When the elevator door dinged open, I slowly stepped in. James wasn’t far behind and stood close to me when it shut again. He pushed the button, and the lift ascended.
My whole body was still tense from the meeting with Andy as my mind wandered off about the whole situation. Ever since our parents had passed away, neither of our lives had ever turned out the way we had expected. This whole story of him leaving our small town of Mystic Spring in New Hampshire to come all the way to the West Coast, first to Los Angeles and then to Las Vegas, to find fortune and freedom, to live the American dream, was nothing but that—a dream. Reality, it seemed, was a bitch, killing a young man’s dream of having a better future, both for himself and his sister.
I suddenly felt the warmth of a body against me, and strong, powerful arms wrapped around my slender shoulders. Those inviting, dependable arms lured me into a comfortable embrace. I couldn’t resist and leaned against that hard, muscular wall of warmth and looked up. Beautiful Prussian-blue eyes watched me intensely.
“You look tired,” James said. Was there a hint of worry in his voice? Or was it just my imagination?
I nodded. “Yes,” I said, tightening my arms about his.
After the meeting with my brother, I suddenly felt very exhausted—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Ever since that day a couple of months back when I had received that phone call from Andy telling me he had screwed up, I was worried. Of course, he’d never really told me what he’d done, and that had only made me all the more anxious because Andy had always been a good boy. He’d never done anything stupid or reckless before.
When I’d received that particular email from James a couple of days after that, the billionaire who was now holding me in his arms, I felt as though my world had shattered right before my eyes. Andy was the only person in the world whom I loved and cherished with all my heart after the death of our parents. I couldn’t lose him. I couldn’t let him get into trouble like that.
I had been worried sick about the problem, trying to figure out a way to help Andy. I couldn’t sleep at night, and I couldn’t work properly. Then a few days later, I’d decided the only way to get that debt sorted out was to grab the bull by the horns and ride with it. Thus, I’d requested two weeks’ annual leave from the restaurant and spent some of my savings to fly over to Los Angeles to negotiate with the billionaire.
Yes, I hadn’t been able to settle until I’d made that ultimate decision. After all, what could be the worst possible outcome other than Andy and I get put into jail?
The elevator door dinged open again, and James led me out into the corridor. Here, I gazed around me in marvel at the expensive décor and furnishings, very much like the floor where Matt resided.
James walked ahead toward one of the three doors to the left and then slipped out a key card. The door opened in an instant.
“Come on,” he said.
I hesitantly stepped over the threshold of my supposedly new home for the night. Inside, there was a lavish living area with an attached kitchenette. Everything here was made for luxury: expensive sofas and chairs, coffee table, LCD TV, chandelier, soft lighting, and marble countertop and stainless steel in the kitchen. I took a peek through the open door that led to the next room—the bedroom with en suite bath. What I glimpsed there was nothing short of expensive taste and luxury.
James went to the refrigerator in the kitchenette and got himself a bottle of water. I, on the other hand, headed into the bedroom to take a better look at my sleeping quarters.
I couldn’t believe how extravagant this place was and couldn’t stop ogling either. Matt’s place was lavish in a comfortable and simple way that was designed for functionality, for a man’s taste. But this? This was designed for opulence. Although it was tailored for a man as well. Everything here spoke masculinity in bold statements, just like James’ apartment and house back in Los Angeles.
“Is this room assigned to you every time you come here?” I couldn’t help asking, my eyes on the king-size bed—the only bed in the room. Was I supposed to sleep with him?
“Mm-hmm,” I heard.
Must be nice, I thought, to have such a luxurious accommodation ready for you here in Vegas whenever you have the urge to come and lose yourself in Sin City.
Then, of course, I needed to know for sure about the sleeping arrangement. “James?”
“Yeah?”
I jumped at the voice behind me and hastily turned around. When did he get here? I wondered, my face flaming red.
He was watching me intensely, and I knew he’d seen the expression on my face as I stared at the bed.
I cleared my throat. “Do I get my own room?”
He smiled slowly. Gosh, he was just too good-looking for my peace of mind. I glanced away, staring blindly at the bathroom door just to his left.
“No,” he said bluntly. “You’re staying here with me.”
I licked my upper lip. “What about my bed?”
He nodded to the one behind me. Okay, so I was to sleep on that massive king-size bed. That was fine with me. I liked large, soft beds. No doubt this particular one would be very soft indeed since it was in such a posh hotel and resort.
“What about yours?” I shifted my eyes to watch him carefully.
“That one,” he said bluntly, nodding to that same bed behind me.
Once again I licked my upper lip. “But there’s only one.”
He must have understood my meaning and leaned forward. He cupped my small chin with one hand and said, “I promise I won’t bite.”
I blinked. “Huh?” I blushed. He won’t bite indeed? When my body was already black-and-blue from his brutal treatment.
He laughed. Once he calmed down, he said, mirth in his voice, “You’re tired, and you’ve just met your brother. Now bedtime for you.”
I agreed with a nod of my head. “Yeah. I’m very tired. I’m going to clean up now.”
Before he let me go, he softly kissed me on the lips. I blushed. I had no idea why I was blushing so much. It was only a kiss. It wasn’t even like most of his other kisses, which were passionate and wild, with tongue and everything. This one was just a quick, soft brush of our lips. But then why did my heart quicken with so much delight?
I stepped away from him and headed into the bathroom. After I’d closed the door, I dumped my bag on the floor and stared at myself in the mirror. Gosh, my face was so flushed and my eyes were so bright with red-rimmed corners, a result of my earlier tears.
I didn’t take long brushing my teeth. After that, I had a quick shower. About fifteen minutes later, with only James’ work shirt and my undies on, I headed back out.
I was glad James wasn’t in the bedroom. I wasn’t in the mood to see him just now because of that small kiss earlier. It got me thinking in ways I didn’t want to think. It was better not to get in too deep in an area where you knew from the beginning it wasn’t possible. We were just master and mistress. No need to get involved emotionally. But hell, he did kiss me like Dad used to kiss Mom—that light, sweet kiss full of devotion and care and love.
Shaking my head and determined not to think about the billionaire and the kiss, I quickly got into the bed. As I shut my eyes and tried to make myself sleep, I heard James’ voice on the other side of the room, talking lightly. I presumed he was on his cell phone because I didn’t hear anyone replying to him. It must be business, I thought, because he mentioned terms such as investments and contracts and negotiations.
My mind drifted off to my brother once again, and I wondered what Andy meant when he’d said he’d sort everything out before I returned to Mystic Spring. I didn’t feel too good about that. And he wasn’t happy either that I’d exchanged myself to be James’ mistress for the two million he owed. Of course I’d known that, but what was I supposed to do? I was his sister after all. The debt needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.
A few moments later, I heard James coming into the bedroom and then disappearing again into the bathroom. He must be having a shower, I thought, as I heard the water going. I smiled, having the urge to see droplets of water running down that amazingly hot, masculine body of his.
My belly tingled, and my heart raced. My fingers itched to trail the length of that brick wall of chest down to the six-pack abs. I groaned and told myself this was ridiculous. What had James done to me? Making me think of ridiculous things like that? Wanting to caress him and everything.
When he returned, I still had my eyes shut even though I wasn’t really sleeping, even though I was tired. Deep within my mind, I was actually fantasizing about Mr. James Maxwell, naked and under the shower, and I wanted to sexually molest him with my hands and lips, caressing him and kissing him and…
Oh no. What was I thinking about? This wasn’t normal, surely.
I felt James getting into bed beside me, and instantly I held my breath. It’s fine, Mia. You’re supposed to be sleeping. Quit worrying, the small voice at the back of my head said to me.
Suddenly, I felt warm hands on me and then a little pull, rolling me over. I found myself being hugged in a tight embrace in James’ arms. Oddly enough, it felt good—the warmth, the tight space, and the hardness of his body against me. Then I realized he was naked from the waist up. Did he usually sleep in only his shorts? I couldn’t help myself and blushed, my eyes still closed.
Without my realizing it, I snuggled my face deeper into the crook of his arm, against his chest, and inhaled. Oh God! He smelled so good—of maleness and of just…James. I couldn’t help myself and sighed pleasantly. I felt somewhat safe and protected in his arms, and it was wonderful. I hadn’t felt like that since my parents died. Every night had always been cold and frightening and empty and lonely.
I felt warm lips on my forehead, that light, sweet kiss like he did earlier with my lips, and my insides glowed.
“See? I don’t bite in bed,” he said lightly, a hint of a tease in his deep voice. “Unless you want me to.”
I flashed my eyes open and glared at him. I noted him snickering and sucked in my breath. The Prussian blue of his eyes was on fire. I didn’t even have time to react before he claimed my lips in a scorching kiss. When he slipped his tongue into my mouth, it was wild, licking me, stroking me, and dancing with me.
“Ngh…” I groaned.
When he finally released me, I was dazed, my mind was numbed, and my body sparked with heat.
“Do you want me to bite you, Mia?” he asked.
I blinked. “Huh?”
He chuckled. “Never mind.” He rested his cheek against my forehead and shut his eyes.
Huh? I frowned. What? So he just decided to kiss me like that and then expected me to sleep? What an arrogant man, I thought in irritation.
I struggled in his arms, wanting to annoy him as much as possible, wanting him to let me go. He only chuckled at my escape attempt and tightened his hold on me.
“Good night, Mia,” he said softly.
A moment later, I gave up and sighed, flopping my head against his arm and closing my eyes.
“Good night, James,” I whispered.
MiaJames Maxwell is a bastard! That was what I was thinking right now as I tried to make myself sleep. Even though I was completely tired, even though it was way past one in the morning, I couldn’t sleep. I still couldn’t move an inch in his arms since he’d come into bed twenty minutes ago. I just couldn’t relax.I sighed, giving in. Then he relaxed, easing his hold on me, and somehow I managed to shift back a little. I noted his breathing was even and knew he must be fully asleep. Hence, gaining some space between us would be no big deal. Besides, my sleeping so close to him wasn’t very nice. Every nerve in my body was excited, jumping around and sparking about.It had all started with that wild fantasy of mine, of course, conjuring up images of the hot billionaire naked and under the shower, beads of water glistening on his smooth skin.I sighed and slowly opened my eyes to confirm my suspicion that he was indeed asleep. I noted his resting face, which was breathtakingly handsome.
MiaAs I stood staring at the door, waiting for it to open, I prayed Matt wasn’t around. I wanted to spend time with my brother alone, without that overbearing man watching our every move. We were siblings, for God’s sake. Why he behaved as though Andy belonged to him was beyond me.Or did Andy really belong to him in some way?A dreadful thought struck me, and my heart raced. Oh God! What if Andy was in some sort of contract with Matt like I was with James? My body shook, and a fearful groan escaped my lips.The door opened, and once I saw Andy, I flew into his arms and hugged him tight.Andy gasped in surprise. Once he realized it was me, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around me.“I’m so glad you’re still here,” I said, my face snuggled against his shoulder.“Of course. I’m always here,” he said. “Why are you so freaked out?”I drew back. That was Andy all right. He always saw right through me.He led me into the room as I said, “I thought you might have gone out to work or somethi
MiaI was confused and looked down at myself. There was a dark bruise on my chest and lower, too, still covered by the shirt. Shit! I thought in dread. I knew this would happen. I knew Andy would react when he saw the bruises.Oh, when we had been living under Uncle Herbert’s reign, he’d seen enough bruises on me to last both our lives. That was why he’d vowed to protect me, whatever may come, even putting himself in the firing line. That was why he never wanted to see another bruise on me ever again.Andy undid the rest of the buttons and took the shirt off me. With only my bra on, he twisted me around to examine me closely. I was more than a little shocked by his aggressive treatment.“Andy! What the hell are you doing?”He growled. “How the hell did you get all these bruises?” he asked through gritted teeth.Well, what could I tell him? That I’d gotten those bite marks and bruises from James during our lovemaking sessions? No way!“Mia? Tell me who the fuck hurt you!” he demanded.
James“You know how hard it is to keep those bastards under control,” Matt said, rolling his eyes heavenward. “Fuck! The police are useless. Drugs and prostitution are booming in Las Vegas.”“All you need to do is keep our turf save,” James said. “Make them understand we’re not to be fucked with.”Matt laughed. “No need to worry.” He crossed one leg over the other. “It’s taken care of.”“How’s Andy going with the infiltration?” James asked, his eyes dark.“Good, I guess,” Matt said, shrugging. “Can’t we put him in another job? That boy’s too fucking tempting for most men.”James laughed. “Come on, Matt, you know how it works. We need someone like Andy. Someone with the good looks and the brain, who still looks innocent and gullible enough to be lured and fall into a trap. He’s smart enough to look after himself.”“James, I get it,” Matt muttered. “You don’t need to lecture me. He just worries me sometimes.”James wasn’t surprised by that. Matt was falling in love with Andy, and he did
James“Please, Mr. Maxwell. Sign a contract with me.”James raised a brow mockingly. “I did, remember? And look where that got us.”Andy’s face flamed red, but he wouldn’t give in. “Please, let my sister go. She’s been through enough.”James sighed in agitation. “Look, Andy, I understand you want to help your sister. But it’s too late. It was her decision.”Andy shook his head. “No, you don’t understand, Mr. Maxwell. You just don’t. Mia doesn’t deserve this. She—” He stopped short, frustrated.Matt watched with interest while James frowned in suspicion.“What?” James finally asked. “She doesn’t deserve this? Are you claiming I’m mistreating your sister?”Andy snapped, “Yes. That’s exactly what you’re doing, aren’t you? I saw the bruises.”James raised a brow. “It’s just sex play. You of all people should know that.”Andy looked sick. “I know it’s sex play,” he said quietly. “I’ve experienced it enough to know. But Mia… She can’t handle it. She’s been through enough. I can’t stand seei
MiaThere was definitely something wrong about James. I could feel it in my gut. Though his face was as stern and expressionless as ever, I could still sense something was amiss.Once again, I took a peek at him, and instantly my heart skipped a beat. Gazing at that handsome man and standing so close to him in the small space of the elevator did nothing to ease my fascination and craving for him. My foolishness of molesting him in his sleep last night did nothing to soothe the sudden urge of wanting him the moment I’d seen him at the door just moments ago. Even though I did vow to myself last night would be the very first and last time I’d do such an embarrassing and naughty thing.But it was quite nice to be naughty sometimes. The feelings of just letting go and doing whatever you desired most were wonderful. Apparently, making love to James while he was still deep in slumber was one of those things for me.Even right now, all I wanted to do was to kiss him and throw myself into his
MiaThe moment I heard that voice, my stomach fluttered with delight and my heart did a somersault. Clutching the dress even tighter against my chest, partly to hide my nakedness against the arrogant man who appeared without invitation and mostly because I was nervous around him, I turned to look at him. I tried my best to look pissed, but I didn’t know if I could manage that. I really just wanted to throw myself into his arms, naked and all.“What are you doing?” I asked, my throat dryer than it should be.“Checking on you,” he said, leaning against the doorframe and folding his arms across his chest as if he had all the time in the world.I frowned. “I’m half naked here,” I said. “It’s the female changing room. I suggest you leave before Rose calls security.”He smiled, his eyes twinkling. “She won’t.”He sounded confident in his statement, which irritated me. I bit my lip and said, “You’ll be sorry when you get an ear blasting from one of those guys.”He laughed and came into the s
MiaI stared, wide-eyed, at the ten or so boutique shopping bags sitting prettily on the sofa and felt more than a little awed. Those were all for me. I couldn’t believe it. James had bought all those for me, those clothes I’d tried on three or so hours ago back at Fleur.After that unexpected, intense lovemaking session in the changing room, after I’d finished organizing myself into some sort of a decent girl who hadn’t gotten ravished by a billionaire in public, he’d purchased every single item given to me to try on, including, of course, some undergarments.And now…now he expected me to get ready for dinner? With him and Tory and his other friends? I suspected William was one of those friends mentioned.I made a sour face and thought it would have been nice if he’d told me earlier instead of just a few minutes ago before he left to attend to his business once again.I sighed and grabbed a bag. I peeked inside, and instantly my eyes brightened with delight. It was the pink dress I l