Chapter 31: Falling HardThe soft light of dawn filtered in through the sheers draping the window as Luke slowly became conscious of Bella's soft body cuddled deep into his chest. A completely unexpected feeling of contentment washed over him like a wave, and he sighed deeply. Belatedly, he realized he'd said too much the night before.I love you. What had been in his head? They'd known each other for what, not quite two weeks? I'm an idiot, he thought. Sure, she's beautiful, obviously. And she's smart. And sexy. And funny. And exciting. He had the feeling that he could listen to her all day. And that he could tell her anything. But love?Deep down, he knew. Yes, love. He wanted her to be his. But it was way too early in the game to say so. And experience had taught him to never be the first one to say the words. She'd been asleep, he reasoned to himself. She didn't even hear me. Probably.He kissed her lightly, causing her to stir and they lay there waking up slow

Chapter 33: ScaredBack at the Toren, they rode up to their floor and entered the suite in silence, Luke torn between his own anger and wondering what Bella was thinking. She was still wearing the hard, closed expression on her face she had after the episode at Suse's.He poured himself a glass of Scotch, then offered one to Bella, and was surprised when she accepted. She tossed it back quickly."That was some good work tonight," Luke offered. "You were able to get Suse to open up to you. That's no small feat.""Hmm, yeah. I'm beat. I'm going to go take a shower," she said quietly.She was headed toward the stairway when she stopped and turned to face him. "You know, that whole thing with Suse's window. The creep-oid?" She avoided his eyes. "When I said I wasn't scared…Well, I was." The last part was a whisper. She left him standing there not quite knowing what to do.Alone in the bedroom, she held herself together while she undressed. She hadn't wanted to admit to Luke, or

Chapter 35: ExclusiveLuke and Bella enjoyed a leisurely morning as they got ready for their last day in Amsterdam. Dressed in bathrobes, they breakfasted on an assortment of rolls and pastries, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee delivered by room service. Chatting casually, they made tentative plans for the day, sketching out their ideas on a piece of paper. They had the opening and closing to shoot, and they needed to make sure that there was enough footage for the editing team back in New York.After breakfast, Luke busied himself getting his camera bag ready and Bella went upstairs to get dressed. With his gear set, Luke grabbed their notes and went upstairs, entering the bedroom just as Bella was pulling a white tank top over her head. Never get tired of that view, he thought to himself. Then Luke noticed the bruises on Bella's upper arm. He could just make out distinct finger marks. "What is that? That's not from the other night at Suse's it is?"Bella looked down at her arm

Chapter 37: Arriving in MykonosLanding smoothly on Mykonos, they were treated to a radiantly sunny afternoon capped by a sparkling blue cloudless sky. They moved effortlessly through the customs checkpoint and collected Bella's bags at the luggage carousel."Ever think of simplifying, m'lady," Luke joked, gesturing with his duffle bags."In your dreams, Cowboy!" she retorted."Oh, baby girl, my dreams are made of different stuff," he growled suggestively.She laughed lightly, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation.He hailed a cab and Bella told the driver the name of their hotel. They enjoyed a scenic late afternoon view of the island as they made their way to the Cavo Tagoo. The pair checked in and were escorted to the Honeymoon Suite by an older bellman who pulled their bags on a brass cart."Congratulations!" he said to them as he opened their door with a flourish.Bella breezed past him impatiently and Luke thanked the man, amused at his misunderstanding and at Bella's reaction

Chapter 39: That Went BadlyBella went to the hotel bar, not knowing where else to go. She found a tiny table in the far corner and ordered a glass of wine. What the fuck?! she thought. Dominant? Submissive? She laughed derisively. Bella Grant, submissive? Please! How could she have gotten in over her head so fast? She was supposed to be working. She should never have slept with him.You've always been stupid, gloated Reason in her father's harsh voice. Now look what you've gotten yourself into.What's the big fat hairy deal? demanded her cheeky self. Try something new, for fuck's sake!She sipped her wine and thought back on conversations she and Luke had had, the things they'd talked about. There was that time when he'd asked if she ever thought about letting go of control. He hadn't lied to her, not exactly. But this? What did you even call it?She pictured Luke, the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed, the way he smiled indulgently at her when she overcompensated