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 32: SuseBella took a seat at the cafe around the corner from the hotel and waited for a text from Luke to tell her that Suse was ready to meet her. As she waited, she made notes, thinking of questions she would ask."Bella! Come on." Surprised, she looked up to see Luke motioning to her. "Suse says she'll meet you. I left her in a bar a couple of blocks from here. Let's hurry before she changes her mind."They made their way up the street to see Suse, who was waiting outside the bar, smoking a cigarette when Luke and Bella strolled up. Bella's arm was locked with Luke's and Suse eyed her cautiously as they approached.Luke gave Suse a bear hug and kissed her on the cheek. "Hey baby, thanks for agreeing to talk to us," Luke said to her."No problem," Suse responded, eyeing Bella coldly.Luke made the introduction. "Suse…Bella."Bella smiled her warmest smile and reached out to shake her hand. "I'm happy to meet you. Luke's told me so much about you. Thank you for se
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 34: RicoThey awoke gradually the following morning, arms and legs intertwined, and they stayed that way enjoying the warmth of each other. "Good morning, m'lady," Luke said. He kissed her lips gently."I love waking up in your arms," Bella murmured."I love…," Luke began automatically, "um, waking up with you in my arms." He laughed to cover up his discomfort. Careful, Cowboy, he thought to himself.It was too late for breakfast, so they dressed and made their way to the street in search of food truck fare to tide them over until dinner.Eventually they made it to The Bulldog but before they entered the small shop, Luke stopped Bella. "I should warn you that Rico can be a little…handsy. He's a great guy, but just so you know," he said."That's just peachy!" she said, rolling her eyes. She absently reached to rub the bruises on her arm from the night before as they made their way inside.Rico met them by the bar. Luke made the introductions and Bella transformed hersel
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 36: Greece"Greece?" Bella repeated. A far-off look appeared in her eyes and she smiled in a satisfied kind of way. "I've been to Greece before.""Really?" Luke asked. "It must have been a good experience. So, Mykonos it is."She snapped back to the present and blushed a little. "I've got to get packed and make arrangements," she said.Luke watched her head upstairs, curious about Bella's reaction to their next assignment. He smiled to himself as he followed along behind her.Bella quickly made reservations at the Cavo Tagoo Hotel, choosing the Honeymoon Suite with its private infinity pool overlooking the sparkling blue water of the Aegean Sea."Again, don't get hung up in the name of the suite," she reasoned. "It's just that it's the nicest one available on such short notice. That, and we're filming a show, so they want to put their best foot forward." She showed the pictures to Luke."Looks amazing," he commented. "So, how private is this infinity pool?" His mind
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 38: A Huge RiskLuke ordered a light dinner of tapas delivered to the suite along with a bottle of local wine. Bella wore a fluffy white bathrobe. He'd put on faded jeans and a grey t-shirt. She smiled lazily at him across the table, a woman sated. He poured them both some wine and they nibbled on the baked feta and tomatoes, olives, and fresh fruits and breads.Bella sighed and said, "I was thinking…""Uh-oh," Luke laughed.She gave him a wry smile. "Seriously! I was thinking about that really nice evening you planned for us in Edinburgh.""Yeah, you liked that, did you?" he asked, grinning."Um, yeah! Wine, music, flowers, an amazing dinner, mind-blowing sex…what's not to like?" she said. "But, I was thinking that I should plan an evening. You know, it's my turn.""No, I don't think that's necessary," he replied slowly."Not necessary?" she laughed. "I'm not saying I feel obligated, just that I'd like to return the favor, so to speak."Luke waited a moment, consider
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg