time to stoke the flames of passion and elevate the connection to a scorching new level. Turn to this page.

Have Sebastian call a car. End the night with a sweet kiss. Kindle the slow burning desire and make plans to see him again. Turn to this page.

Chapter10

Sebastian

THE PENTHOUSE

Rain pours down in relentless sheets, drenching us as we race across the street, desperately seeking refuge. Sebastian does his best to shield me from the worst of it, but as we reach the grand entrance of his apartment building, we’re soaked to the bone.

The concierge greets us with a respectful nod. “Good evening, Mr. Sinclair,” he says, his tone carrying an air of familiarity. He nods in my direction. “Miss.”

“Harold.” Sebastian nods in acknowledgment and guides me toward the elevator.

I shiver from the chill of the rain-soaked clothes that cling to my skin.

“You’re freezing,” he says, as the doors close, and he wraps his arms around me, rubbing my back. I lean into him, grateful for his warmth.

---