Page 47 of Tangled Desires

He puts the paper down slowly and gives me his full attention. “What’s going on?”

I hesitate, the words feeling heavier than they should. My stomach twists as I wonder if I’ve made the right choice, or if I’m just desperately seeking validation. Either way, I know I need his input. “I’m thinking about moving in with Harrison.”

The words are out before I can stop them, and the room feels like it holds its breath. Dad’s face doesn’t change immediately, but I can see the wheels turning behind his eyes. He’s not angry—just quiet, processing. He’s always been that way. I wait, the silence stretching, almost unbearable.

“You know, I’ve always told you to take your time with things,” he says. “But if you’re serious about it... I trust you to make the right decision.”

“I just... I don’t know. It feels like a big step.”

“It is. But I suppose you’d need your own space. Are you sure that’s what you want, Imogen?”

I nod, though I’m not entirely sure. “I don’t know if it’s what I want, but it’s what might be best for now. I don’t want to be alone in this.”

Dad raises an eyebrow, but he doesn’t say anything, waiting for me to fill the silence. And that’s when my mind starts running through the checklist:

Pros:

Help with the baby. Someone to pick up the slack when I’m exhausted.

Backup for midnight feeds and those dreaded nappy changes.

Not waking up alone in a panic every time something feels off.

And, well… the possibility of stress-relieving, no-strings-attached sex. Not that I’d ever admit it—but it’s definitely in the mix.

Cons:

Harrison and I are... complicated. The bickering could either stay manageable or spiral into chaos.

Sharing space ironically means less privacy, between him and I. His loud music, his presence, just him—all constant.

The risk that “no strings” could very easily turn into a mess of strings tied.

What happens if things go south? We’re stuck under the same roof with a baby in the middle.

“I’ve thought about it,” I say, meeting Dad’s eyes. “There are pros and cons, but it’s not just about convenience. It’s about... not doing this alone.”

He watches me for a beat longer, then sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “You won’t be alone, Imogen. Not with me, not with Harrison. But you’ve got to make sure this is about what you need, not what feels easy or expected.”

“I get that.”

“I know you do,” he says, softer now. “And if it doesn’t work out, you always have a place here. But if you’re going to do this, go in with your eyes open. Make sure he’s ready, too.”

Ready.I feel like no one is ever really ready for this.

15

Falling - Harry Styles

The air smells weird, and it makes my stomach sore.

Before I can think, I rush into my room, where Michael waits—looking scared but curious.

“Quick, get up!” I whisper, pulling him by the arm. I shove him into the wooden wardrobe, closing the door before he can ask questions. “Shush! Be quiet, don’t come out until I say so. We’re just playing a game, okay?” He nods, but his eyes are wide, and I can see he’s scared. I close the door, holding my breath as Dad’s voice booms like thunder down the hall. He’s so big and scary when he’s like this. I wish I could hide too, butMichael needs me. I have to protect him. He’s just a little guy; he doesn’t understand.

What if Dad hurts him?

The door bursts open, and there he is, eyes wild and breath smelling like old beer. “Harrison!” he yells, stomping into the room. “You little fucking shit! Where are you?”