“Belle, you have to stop hitting me. I’m sure we can  another way for you to show your affection.” He had to hand it to her. She had a lot of spunk, and taming her would be fun, if exhausting, and at times probably painful.

“Don't call me Belle. My name is Isabella!” she said 

Ah, that was more like it. He didn’t like the fearful look she’d displayed earlier. He much preferred her being a fighter. Something he could work with.

“You never had a problem with me calling you Belle before, but I understand that you are upset right now so I will let that slide. Can Raymond...