MiaWhen next I woke up, it was to the bright glare of the morning sun. I groaned in annoyance and fluttered my eyes open. A manly chuckle came my way, which drew my attention. I blinked a few times to get used to the brightness, and once I did, I saw James standing on the side of my bed watching me. He had a mug of coffee in one hand.“Morning, sunshine,” he greeted.How long had he been standing there? I wondered. And why would he do that? I was sure I was not that interesting while I was asleep. Or maybe it was merely me thinking he had been there watching me when, in fact, he had just turned up to wake me—this lazy, sleepyhead. Fact was, however, I was never like this before I had met James. I had always been an early riser, out of bed even before six thirty in the morning and getting ready for work. But since I had started to share a bed with James, I had slept more deeply and soundly, as if his mere presence in bed beside me made me feel comforted and safe. Not to mention the fa
MiaAndy slept for most of the day while I read magazines as I sat there beside him. When he awoke, we’d chat about random topics that had nothing to do with our current situation, which we both tried our utter most to avoid. Who’d want to talk about billionaire elites, the underground business world, Mexican cartel, kidnapping, torturing, and that sort in the hospital with a very injured patient who had just been through that aforementioned shit? Sometimes it was easier to live to delude yourself into believing that everything was all right. Deep within my mind, however, I wondered if things that had happened to Andy would likely happen again, and I knew the answer was yes, one hundred percent.The thought didn’t sit well with me. I wanted to protect Andy. I wanted his and my life to go back to the way they had been six months ago before Andy had left Mystic Spring, when I had a job as a kitchen hand and Andy as a cleaner even though we only made just enough to get by. But at least t
MiaIt was a few hours later when I was browsing through the sweetshop section when I caught sight of something I wanted. Cakes! Sweet would surely please Andy.I literally had my nose on the glass window of the display cabinet as I tried to decide which one of the cakes looked the best and which Andy would like to have. There were a few of his favorites there: carrot, chocolate, and then there was…strawberry shortcake.The moment I saw the delicious-looking cake with white cream and a neatly placed strawberry on top, my heart ached in sorrow.“Mom,” I whispered under my breath, feeling tears brewing in my eyes. Suddenly upset, I took a step back. Bam! I bumped into a body. A soft shriek followed that.I hastily turned around in fright and apology.“Oh my God! I’m so sorry,” I said, crouching down to help the person up. People were looking at us, at me, for causing an unnecessary commotion.“I didn’t know you were behind me,” I admitted.On her backside on the floor, the girl chuckled
JamesJames picked up his phone on the second ring. He noted it was Cole Packer. As usual, the guy was impressively fast where his job was concerned.“Cole,” he greeted, leaning back in the leather chair and staring off at the exquisite scenery of Las Vegas beyond the floor-to-ceiling window of his office.“Hey, boss,” Cole said from the other end of the line. “Mia Donovan’s resignation from that restaurant is all sorted.” He paused. “You should have seen the bastard. Damn, but he’s a wuss.”James didn’t miss the hard edge he had heard from the other man’s voice. He didn’t doubt Cole had had quite a bit of fun while he had been on the job, despite he had never shown that outward appearance to anyone. Well, intimidation was his specialty, after all, what with the bald head, a dark permanent scowl on his face, and a massive, muscular build with the height that was over six foot five. Cole Packer was a muscular giant and was dubbed the “Angry Bear” within the circles of his workmates. Co
MiaThe warm soapy water soothed me, and I lay there in the huge marble bathtub, staring up at the chandelier, trying not to think about anything. Not especially about that lingerie I was supposed to wear tonight. I couldn’t possibly disobey James again, could I? Since I had already done so yesterday, and he had noticed and specifically told me that I must this time.I groaned under my breath.I procrastinated for another half hour by pretending to be busy in the bathtub, cleaning myself. At six o’clock, I knew I really had to get out and get ready before I got too nervous. Besides, James might return soon and he’d need the bathroom.I sighed and reluctantly got out. After having a quick rinse in the shower, I dabbed myself dry with a big, fluffy white towel and then wrapped myself in a robe. I headed over to the basin area and started blow-drying my hair and doing my makeup.About fifteen minutes later, with my hair dry, the long length resting all the way down to my waist, and my ma
MiaThe lobster was amazing. The meat was succulent, juicy, and sweet, along with the white sauce and roasted vegetable that accompanied it. Of course the entrée of an array of seafood such as prawn, oyster, and mussel were delicious as well. James, not surprisingly, had the steak for his main. He seemed to like it, which was great. It made dinner even better when your companion was in a good mood and enjoying his meal.As usual, James finished his food before I did, and he sat there watching me. I was used to that by now, used to him savoring every action I made when I ate my meal. I wondered if that was common for a man to watch his companion eat. Then of course, because I was a curious being, I couldn’t help myself and decided to ask.“So,” I said, putting my knife and fork down. “I was just wondering… Do you enjoy watching me eat?”That brought a smile to his lips. Gosh! The man was truly handsome when he smiled. There was that something about him, that dark radiance that drew you
WilliamFuck! He wanted to make her happy, wanted to tell her how much he loved her, wanted to show her how much she meant to him. No matter how hard he tried, however, he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Yeah, William Bosworth was a ruthless, arrogant billionaire with the face and demeanor of an archangel, and he was more than a little screwed in the head where love and relationships were concerned. Especially for Savanah White, his lifesaver three years ago and now his pet toy.William couldn’t shake the sense that there was this sad darkness within Savanah that refused to let go as he watched her eating her dessert. She feared him, he knew that. But seriously, what girl wouldn’t fear a billionaire who had just bought her as a pet for five million dollars and fucked her on a daily basis in every which way a perverted mind could ever imagine? More importantly though, he knew that sad darkness was rooted in her childhood and her stepmother, a gambling-addicted bitch who had drugg
MiaWhen James reluctantly ended our passionate kiss and pulled back, I was flushed and my mind was in a muddled mess. I was breathless as my body shook ardently, my core heating up knowingly.“Come on,” James said, shoving his chair back and standing. “I can’t wait any longer.”My heart raced at his blunt words, and my tummy fluttered deliciously. “But what about dessert?” I asked.Needless to say, I was looking forward to some chocolate brownies with vanilla custard, topped off with ice cream and strawberries. It sounded so delicious when I’d read it in the menu prior to our meal this evening.James chuckled and leaned toward me. With his warm breath fanning my skin and his eyes dark with a sense of urgent desire, he said, “You’re my dessert, remember?”My heart skipped a beat in response to his seductive words. I licked my lips in anticipation. Of course, at this point, I was at a loss for words.James took my wrist and led me toward the stairs. I obliged without protest. It felt n