“I messed up his room,” I murmured to myself. I glanced at that king-size bed with the expensive duvet cover of grayish blue and black and felt a delicious shiver pass down my spine. Then I turned my attention to the floor. I sighed and proceeded to find a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that were still intact. No such luck, of course.
I was midway through pulling my ripped T-shirt on when three knocks came at the door. I quickly pulled the rest of the thin gray material down my body and said, “Come in.”
The door cracked open, and Ms. Lane silently entered. She stood straight as she faced me, her hands clasped before her as she addressed me. “Are you ready to see Mr. Maxwell?”
If wearing ripped jeans and a shirt without a bra—because that very last one lying on the floor was torn beyond repair and unwearable—was ready, then yes, I was as ready as I could be to face the billionaire my brother owed two million dollars, the man who’d seen me with my naked backside in the air.
I murmured, “Yes,” followed by a nod of my head.
“Follow me,” she said and turned on her heel, expecting me to trail her like she expected a lower staff member to obey her order to perfection.
The moment Ms. Lane knocked and then opened a door, my heart skipped a beat. When she stepped aside to let me in, I hesitated. I was suddenly shaking, and I knew I had to get a grip on myself. This was what I was here for. To negotiate for my brother’s release.
I took a deep breath when Ms. Lane nudged me to hurry up by saying, “He’s waiting.”
Before my nerves got any worse, I took a step in and then another.
Standing before me was the gorgeous Mr. J. Maxwell. He had his arms folded across his chest and his backside resting slightly on the edge of the desk. He looked relaxed and casual, but the very sight of him took my breath away. It annoyed me that he should have such a strong, inexplicably powerful impression on me.
The moment my eyes met his, a gasp escaped my lips. I felt uncomfortable and was very aware my breasts and nipples were jutting out against the thin material of my ripped shirt. I really did hope he didn’t notice.
“Sit,” he said, nodding at the chair before him.
I hesitantly did as he commanded.
Yes, there was nothing else in his tone but authority. He had that aura within him, that self-confidence that had the power to take charge, shout out orders, and give commands. Indeed, people would listen and follow his every word. Even the little beast named Alfie was quiet on the other side of the room, snuggling cozily as it watched me with its beady eyes.
I gazed up at him, not knowing how to proceed.
Yes, he’d requested—No!—demanded I be presented here before him, along with his expected two million. Well, all I had was three hundred dollars.
He leaned forward and began. “I was expecting someone much older.”
“I’m twenty-two,” I said sternly. “I’m old enough. Where’s my brother?”
He ignored my demanding question. “Your father allowed you to come here knowing my reputation?”
Reputation?
I knew nothing of his reputation. His rhetorical question, however, planted a seed of apprehension within my mind. Of course I’d dreaded coming here and facing him about the two million dollars. But now that he mentioned his reputation, I wondered if I’d be able to walk out of here alive.
However, the sudden change in subject got me angry. This showed in my voice, which was trembling, along with my pissed-off face, red and stern.
“My father died eleven years ago in a car accident, along with my mother. The only person Andy has is me, his older sister.”
He raised a brow at me, as if he found my tragic backstory rather bland and uninteresting, like he’d heard that particular story a hundred times before. I’ll admit it was rather a common backstory, but when it happens to you, when every possible shitty thing you could imagine got thrown at you, then it wasn’t so common anymore.
“Where’s my brother?” I asked again, trying very hard to calm myself, trying hard not to jump to the conclusion that this Mr. J. Maxwell had already executed Andy with a bullet to my baby brother’s handsome head.
He looked at me long and hard. “I applaud your brother and his friends, Ms. Donovan,” he said, easing his arms from their crossed position and resting them casually on the edge of the desk. “They’ve managed to cheat two million out of me.” He leaned forward, his eyes sharp, his face so close to me that I could feel the warmth of his breath on my skin, which both pleased and unsettled me at the same time. “And trust me. I rarely allow anyone to cheat me.”
He flashed a dark smile that made me want to run and hide and at the same time made me want to kiss him. It was a stupid desire, of course, and I’d never felt like that toward any man before. I felt like I actually wanted to throw myself at him and let him do exquisite, unspeakable things to me. Things that were frowned upon. Things people didn’t talk about outside the bedroom. Things a virgin like me had never experienced.
“So?” he asked softly, drifting his eyes slowly to my breasts and then back to my face. “What will you do? You look like a resourceful young woman.”
He flashed a grin at me that would have made any woman spread her legs wide for him. Not me. It made me want to punch the smirk off his face, because he was implying something that hurt my pride.
He continued. “You’re here to negotiate for your brother’s release. Then let’s do it. The closing date is Friday this week, Ms. Donovan. Two million cash. I get my money; you get your brother back.”
I was so tense; when he suddenly touched my cheek, I jumped in my seat.
“What if I don’t…don’t get the two million?” And in my mind, I shouted, How the heck do I get two million? There was no way that was possible. I get paid minimum wage, and I worked seven days a week to make ends meet. So how the heck would I be able to make two million in two days?
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll find a way, Ms. Donovan,” he said, drifting his eyes from my face to my breasts again, his fingers caressing my cheek.
Heat rushed to my face as the meaning of his words drummed deep into my mind.
“I don’t fuck men for money!” I said through gritted teeth.
I’d never used the word fuck in the open before. I reserved that severely execrable word for dire situations, but he left me no choice. His assumption of my character pissed me off, and I couldn’t control myself.
Oh, I could have kept my mouth shut like always, allowing everyone to bully and harass me, giving everyone permission to walk all over me, because that was what my aunt and uncle told me good girls do.
My so-called friends in high school, who were no longer my friends, thought I could never fit in because I was too shy and quiet and didn’t know how to dress right. They felt the need to remind me of my shortcomings whenever they thought I deserved it. My aunt and uncle thought I was willful, wild, and stupid, and I wouldn’t amount to anything. They told me they’d done their best with me, teaching me and conforming me to be proper like them by slapping me and whipping me with a belt whenever they thought I needed the discipline.
Get your head out of the clouds and stop wasting your money and time reading those useless books, they’d always told me.
But those wonderful books had gotten me out of the real, harsh world. They had kept me sane and made me happy, at least for a few hours.
Then there was my boss, of course, who thought I was a worthless employee and condemned me to do all the dirty jobs, never missing an opportunity to criticize the small details. My colleagues kept bickering and backstabbing me when they were the ones who got the better pay by doing less. In the past few years, the harassment and bullying had gotten worse, especially at work, and I’d decided it was enough. I didn’t want anyone to walk all over me anymore. So I’d learned how to stand up for myself, to talk back, speak out, and demand attention.
Thus, to not speak what was on my mind now would certainly tell this Mr. J. Maxwell I was timid and juvenile, as he had so assumed my character to be and, hence, concluded I was incapable of finding him the two million dollars. Heck, I knew in my gut I couldn’t find two million in a short two days, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction that his postulation of me was right.
“Is that all you rich assholes ever think of? Throwing your damn money on whatever you deem attainable? Whatever you think has a price tag?”
I knew I was stepping on shaky ground, but I couldn’t help myself. I had no idea how one dealt with a billionaire like this Mr. J. Maxwell. I knew suddenly and with trepidation, however, that I was doing it wrong the moment I saw the dark look in his eyes and the stern expression on his handsome features.
I tensed, waiting for his aggressive reaction to come. Shit! I knew he’d either slap me or call his security guards and let them bash me good while he watched, with enjoyment of course. That was what these billionaires did, right? I saw it in movies. Because they could get away with anything.
When I saw him narrowing his eyes at me and a slight sneer appear about his lips, I knew I didn’t have to wait long to see my imagination unfold before my eyes.
“Well, do you have a price tag, Ms. Donovan?” he said chillingly softly. “Everybody does.”
His words stung, but I didn’t have time to think of a reply before, at lighting speed, his face was right in front of me and his hand was wrapped around the back of my head.
I gasped at his firm hold on me, knowing suddenly I was imprisoned in his arms and I wouldn’t be able to run away. Then I felt the heat of his lips crushed against mine.
I panicked, and in the back of my mind, I knew even if he were to do what I feared most and take me without my permission, and I screamed, no one would help me. Even so, I tried my best to push him back, but the feel of his warmth and his lips against mine was wonderfully intoxicating.
He traced his hot tongue across my lips, causing an exquisite pleasure to soar through my whole body. Then he somehow managed to expertly slip his skilled tongue into my mouth and invade me. I shuddered deliciously. A groan escaped my throat as he stroked and caressed his tongue against mine, playing a small battle with me. I became breathless, and my body squirmed in a frenzy of heated pleasure. At the same time, however, I was actually fighting him to release me, my puny fist shoving at his massive chest, which was, of course, to no avail.
Oh God! Oh God! I was being ravished by a hot billionaire, and I was turned on. My body, weak and frantic and quivering, responded to his intense kiss, even though my head screamed for me to get ahold of myself as he continued to enrapture me.
When he finally moved back, I was heaving and breathless, my whole body shaking. My heart was pumping so fast and so loud within my chest that I was sure he, too, could hear the noise. My head felt light and just a little bit dizzy.
MiaHe still had his hand wrapped behind my head as I stared up at him, panting, my breasts rising and falling, my lips red and sore from his wonderfully brutal treatment. He didn’t at all look as though he was affected by the kiss. His breathing was even, though his eyes were darker, with a blue fire like I’d seen when I was naked and met his gaze in his bedroom only a short time ago.He was stroking my lower lip now. I wanted him to stop because it was dully aching, yet I wanted him to continue.“Are you a virgin?”The question took me by surprise, and I shoved his hand away from me.“What does that have to do with anything?” I asked. “What the heck if I am? Is it a crime to be a virgin at twenty-two?” I stood, shoving the chair back in the process.If there were any certainty at all, I’d be a virgin for the rest of my life, because I knew I wasn’t going to settle down with just any man. Then again, I’d also been certain I was never going to let any man kiss me either, unless he was
JamesHe was so screwed. So fucking screwed. He shouldn’t have let Mia in, but he did, and now look at where it got him. He was fucking turned on, and his damn cock was hard and sticking out like a goddamn steel pole.Shutting his eyes, James took a deep breath. He knew the beast down there wasn’t going to be satisfied, and he needed to act fast.In ten seconds flat, he was out of the office, up the stairs, and into his bedroom.“Out!” he snapped at the maid busy cleaning up the mess Mia had left behind only minutes ago.“Y-yes, sir,” she stammered. She flew out in a hurry, dragging the vacuum cleaner with her.James headed to the en suite and slammed the door shut. Then he proceeded to take off his clothes, throwing them in a heap on the floor. Naked and muscles tight with sexual frustration, he shoved on the multihead shower. He stood there under the running water, one hand resting against the wall as he inhaled and exhaled deeply.“Fuck!” he hissed, staring at his engorged cock. He
MiaI stared up at the darkening sky, wondering why my life sucked so much, wondering how the heck I was supposed to find two million…wondering if I should take up Mr. Maxwell’s offer.No! the voice in the back of my head shouted. I wasn’t that low. I wasn’t about to become his prostitute.Selfish! the voice screamed at me. You’re a selfish bitch, Mia. It’s Andy, your brother. You’d do anything for him.I sat up, wiping away my tears. That’s right. I’d do anything for Andy. He was all I had. I couldn’t lose him. He needed me, and I needed him. I’d find that two million. Somehow. Someway.Grabbing my bag, I flung the ripped thing over my shoulder and hoisted myself up.The moment my legs straightened, the world spun around me. I gritted my teeth as I shut my eyes. I knew I was very dehydrated and tired. The way I was going, I’d collapse soon. I couldn’t allow that to happen. I needed to find a place to stay for the night and then something to eat.Turning the bag over, I unzipped it and
MiaIt was another twenty minutes later when he pulled into a parking lot. I noticed the many flashy cars parked here. He switched off the engine and got out. Uncertainly, I undid my seat belt and did the same.He was already in front of me by the time I shut the door.“I won’t run,” I said, annoyed he should act like my unwelcome bodyguard. “I want to talk to my brother.”I glanced up and saw the slight smile lifting one side of his lips.“Good,” he said, wrapping a hand over my arm and steering me close to him.As we walked to the door, I felt like I was glued to him by the hip. I scowled and tried to sidle away from him. The feeling of him so close didn’t sit well with me. I was hot and tense at the same time. I couldn’t believe he was turning me on by just holding me close.He tightened his grip on me and even went so far as to rest his other hand around the back of my neck, under my braided hair. I jumped, a gasp escaping my lips. He knew I was about to pull away and tightened his
Mia“You can really eat, can’t you?” The deep timbre of his voice came my way. The tone hinted at humor, and I wondered if the billionaire found my fondness for food amusing.Of course, I couldn’t deny the fact that I loved food. Andy called me the “eating goddess” because of how much I could really put in, despite my slim, willowy frame.I licked my spoon clean, savoring the warm, soft brownie and the cold, creamy ice cream in my mouth. I licked my lips, a smile on my face. When I glanced up, I saw James watching me intensely, as if he found my reaction fascinating. I, in turn, felt butterflies in my stomach.I placed the spoon down onto the empty plate and said, “Thanks for dinner.”James cocked his head to one side and smiled. It was a very handsome expression that snatched away my breath.“You’re welcome,” he said smoothly. “Shall we?”I watched as he stood, pulling on his jacket.The moment is here, I thought with a mixture of dread and relief. I’d be able to talk to Andy. Suddenl
MiaI 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. Th
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