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 Download 38.10 % 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 . Chapter8 38 10 % Download 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 ... "