Chapter8
In the days that followed, Grace Miller saw for herself how far Alexander Stone would go for one
woman.
When Bella Hart mentioned craving a rare imported rose–flavored jelly dessert, he booked a red–eye flight just to bring it back for her.
When she confessed she couldn’t sleep in the dark, he pushed aside all his business and stayed up
all night holding her.
When she whispered at midnight that she wanted to see a meteor shower, he launched his private StoneAir A800 jet and flew her to Stargazer Peak, the best spot for meteor showers.
The household staff whispered among themselves.
“Mr. Stone spoils Miss Hart rotten…”
“Yeah, he’s like a different man. Never seen him like this before.”
“Guess she’s the real deal. The last one… sigh.”
Every word cut Grace to the bone‘. She could only retreat deeper into her sanctuary–her atelier.
The Northbridge Atelier was the one place still truly hers.
One afternoon, Bella drifted inside, her eyes immediately catching on a painting that hung on the
far wall.
“This one’s beautiful,” she declared. “I’m hanging it in my room.”
Grace’s heart lurched. “No. That’s my teacher’s final work.”
Bella pouted, her voice turning coy. “Oh, come on, give it to me. I really, really like it.”
“I said no,” Grace snapped, her voice hard. “I’m not Alexander. Pouting doesn’t work on me. This
painting isn‘ t up for grabs‘.”
When Bella realized charm wouldn’t move her, her face soured. “Fine. I’ll buy it. Name your
price.”
“It’s not for sale. Leave.” Grace‘ s tone went cold as she moved for the door.
Bella‘ s temper snapped. She grabbed Grace‘ s arm. “Why won’t you give it to me?”
Chapter8
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Grace instinctively yanked free–Bella staggered, let out a startled cry, and toppled backward. Her
forehead struck the sharp corner of the easel. Blood welled instantly.
“Ah! It hurts!” she wailed.
The studio door burst open. Alexander strode in, eyes sweeping the scene. His face darkened at the sight of Bella on the floor, blood trickling down her temple, while Grace stood frozen nearby.
He rushed to Bella, helping her up. “Bella, what happened?”
Through tears, she pointed accusingly at Grace. “Alexander, didn’t you say everything in this room was mine if I wanted it? I liked her painting, but not only did she refuse, she shoved me! Look at my head–it hurts so bad… You have to stand up for me!”
“I didn’t push her. She lost her balance-”
“Shut up!” Alexander’s roar cracked like thunder. His glare cut into her like a blade. “Grace Miller, have I been too lenient with you?”
Then, to his guards. “Take that painting.”
“No!” Grace lunged for it, clutching the frame as if it were life itself. The guards shoved her aside
with ease.
They yanked the canvas free. Grace clung desperately, sobbing. “Please, don‘ t! It’s all I have left of my teacher!”
Rip-!
The struggle tore the canvas down the center. A jagged wound split the painting wide open.
Grace crumpled to the floor.Her strength drained; her eyes went blank. The world collapsed around
her.
Even Bella blinked in surprise, then cried harder. “My painting! It‘ s ruined!“.
Alexander immediately turned to soothe her, stroking her hair. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. It’s just a
painting. I’ll buy you something better tomorrow. The auction house is full of them.”
“I don’t want another one!” Bella wailed. “I want this one. Exactly this one. Since she ruined it, she
has to pay. Make her pay by inking the same picture on her back!”
Grace’s head jerked up, disbelief and horror written all over her face.
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Alexander frowned briefly, but when Bella’s tear–stained eyes pleaded with him, he relented.
“Fine. Whatever you want.”
“You’ve lost your mind!” Grace screamed, trying to run–but the guards pinned her easily.
And then she saw what Bella had fetched. Not brushes, but long, gleaming needles. Not ink, but bowls of searing red capsaicin solution.
“No! Don’t! Alexander–you can’t let this happen!” Her cries broke into raw, desperate sobs.
He didn’t so much as flinch. “Hold her down. Let Bella paint.”
The first needle pierced her skin. Fire tore across her back as the pepper–laced fluid burned into
open flesh. Grace‘ s scream ripped through the studio, her body convulsing.
Bella hummed in delight, tracing each cruel line with twisted satisfaction. “See? This is what happens when you don’t give me what I want.”
By the time she finished, Grace’s back was a grotesque canvas of raw wounds and blistering pain.
Alexander hadn’t looked at her once. He wrapped Bella in his arms, murmuring tenderly, “Feel
better now?”
Bella giggled, leaning into him. “Much better.”
“Then…” Alexander lowered his head to kiss her hair, his voice husky with desire, “…shouldn’t you help me take the edge off too?”
He swept her into his arms, carrying her upstairs.
On the studio floor, Grace lay barely conscious, her screams fading into silence. Above her, Bella’s laughter mingled with Alexander’s low murmur–words Grace had never heard spoken to her, drenched in passion.
“Baby… so good…”
