I didn’t believe James’ words that it wasn’t safe for me to be alone until I was back in my motel room half an hour later. Only then did reality really sink in. The reality that my world was changing. Instantly, my heart leaped with something akin to fear and dread. I was no longer living in Mystic Spring of New Hampshire where my everyday life revolved around working and making ends meet. Here, my life revolved around keeping myself and Andy safe, finding that two million dollars, and of course, this man beside me.
James clicked the door shut and surveyed the room with interest. I noted the bed was a mess, my small belongings scattered haphazardly across the floor. The bathroom door stood ajar, and the table and two chairs were on the floor as though someone had been angry and rampaged through everything. Yes, this room looked as though it had been ransacked.
I shakily sat on the bed and took in a deep breath. James easily lifted the chairs and table and arranged them properly. Then he took a seat on the chair, facing me.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I tentatively nodded, unconvincingly. I didn’t want to reply because I knew my voice would be shaking with fear, and I didn’t want James to know I was so scared.
“Looks like they’ve been here,” he said quietly.
I glanced at him, my eyes watering. “Who? William’s men?”
James shook his head. “I know William. It’s not his work. He’s too honorable for this type of bullshit.”
“They were looking for me, I suppose?” I asked stupidly.
He nodded.
“Because of Andy?”
Again, he nodded.
“But I’ve only been here half a day,” I protested, tears blinding me.
James noticed my tears and came over to me. He sat beside me and took me into his arms. I gasped in surprise as he pressed my face against the crook of his shoulder. He was so warm and strong, and his scent, his wonderful scent played havoc with my senses. I didn’t need any further encouragement. I closed my eyes and breathed in deep. He made me feel safe.
Suddenly, he kissed my forehead gently, and I shivered deliciously. What was going on? Was this even right? The man who wanted me to pay my brother’s debt with my body was comforting me like he would his daughter? I was confused by this man’s character.
“If you didn’t come, they would have flown to New Hampshire to find you,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’s the way things are.”
I shook my head, not understanding. I didn’t understand how James Maxwell’s world worked, and a part of me didn’t want to know. But apparently, it was too late now, because whether I liked it or not, I was part of it thanks to Andy and his friends.
I sighed, comfortable in James’ arms. I moved just a little and looked up at him. “Do you know who it is?”
He looked down and smiled kindly. I tried not to be affected by that handsome grin of his, but it was hard.
“I have my suspicions,” he said.
I saw the gleam in his eyes and knew something was up. I wanted to ask him, but he cut me off.
“Now then, a safe place to keep you away from those greedy bastards,” he said.
“The police?” I suggested naïvely.
He laughed. I loved his laugh. It was sonorous, rumbling from all the way deep within his throat.
“No, not the police, sweetheart. My apartment.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“Nowhere else?” I queried meekly.
“Nowhere else,” he replied and stood. “Let’s get your things together.”
I watched as he gathered all my torn clothing and stuffed it into my bag. Once that was done, he grabbed my arm and led me out the door. He kept me close as we headed to the reception area.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noted two black cars in the parking lot and four men standing there, watching us from afar. These men didn’t wear black suits like William’s men. They wore casual clothing and appeared ready to strike. I knew immediately they were another group of people who were after me. I knew also if I were alone, they’d beat me senseless and then drag me away with them.
“It’s all right. They won’t do anything,” James whispered into my ear. I shivered and gave him a look that questioned his confident statement. He grinned. “They’re not that stupid.”
I didn’t understand the meaning behind his words but was pleased that once I was checked out and in James’ car, they indeed had not acted. To further my relief, they didn’t follow us as James drove out into the street.
I sighed and relaxed in my seat. James laughed, and I took offense. “It’s my first time,” I snapped. “I’ve never had to deal with these types of people back home.”
Suddenly, James veered the car to the right and stopped. He turned to me and said, “I believe you.”
In a second flat, he had his hand behind my head and his lips were against mine. His kiss was hot, and I felt my body quivering with delight as his tongue slipped between my lips and invaded my mouth. I groaned as my body melted into his and he kissed me deeper. When finally he let me go, I was dizzy and my brain was a muddled mess.
He stroked my sore lips with his thumb when he whispered to me, “Don’t look at me like that, Mia. Your expression makes me want to fuck you so badly.”
My mind began to clear, and when his words finally sank in, I angrily slapped his hand from my lips.
I was still having difficulty breathing when he returned his attention to the car and started driving out. I was pleased he didn’t make any conversation during the twenty-minute drive to his apartment. Once he parked in the underground lot, he led me, with his arm around me of course, toward the elevator. I tried to push him away, but the man would have none of it.
“Do you mind?” I asked in exasperation. “Personal space here, mister!”
He chuckled. “All right, personal space,” he said and let go of me. He even had the courtesy to take a few steps back.
“Thank you,” I said.
Yes, I needed space and time away from this man. In only half a day, he had kissed me twice. In only half a day, he had already made a wanton wench of me. I came to the realization that Mr. James Maxwell was a bad influence on me, and I needed to be free of him. But it was hard when ruthless thugs were after me, and the only person able to keep me safe was the person I wanted to run away from. Yet I didn’t truly want to run from this gorgeous Mr. Maxwell.
James had to swipe his key card to get into the main building and then again to get onto the elevator. I noted security cameras on every corner, even in the elevator itself. Security was indeed tight in this building, and instantly I felt safer.
MiaThe door dinged open, and James led me to a grand doorway across the hall. He flipped out his key card once again, inserted it in the slot to the side, and then punched in his pin number. The lock clicked open.“After you,” he said, holding the door for me.I nodded and took a step in. Instantly, the light flashed on by itself. I gazed around in amazement. The hallway was indeed grand, and I was impressed. I waited for James so as not to be rude, walking into someone else’s home before the owner. James passed me and led me straight into the living area.I sucked in my breath. And here I’d thought the hallway was grand. The living area, in comparison, was a hundred times grander. The place was bright, and the area was open and spacious. Glass windows stretched from floor to ceiling. I walked down the few steps and stared off at the vast city before us. The view of city lights was indeed breathtaking.I couldn’t help myself. I had to ask. I had to know. “Are you sure you want me to s
JamesJames’ eyes followed Mia all the way up to the top of the first-floor landing. Fuck! He really couldn’t help himself. It was Mia, and he just couldn’t miss the enticing view of her climbing the steps. Once she was out of sight, he returned his attention to his coffee, a smirk playing about his lips.“Matt,” he said under his breath, shaking his head. “You’re playing dirty, my man. I hope Andy can handle you.”Like Eric said, Matt would fuck the shit out of the boy, and James had no doubt tonight was one of those nights.Damn! He was sure Mia was confused and outraged when she’d heard her brother on the phone. It was amusing watching her expressions. The panicky look and then the suspicion that Matt was hurting her brother, and then there were the frustrated and surrendered looks. She was beautiful. And he remembered the lust he had seen in her eyes when he’d kissed her in the car.The reminder only brought forward a powerful surge of passion in his blood, and he gulped another mo
MiaWhen I woke the next morning, it was bright, the sun just rising across the horizon. I turned my head to my right. Instantly, I sucked in a breath. The view before me was indeed spectacular. The city’s buildings glittered like golden jewels beneath the glowing orange. I sat up, my eyes feasting on the sight before me with amazement.“Beautiful.” The voice reached me, and I jumped.I turned my attention to the door and saw the man who had been on my mind the majority of last night.“James.” I said, my heart pounding within my chest. And it was so early in the morning too.Well, to be honest, it was hard not to be nervous around him, especially with him wearing only a pair of tight jeans and nothing else. His hair was wet, so perhaps he’d just showered.He came into the room. “I did knock,” he said, placing a shirt on the bed. “But you were otherwise occupied.” He grinned. “I had to check in on you.”In case the men snuck in and stole me away? I thought. Or I ran away? Then I thought
MiaJames Maxwell was busy typing away. There was that something about him I couldn’t put my finger on.No, I thought, he would never get tired of doing anything. Just look at him. He was a man in great health. He could definitely manage sex every night without even exerting that much energy.My body shook a little at the thought, in both fear and anticipation. Fear because I was stepping into the unknown and anticipation because it was James.I knew I was jumping to conclusions, of course. To put it bluntly, I was going to be Mr. James Maxwell’s mistress, his lover. That was all. There was nothing more to our relationship than that. All I had to do was give myself to him when he wanted me.Sex shouldn’t take long at all. A mere twenty minutes at most. I could definitely handle that. And James was very handsome and, thus far, had been nice to me.Yes, I confirmed to myself, I have nothing to fear.“Is something wrong?”I jolted out of my contemplation. “Huh?”James cocked his head to
Mia“Where are we going?” I felt the need to ask again as I stared at his large hand wrapped firmly around mine.I had no idea why I found this man’s hands so fascinating, why I suddenly felt this overwhelming need to be touched and caressed by them. Why my inside suddenly burned with desire so deep I felt weak. Only moments before, I was scared and my body became rigid when he kissed me, but now? Because of James’ gentle and warm touches?I blamed my body.“Shopping,” he responded.“Now?” I couldn’t help myself.It wasn’t the fact that I didn’t like shopping. Heck, I’d like to shop until I dropped. There were heaps of clothing I’d like to try on and buy. But shopping was usually done with girlfriends, which I didn’t have, and doing this sort of fun stuff with James just didn’t seem right. There was also the fact that I didn’t have any money.I pulled my wrist free from his clutch and stood there in the middle of the living room, watching him. He turned his gaze to me and cocked his h
James“I don’t like your fucking good mood, James,” Eric muttered in irritation. “And don’t even dare try stopping me from going to Japan.”The three brothers were at Scott’s apartment, sitting around on the veranda outside, taking in the great view and the sun while they ate lunch.Eric’s mention of his good mood put a smile on James’ face, and once again, he thought about Mia. Fuck, he couldn’t help himself. That sex had been great. It had only been their first time together, and he was hooked. He couldn’t wait to spend more time with her.That sex was also Mia’s first time. He wondered if it lived up to her expectations. The thought it possibly didn’t caused his stomach to twist in dread a little. No, it was definitely great for her; no doubt about that. The look on her face when she came was complete satisfaction for him.“Hello? Anybody home?” Scott chuckled, waving his hand in front of his brother.James blinked and laughed. “My bad. Sorry.”Eric got even more irritated at James
MiaWilliam’s sudden appearance made me so unsettled that when the phone inside the apartment rang, I jumped in fright. I blinked. Who’d be calling?Should I pick up and tell whoever it was to go away? But heck, whoever it was surely was persistent. It kept ringing and ringing, and it was getting on my nerves. Then, because I couldn’t help myself, I rushed in and picked it up.“Hello?”A chuckle sounded and then, “Took you long enough. How’s your afternoon going, sweetheart?”I blushed at the comment. We’d only started our master/mistress relationship, for God’s sake. He needn’t call me sweetheart.“James?” I asked.“Yes, sweetheart.”“Why are you calling?” I couldn’t help myself.“To see how you’re getting on,” he replied.I licked my lips. “I’m fine.” Then I wondered if I should tell him about William.“Good,” he said. “Look, I won’t be there until late tonight. Sorry, sweetheart. Will you be okay?”“Of course I’ll be fine. I’m a grown adult, after all,” I said matter-of-factly. The
MiaBack in the days before I turned twelve, my life was beautiful. We weren’t well-off. In fact, my parents always worried about money, about how we were going to pay off that next bill, how we’d have enough to put food on the table. But it was a worry we shared, a combined effort to make ends meet, and we were happy.My parents had been childhood sweethearts and were married straight after they’d graduated college. They had loved each other dearly, and they had cherished me and my brother Andy with all their hearts.Yes, my life had been beautiful back then, before that fateful summer day when a truck drove into our car on Interstate 93 as we made our way back to Mystic Spring, when both my parents’ lives were abruptly snatched from this world.I felt tears sting my eyes as I stared up at the ceiling, watching the shadows of the room playing about. My chest tightened with sorrow at the thought of my parents, at the thought of how unfair the world was.“Mommy?” I remembered my eleven