Page 73 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“Is she alright?”

“She's been in a car accident. I don't know how serious it is. I have to go."

My heart sinks as I hear the news and instinctively reach to touch his arm. "Do you want me to come with you?"

He looks torn, his gaze filled with gratitude and indecision. "I appreciate it, but I'll text you with updates. Right now, I need to go."

I nod, understanding the urgency of the situation.

He swiftly gathers his things, struggling to put on his wet clothes, then rushes out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Minutes turn into what feels like hours as I anxiously await a message from Alex. My mind racing with every possible scenario and hating myself for the jealousy and insecurities that well up in my chest.

Finally, my phone buzzes, and I hastily grab it, my heart pounding.

Alex: Angie is fine. Just some minor cuts and bruises.

Bella: That’s good news.

Alex: She’s pretty shaken up. I'm going to stay with her for a bit.

My thumbs hover over the screen. “Don’t be jealous,” I whisper. “They’re just friends. That’s all.”

But even as the words fall from my lips, a nagging voice in the back of my head tells me otherwise.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Have faith in Alex's genuine intentions. His friendship with Angie is purely platonic, and friends support one another. Embrace his offer to accompany him to the wedding, accepting the invitation to share this special event together. Turn to this page.

Follow Alex's example and be a supportive friend – don't let Jess down. Accompany her to the wedding because, after all, Alex hasn't formalized their relationship yet. Turn to this page.

Chapter34

Sebastian

THE QUEST FOR ANSWERS

The elevator doors glide open, and I step out into Sebastian’s penthouse apartment. My breath catches in my throat the moment I enter and see him.

I meet Sebastian's dark gaze and let out a shaky breath.His shirt is unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a glimpse of dark bronze skin, and the sleeves are rolled up over his muscular forearms. He’s dressed in sleek dress pants that cling to his slim waist, and every inch of him exudes power and confidence.

“Thank you for coming,” he says, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

His presence is magnetic, drawing me toward him like a moth to a flame. My heart races as I approach him, my steps echoing in the spacious penthouse.

He extends his hand, and I place mine in his, feeling the warmth and strength of his touch. His fingers close around mine, and he says, “I’ve missed you.”

I bite my lower lip, a wave of emotions crashing over me, and I wonder if I’m just setting myself up for heartbreak. It’s impossible to ignore the heat that simmers between us, the unspoken desire that hangs in the air. I sense it in the way our eyes lock, in the gentle touch of our hands as they graze against each other.

But I also know that I need to tread carefully.

“I’ve missed you, too,” I admit. It’s the truth. As hard as I’ve tried, I can’t stop thinking about him.

With a tender touch, Sebastian cups my face. He leans in, and our lips meet in a soft kiss that sends a wave of lust coursing through me. But as our mouths mold together, a knot of confusion tightens within me. This isn’t what I expected. I’m here to talk, and yet, his kiss speaks a different language — one of passion and want.

I pull back, my breath uneven, and meet his dark, intense gaze. “You wanted to talk,” I remind him, my voice trembling slightly.

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