The morning was calm, as if the world itself didn't wish to disturb the two people sleeping peacefully in each other's embrace. The coldness of the night had long faded, replaced by the gentle warmth of sunlight streaming through the open windows.
Bella stirred as the sunlight touched her face. A dull headache throbbed in her temples, and her body ached as if it had been through more than it could handle. Something heavy rested across her stomach. She turned her head—and froze.
A man. A very real, very naked man lay beside her, his arm wrapped around her waist.
Memories of the night before rushed back in fragments: her desperate plea for his help, the way his touch had sent shivers through her, the taste of his lips on her skin.
He was breathtakingly handsome, and judging from the luxurious decor around her, wealthy too. But none of that mattered right now—she needed to leave.
Carefully, she slid his arm away and sat up. Her legs felt weak, but she managed to find her clothes scattered across the floor and dressed quickly. Bite marks dotted her skin, but she pulled on a coat she found nearby to hide them.
With one last glance at his peaceful face, she slipped out of the room.
When the man awoke, she was gone. His gaze lingered on the faint bloodstains on the sheet. So, she had been a virgin.
He searched the room for anything that might tell him more about her, but there was nothing. All he had was her name—Bella.
He sighed and picked up his phone.
"Mark, I want you to find a girl named Bella. She was with me in my room last night—she was here with her colleagues for some kind of party."
"Alright, will be done soon," his assistant replied, sounding almost amused. It was the first time his boss had ever asked for information about a woman he'd spent the night with.
Hanging up, the man walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city.
"Who are you, Bella? And why did I agree to you? You weren't in your right mind last night—but I was."
He hadn't come to this hotel to meet her. He had come to catch a traitor red-handed. Instead, he'd found her… and the moment her small hand had touched his face, he had lost control. He'd been with many women, but none had affected him like she did.
She had been utterly beautiful in her simple dress and minimal makeup—so different from the heavily made-up women who usually tried to seduce him. And she had given him her first time, something he'd never experienced before. Despite all his experience, with her he had felt like a teenager, nervous and clumsy in the presence of someone precious.
The night before…
Bella adjusted the black, knee-length off-shoulder dress she had reluctantly chosen for the evening. Strappy heels completed the look, and she applied just a touch of lipstick and concealer. She normally avoided parties, but since her company had just collaborated with a major firm, she couldn't refuse the invitation without seeming rude.
She planned to leave by midnight.
At the venue, she greeted colleagues and made her way to the main hall. The party was hosted by their boss, so she didn't worry about expenses. But she soon felt a gaze on her and turned to find her department supervisor watching her.
He'd always tried to flirt with her at work, but she never gave him the chance. Tonight, his stare was heavier… and unsettling.
"Finally you came," he thought with a twisted smirk. "Looking as beautiful as always. Tonight, I won't let you go."
Approaching her, he offered a glass of whisky. She hesitated, but with her colleagues encouraging her, she took a sip… then finished it.
Minutes later, a wave of dizziness and discomfort washed over her. She excused herself and left the hall for some air, but the feeling of being followed crept over her.
Before she could turn, the supervisor shoved her against a wall.
"What are you doing? Let me go, or I'll scream," she warned, panic tightening her voice.
He laughed darkly. "You can scream all you want—on my bed. Tonight, you're mine."
Her stomach turned in disgust. "You're married! And you're saying this to me?"
He shrugged. "My wife isn't as beautiful as you. Even in this simple dress, you look hot. I bet you'd look better without it."
He grabbed her wrist, but she twisted free and drove her heel into his knee. As he groaned in pain, she ran for the elevator.
When the doors opened, she froze. A man stood inside—tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp features and eyes that burned with anger.
"Are you planning to stand there forever?" he asked, his voice low and commanding.
Bella stepped in, keeping to the far corner. Even in heels, she barely reached his shoulder. She realized she was staring and quickly looked away, desperate for the safety of her own bed.
But as the lift stopped at the next floor, her blood ran cold. The supervisor stepped in, smirking.