Page 37 of Wild Tangled Hearts

It's exactly where I wanted to be all along.

Without another word, Alex helps me up the cliff, bearing the weight of my backpack as if it were nothing.

“I can carry it,” I tell him when we’re back on the path.

He grunts in response, seemingly ignoring me as he shifts his focus to the rest of the group. With authority in his voice, he addresses the gathered hikers.

"Listen up, everyone," Alex begins, his tone firm and commanding. "Since some of you didn’t listen, I’ll reiterate that these narrow paths can be treacherous, as Bella's fall demonstrated."

My cheeks heat up with embarrassment, but it’s not me who his pointed gaze lands on, and I see Kurt squirm under Alex’s glare.

"As I said from the start, we walk single file on these trails," Alex continues, gesturing to emphasize his point. "Watch your step, and keep a safe distance from the trail's edge."

As we resume our hike, my emotions swirl in a chaotic whirlwind—gratitude for his support, the haunting sense of our lingering closeness, and the ever-present, suffocating uncertainty that lingers like a relentless shadow over whatever exists between us.

Relief washes over me as the parking lot comes into view, and my boots kick up stones and pebbles. Every step of the past hour had felt like an uphill physical and emotional battle.

Silently, Alex helps me stow my backpack in the trunk of my car. His features are drawn into a deep frown, etched with frustration and concern. It's as though a storm is brewing within him, and I'm left to wonder what turbulent emotions are churning beneath the surface.

His hand lifts. I think he will touch my face, but then he thinks twice and rubs the back of his neck. “I should take you to the walk-in clinic—”

“I can go on my own if anything starts hurting.”

His frown deepens, and he hesitates before reaching into his bag and pulling out paperwork, “I’m going to need you to fill out an incident report.”

“Sure.” I take the forms and study them, unable to meet his gaze.

I was an idiot to think he was any different than any other guy.

“Bella, I—”

There’s a commotion on the other side of the parking lot, and his eyes narrow on Kurt and another hiker exchanging threatening words.

"Don't leave," Alex says, his tone leaving no room for argument. He turns and strides towards the impending fight, clearly determined to defuse the situation.

I watch him go, torn between my desire for a hot bath, rest and the sense of uncertainty that continues to gnaw at me. Alex's mixed signals have left me in a state of confusion, unsure of where we stand.

Alex and the other men have disappeared into the small wood hut that serves as SummitStar Adventures' office. The door swings shut, muffling voices and obscuring my view.

I fill out the incident report and place it on the windshield of his truck.

Should I stay and face whatever awaits, or should I slip away into the fading light of the day, leaving behind the enigmatic man who has both ignited and confounded my feelings?

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Get in the car and drive away. If Alex wants to talk, he can call. It’s time for a hot bath and a glass of wine. Turn to this page.

Stay and hear Alex out, even if it means ending the relationship for good. Turn to this page.

Chapter16

Alex

ESCAPE TO SOLITUDE

Waking up inside my tent, I'm cradled by the crisp morning air, yearning for the comforting embrace of Alex's strong arms that I'd left behind last night. The choice to leave lingers in my mind, a quiet undercurrent of regret tugging at my thoughts. Insecurity had led me to seek solitude, but now I'm left questioning if it was the right decision.

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