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“You need a break You’re not a fucking machine, even if you like to believe it I have reservations at La Concha don” He ran his palm over her hair “I want to see you smile”

She sed hard Belle couldn’t even remember the last time she put herself first She continually pushed her body and mind, first because it was expected of her, and then for the sake of her daughter Soive

Belle shook her head “We have too much to do here”

He tilted her chin up, glaring down at her For a brief , his hard body glistening with clean sweat, his daggered stare o had been feared and unbeatable She’d always been in awe at his skills “I’ Get ready, Belle You have plenty to wear in your closet” His tone left no rooive up control for once She was tired of acting tough and resisting the voice in her head Belle wasn’t even sure who she really was underneath her skin

It wasn’t easy always keeping up her barriers, needing to be strong and never shoeakness She stood up, taking a cleansing breath Yes, she needed to get out, to get away froht

“You’re hter and aher jaw “You’re also a woman You’re allowed to have your own dreams, to have fun once in a while”

She nodded, not trusting her voice At twenty-five she already felt burned out

Drago confused her

She’d always looked up to hihter, to be the best of the best But she’d be lying if she said that’s where her interest ended She’d blown off her feelings, calling them a crush Every woman wanted him, so it was only natural to feel that pull

Living with him day in, day out, she kneas an excuse She felt drawn to him, but he was much older, experienced, and could have any wohter, and had too many probleue

Now Drago was taking her out to a fancy dinner,her dream up impossible fairy tales In her world, harsh reality ruled

After getting ready, she looked at herself in the mirror It was nice to see her skin rather than shades of blue and green bruises She ran her fingertips down her bare ary routine, and another part cringed just re the schedule her father demanded What she needed was balance, to learn how to live by her own rules