Page 36 of Hard Lessons

“Come on, sleepyhead.” Luca opened her door and tugged her out.

Instantly cool salt-laced air wrapped around her. “Where are we?”

“Somewhere on the west coast of Scotland.” He kept his hand around her waist and looked about. “Wow, the silence... it’s unreal. And the stars...”

Serena took shallow breaths, caught up in the moment. The soft push-pull of waves on shingle came from beyond a small whitewashed crofter’s cottage, the moon basting its thatched roof in a buttery glow.

“There’s no one around for miles,” he said. “This will suit our needs perfectly.”

“What needs... oh!”

He’d stooped and shoved his shoulder against her abdomen then hoisted her up into a fireman’s lift.

“Luca!” She grappled for a hold and found the waistband of his jeans. “I can walk.”

“I want to carry you.”

“What are you, some kind of Neanderthal?” She kicked and wriggled. “Put me down.”

He chuckled and set his hand over her ass. “No, I’m not a Neanderthal, Serena, I’m just a man who is going to make you pay for your sins.”

“I haven’t sinned.” She kicked again.

A hard swat landed on her rump, the heat spreading over her flesh.

“Ouch!”

“That’s nothing. Now keep still.”

He was striding over the grass and the long damp blades whooshed around his boots.

The air huffed from Serena’s lungs and her hair hung forward. Damn it, why did he have to be so strong and she so light?

The next thing she knew he was standing on gravel and stooping. She gasped at the change in position and her head nearly collided with a wooden table and bench set.

He tipped over a plant pot, then another. “Where the fuck is it?” He didn’t even appear to notice that he had a woman draped over his shoulders as he hunted around. “Ah, here it is.”

“What?” she gasped, clinging to his clothing.

“The key.”

The door was unlocked and Serena found her feet back on the ground. She was a little dizzy and swayed.

“I’ve got you.” He cupped her elbow. “Come in.”

“Whose place is this?” She blinked, willing her focus to return to normal.

“Ours... for now.”

The door led the way straight into a small living area. Luca flicked on an overhead light that shone from a faded pink lampshade.

“It’s small,” he said, “but it will do.”

Serena frowned at the threadbare sofa and the dust-coated table and mantel. “A bit of a comedown, after the last place you took me to.”

“That,” he said, kicking the door shut. The loud slam shifted a dull picture of a boat on its hook. “Is because you have behaved very badly.”

His tone was low and stern, but he hadn’t shouted. Serena didn’t know if that made her predicament more or less dangerous.

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