Bound By Scandals

co fade into the distance as the plane soared higher. She had always loved this view after t

. But the last few years had taken their toll, dimming the fiery optimism that fueled her early success. She needed this. A break from the breathless hustle, t

disenchantment," Samantha murmured, pr

ding by the deep voice of a

of San Fr

regarding her with curiosity. His dark hair was peppered at the temples in a

aybe too much for me lately," she

ll too well," he said.

he shook it. "Samantha h

flight attendant. "Two gla

Luke passed one to her in a toast. "To

nt. She could tell it was expensive.

e business meetings in Milan this week. Not quit

ything so who knows how this will go," Sa

aurants, museums, day trips - just ask. I've

n that," she replied, war

rim, noting the watch that likely cost more than her mont

ly, "what kind of work ta

'm in tech. My company has

actually founded a mobile app startu

"Well, here's to fellow tech entrepreneurs. You'll have t

s gorgeous, sophisticated man asking her out on

ou out to this phenomenal little trattoria I know,"

e steel blue eyes. Samantha's pulse quic

, hoping she appeared cooler than th

ed a dazzling white smi

rip was just the fresh s

anded and they boar

nerves had settled. Luke ordered a bottle of velvety red wine and they fell into an

nd investor sharks started circling. Late nights coding in her studio apartment subsisting on ramen and Red Bull. Until finally

d. "That's seriously impressive, Samantha. You

ike the Elon Musks of the world. I just tried to build

e glass. "But I am curious - why the spontaneous soul-

stioning if this was really the dream. So much of my identity and self-worth got w

ot trying to be a buzzkill. I'm sure you

ey had some unusual circumstances. But yes, I know someth

. Samantha suddenly saw past the polish and wealth t

nned. "What do you say we get out of here? I

owed him into the balmy Milan night, the wise voices of

illtop cathedral. They climbed stone steps through gardens fragr

inated tapestry. Samantha drank in the scene - terracot

t the sun-warmed balustrade

d you find this p

It became my sanctuary." Luke's eyes held a faraway

imity. "It's so easy to get caught up in chaos of life. For

this trip helped you rediscover that appreciation? Re

rness. Samantha's cheeks flushed.

ace, tucking it gently behind her ear. When his hand grazed he

s parted, pulse racing. This was madness, some part of her warned - s

at first, then built into something hungrier. Under the Italian moonlight, worrie

flushed and breathless, neither spoke

was in serious danger here. Danger of losing her heart irre