Page 8 of Tangled Desires

The glass lands in my hand quick enough, and I’m about to take a sip when his scent hits—spicy, woodsy, like a bonfire you know better than to touch. Of course, it’s him.

“Bored already, sugar?” Harrison’s voice slides in suddenly.

“Not in the mood.”

“Called it,” he drawls. “Told you that bloke’s a tool. I’m never wrong.”

I glance his way, and there’s that grin—but it vanishes the second he catches my expression. His face drops, and before I can brush him off, his hand grips my chin, tilting my face toward his.

“What happened? Did that idiot say something?” The edge in his voice throws me.

I jerk back. “No. Just leave it, Harrison.”

“You’re lying,” he presses, his eyes narrowing. “I can see it all over your face.”

“I’m not! It’s nothing.”

“Bullshit. If he—”

“He didn’t do anything, alright? Just leave it!” My voice cuts through, but it’s no good.

“So, he said something,” he growls. “What did he say?” I swallow the words clawing to escape. Harrison’s jaw sets like steel, and that wild look in his eyes is all the warning I get.

“Fine. I’ll find out myself.”

And just like that, he’s storming off, cutting through the crowd with that bullheaded determination. I grab at his arm, but he shakes me off like I’m nothing more than an afterthought.

“Harrison, don’t!” I call out, but he’s already pushing through the back door, laser-focused on Jesse. Perfect. One night, one drink is all I wanted—was that too much to ask?

But no, now I’m going to be stuck in the middle between two grown men squaring off like idiots. A chill night? A fun time?

Yeah, that’s long gone.

3

Jungle X Ambassadors (feat. Jamie N Commons)

Animal I have Become - Three Days Grace

“What the fuck did you say to her?” I shove Jesse back against the table.

His brows shoot up. “Oh, I can’t believe she ran to you like a little tattletale.”

What a piece of shit. Always has been. My grip tightens on his collar, and memories of this prick’s bullshit flood back—His dad used to be friends with my deadbeat father. Two useless bastards, dragging everyone around them down. Although mine doesn’t even deserve the titlefather.He’s just a ghost with a bad temper and worse decisions. The whole night, this is what Iwas bracing for. Jesse, that arrogant prick, running his mouth. Of course, he would—he never could keep it shut. He knows just enough about my past to weaponise it, and fuck me, I can handle anyone knowing. But not her. Not Imogen. She doesn’t need that shit in her head, doesn’t deserve to carry any of it.

Imogen steps forward, facing Jesse. “I didn’t say anything to him, you moron!”

Jesse’s smirk doesn’t waver. “She’s a big girl, mate. Maybe you should worry about your own baggage. You’re just like him, you know. Immature, a joke—just like your old man.”

My blood runs hot. He just had to go there. My gaze darts to Imogen—her head’s down, avoiding me. He fucking told her. That scum-stain of a father, his name, his shame—he dragged her into it.God, not her.

“You say one more word and I’ll break your fucking jaw.”

Every muscle is coiled tight, the urge to swing bubbling under my skin. It’d be so easy to let loose, to smash his face in and shut him up for good. But voices behind me break through the storm; steady, and familiar.

“Back off, Jesse,” Michael warns, his tone cold, the kind of cold that makes men rethink their choices. I catch the scent of smoke and leather. Jono, a mate from work, is here, too. Typical—they’d never let me go off without backup. Jesse doesn’t heed the warning.

“Always need your little friends to fight your battles for you, huh?”