Bella’s eyelids fluttered open to the soft light of Damien’s penthouse, filtered through the sheer curtains that danced with the morning breeze. Her body ached in every place that had been gripped, kissed, and claimed the night before, a reminder of the intensity that had dominated her world. Despite the bruises and the lingering tension in her muscles, she felt a strange sense of security. Damien had held her close for hours after rescuing her from Adrian, and though his grip had been possessive, it had also been comforting, a tether to safety she hadn’t realized she craved.
She blinked, trying to make sense of her emotions. Fear, lust, relief, and desire all intertwined, creating a whirlwind that left her dizzy. Damien’s hand brushed lightly over her hair, a tender gesture that contrast
