Veronica felt like a nervous wreck. Her hands were shaking now – as the ship pulled into the harbor of Montenegro. She told herself that she was shaking because of Mario.

But, within her she knew the truth – she was shaking from watching someone else please the Prince.

She felt the familiar pain of jealousy – but it was out of line. He was a Prince after all – he was entitled to any woman in the world, practically. Why should she get offended?

It's not like I'm gonna marry him or something.

She changed into different attire – when the boats docked during their trips, the crew was allowed to change to casual– they could roam the island while their guests were out.

Mario knew her wardrobe – and he knew what ship she sailed on. She didn't have much disguise – but she hoped, the dressing her usual close went through the law for a little while.

She felt the chains were wrapping around her – the pressure from Brian to leave, the pool towards Adrian, and now, the brick and terrifying wall that is Mario.

Last time that she had arrived without money – was definitely her last. But, that didn't mean the Mario wouldn't still teach her a lesson. He had his sick ways – and all thanks to stupid Duncan.

She had changed into beachwear – short shorts and a bikini top with a loose and thin T-shirt hanging over. This was her usual outfit – allowing her to head to the ocean whenever she wanted – but still be decent enough to shop around.

She had taken her money – impacted to a smaller envelope, placing it into a pocket and the front of her shorts – one with the button, she had added the button for times like these. Veronica had needed to change a lot about her life – when Duncan left high and dry.

The pain of that the trail – still lingered. Even now, she felt like Adrian might be doing the same thing – simply using her.

She stepped out of her room – she could hear the glittering voices of the women down the hall. Now there were only a few of them left – so there rockets was not as loud.

She peaked her head around the corner – she didn't like for her clients to see her in her casual wear – but also, she didn't want these women to see her. The jealousy was still within her. One of the women would be the Prince's wife. And, she simply could only handle one thing at a time.

As the ladies left, she snuck down through the hallway – she also wanted to avoid Brian.

During times like these – when they had docked, she often found them in his room, unwilling to open the door.

She shuttered – a new thought came across her mind – am I doing all this for a taste of freedom, is it worth it?

But, she walked in the other direction – she didn't want to face that question right now.

She reached the front of the ship – all she had to do was go through the large doors which entered into a tight hallway, that led to the plaintiff down to shore.

She said through doors – what she the cost behind her. It was a husky voice.

It sent a chill through her immediately – and she turned slowly to face Adrian.

His glistening green eyes looked down at her, almost sad.

Veronica instinctively cocked her head to the side, "Are you okay sir?"

He had a small smile – and then, his eyes looked down her body – taking in her bikini and shorts.

She felt a blush hit her immediately.

They stared at each other for a moment – and the smile on the Prince's face grew wider.

He stepped into the hallway with her – the hall was small and cramped, so they were nearly chest to chest when he walked in.

Her heart started to be rapidly.

"You can call me Adrian, by the way." His eyes lingered continuously from her face down her body.

She wanted to arch in to him – to feel his body, completely forgetting about the jealousy and anger she felt earlier.

"No – I can't do that sir."

He held up a hand, "If I don't insist – then it will be an order."

His green eyes glistened – she could look into them forever. Veronica nodded slowly.

Adrian looks down the hall – towards the court where the women had walked through.

"So – hear you're headed into Montenegro, too?" He looked like he was blushing.

She nodded – the hallway was getting hot.

He smiled, putting him behind his head and rubbing his neck, "Well – since you've been here before – I was hoping, no I was kind of ordering you to show me around?" It sounded less like an order and more of a request. He seemed to look around nervously – as if he wasn't used to asking for company – real company.

Veronica's head nodded without giving her a chance to think – "Of course sir."

His eyes snapped her – with a side grin.

Veronica corrected herself, "I mean – of course, Adrian."

At that moment, the shadow of his bodyguard appeared in the doorway. They all can fit in there – so Veronica led the way outside.

She felt bubbly – he could ask anyone – literally anyone, what was he up to?

Her stomach flipped as they descended into the busy town. It was a crowded place – a market full of buzzing the people and tiny tents, each holding unique intricacies and worldly gifts. The town was dusty – and the smell of food wafted through the air from all different directions. The sun was hot right now – and Veronica could feel the sting of the sun on her skin. She loved it.

When they descended – Adrian's bodyguard walked to several feet away – probably to avoid attention to Adrian. But, close enough to interfere if necessary. Veronica looked around the busy market – she couldn't see any of Adrian the women – they must've been fluttering about somewhere. She also felt the nerves shaking through her – there were plenty of watchful eyes about – she never knew who was working for Mario.

She looks to Adrian, "what would like to do first?"

He shrugged, "I guess look at overpriced trinkets..." He smiled. She laughed little – "oh, then you come to the right place – but, I know where the best are."

She led the way into the crowd – as they got lost among the sea of people. Adrian walks beside her – she still the side glance at him, noting his casual beach shorts and a thin tank that showed his muscles. He snapped on some sunglasses – and with his summer hair, he looked like he was almost at home, chilling on the beach.

She put on her sunglasses to – but not for the sun, but perhaps an easier way to hide.

There were always leeches everywhere. She felt the money heavy in her pocket to – her hand absently placed over it, just in case. Secretly, she hoped this will be over soon – that Brian would help pay off the rest. She prayed to find the right words – have you been thinking about them for months – to ask Brian to fork over that kind of money. She felt little bad though, she was probably marrying him for the wrong reasons – but he was still an okay guy – she tried to tell yourself.

She thought of the times that she had walked by Brian's room – hearing some moans within – she had been ready to go in kicking and screaming. But the reminder of her bruises – the ones that Mario had so easily given her – made her simply back away from the door and head back to her own work.

It was for my own safety.

Adrian her threaded through the crowd – Veronica love to be among so many people – although, she loved her time of the boat, she loved the vibe of the busy town. They stopped at a couple of cute counters – and Veronica showed him all of the little treasures that she had found over the past years. There were cute dolls – made out of magical straw and clothing – the kind that you made wishes on. There were some small wooden balls, attached to strings – where the kids would try to toss them in the air and catch them. And, of course – Veronica's favorite – the small but intricately painted tokens that resemble some of the people here. Adrian smiled at each counter – picking up every single item that she pointed out. He looked over them – as if seeing something for the first time. But, Veronica knew that he had been all over the world.

But, maybe – he had never seen it like this. He held each object in his hand – afraid to break it – and with each stop, he always forked over some cash to buy it.

They walked through the canopies, fresh fruit in their hands.

"You know, you don't have to buy every little single thing I suggest?"

He bit into a mango fruit – "But then, how would I know if your suggestions are correct."

She smiled, "So – you are going to pick up every little single thing I suggest – just to see if I'm right?"

He smiled a brilliant smile, "If I have to."

He bit into the mango – slurping at the fruits juice, he let out a little moan – as he enjoyed the taste.

A flutter of heat went down Veronica's Valley – and she felt a blush hit her cheeks. She watched as his tongue gropes at the fruit – and suddenly, she realized that he was staring into her eyes – as he stuck in the mango. Their eyes locked – and Adrian let out a soft moan. Veronica gasped quietly.

She took a step back, quickly turned back into their path – blushing hotter than the sun itself. Agent galloped and step aside her – finishing the mango with a smug smile on his face.

"What else did you want to do?"

He looked at his watch – "Not much time left actually – Megan has me getting drinks with the ladies in a few."

Veronica nodded – she had forgotten that he was supposed to meet the women at a nearby lounge – more matchmaking.

She looked around behind them – realizing that something was missing, "Where did your bodyguard go?"

Adrian was behind him – a puzzled look on his face, "He must have gotten lost." He chuckled a little.

Veronica felt a small twist of fear, "Oh – maybe we should look for him –" she reached and grabbed Adrian's hand, to stop him from walking.

Adrian looked down at her hands – and time seemed to freeze for both of them.

They were in the furthest parts of the market – it was quite earlier – there were more canopies and more shade, and more hidden little passages.

Veronica suddenly felt the need to push him into one of the passages – and let him to get manager her.

Adrian's green eyes fluttered from their hands back to her face – a red blush hitting his cheeks.

"Were fine without him," his voice was low and husky her.

Adrian's hand felt a warm and rough – he had not moved his hand from hers. She felt like it was wrong – but still, she twirled her fingers around until they intermixed with Adrian's. She looked to him it – he gulped, and he squeezed her hand back.

She bit her lip – thinking that maybe she really should push him into the dark – give herself to him, finally.

"Well, well, well," a thick voices said up behind them from the shadows.

Fear struck Veronica so hard her world spun.