Share

Chapter 26

Author: Alexia Praks
last update Last Updated: 2023-02-17 14:54:39

Mia

When next I woke up, my body was so heavy I didn’t even have the energy to raise my head. I gazed up at the ceiling in confusion, my mind numbed.

Where am I? I asked myself.

I noted the sun was just setting on the west side of the room. The orangey glow gave out a most beautiful picture of the city.

I groaned and wondered why I felt so tired. Then everything came back. The hard sex I’d had with James today.

Wait. Was it still today? I bit my lip, and my mind quickly flicked to my brother. I was supposed to see him today. Had we missed the appointment?

I turned over, and that was when I realized I was naked and my long hair was damp. I made myself sit up, my body protesting wholeheartedly, screaming in pain.

“Hey,” came the masculine voice at the door.

I widened my eyes at the handsome man standing there. James had a smirk about his face that made my belly tingle.

“Hi,” I managed. I felt my mouth was as dry as dust, and I was thirsty as hell.

“Hungry?”

I nodded and added, “And very thirsty.”

“I’ll get you something to eat and drink before we go.”

“Huh?” I queried, still a little confused.

He cocked his head to one side. “That’s if you’re up to seeing your brother.” He smiled, a humorous spark in his Prussian-blue eyes. “That’s if you can walk.”

I blurted out immediately, “I can walk.”

I lied, of course. At that moment, I had no idea whether my legs would support me or not. I had no idea sex was so intense. But heck, I wanted to see my brother. I wanted to make sure he was really okay and this Matt person hadn’t yet murdered my brother for the sake of his fun.

“Can you?” he questioned as if he doubted my statement.

I frowned. “I can walk,” I declared.

He folded his arms over his chest and leaned himself lazily against the doorframe, awaiting proof of my claim.

I bit my lip for a moment, praying my legs wouldn’t make a fool out of me. Then I flung off the bedsheet. I regretted it the moment I did, as my naked body flashed before my eyes and undoubtedly the eyes of James as well. Quickly I pulled it back up against me, clutching it against my chest.

“You destroyed all my clothing,” I accused him darkly. “Like master, like dog, ruining all my belongings. Does it run in the household, by any chance?” I asked sarcastically. I meant to ask, Does it run in the family? But of course, a dog certainly didn’t relate to its owner by blood. So household was the best I could come up with.

“Clothes don’t suit you,” was his blunt reply. “You look better without any.”

I blushed profusely at his suggestive comment. “How rude,” I muttered. “Now what am I supposed to wear?” I demanded indignantly.

“I’ll buy you new ones,” he said.

“You better, because I certainly don’t have the budget to go shopping every week just to replenish my wardrobe.”

That got him laughing. My words weren’t meant to amuse him. They were meant to piss him off.

With my head held high, I wrapped the bedsheet around me and then put my feet onto the floor. He watched me like a hawk as I did so. Then slowly I lifted myself from the bed. God, I felt heavy, just like that time during my hospitalization after the car crash.

Once I stood, I felt quite proud of myself for getting that far. First I took one step and then another, and it was going good. Then I took another, and my legs couldn’t take my weight. They went out from under me, and I collapsed to the floor with a puff.

James was by my side in an instant.

“Such a nuisance,” he said, scooping me into his arms.

I glared at him. “Thanks to you,” I retorted, my face red with both anger and embarrassment.

“You’re not supposed to be walking,” he said, smiling, his eyes on me. “Not after what I’ve done to you.”

“Do you always do that to your women?” I couldn’t help asking. Inside, I wanted him to say no. I didn’t know why I wanted him to deny my statement, because really, I didn’t have anything to do with his other women. I was merely his mistress, wasn’t I?

To my disappointment, he didn’t respond to my query. Instead, he said, as he descended the stairs, “What do you feel like eating?”

I was determined not to think about him and his other women, especially that beautiful Sophie back at his mansion, and said, “Just whatever you have is good.”

“Hmm.” He nodded.

He planted me on the very soft, comfortable sofa in the living area instead of the barstool in the kitchenette across the room. I guessed the barstool would be too hard on my backside. How very considerate of him, I thought sarcastically. He even turned on the TV for me to watch and arranged the cushions around me for me to laze myself on.

I eyed him as he headed to the kitchenette and then proceeded to prepare something for me to eat. Even though the TV was on, I wasn’t paying any attention. I was too busy thinking about Mr. James Maxwell, my eyes on him.

What had he done to me in that bath? I wondered. Did he take me again even though I’d been asleep? I couldn’t believe I’d fallen asleep in the bath.

James lifted his head and looked at me a brief moment, a hint of a smile on his lips. I quickly looked away and turned my attention to the TV. I arranged myself properly on the couch, making myself comfortable.

While I sat there awaiting my meal and staring mindlessly at the program before me, I was aware my body was aching something dreadful. I tried to ignore the pain, but it was hard. I wondered if I should take a painkiller. Did most females feel like this after sex?

James appeared before me with plates of sandwiches in his hands. He placed them on the coffee table and left again to get some drinks. Once two mugs of hot coffee were done, he returned and joined me, sitting right next to me. He was even nice enough to hand me a sandwich.

“Thanks,” I said, taking it from him. Then I proceeded to eat. “It’s delicious.” I couldn’t help it. I was hungry after all.

James relaxed back on the sofa and watched me eat my food as he sipped his coffee. I was just on my third piece when he said, “I got you some clothes.”

I looked at him. “Oh… Thanks…” I cocked my head to one side. “When?”

“While you were sleeping,” he said.

I blinked. “How long did I sleep?”

“Four hours,” he said. “Quite a long midafternoon siesta, don’t you think?” There was a hint of a tease in his tone.

I blushed. “I don’t usually sleep during the afternoon.”

“It wasn’t exactly in the afternoon when you dozed off in the bath,” he explained, taking another sip of his coffee.

“Huh?” I slowly bit into my sandwich. As I chewed, savoring the taste of lettuce, cucumber, and cold chicken, my mind wandered. His words made me wonder how long we’d spent having sex. Surely we hadn’t spent all morning and the majority of the afternoon doing it? Right?

Suddenly, I felt his hand stroking my long hair. I looked at him as he dipped his head and kissed my cheek. When he moved his lips toward my mouth, I pushed him back and said, “I’m full. Thanks for the food.”

He still didn’t move away from me as he continued to stroke my hair.

“James?” I began, licking my lip. “My brother?”

He moved back then and sighed. “I suppose,” he said and stood. “Come on. Let’s get you dressed.”

I stood, intending to take myself up to my own room to get ready. He wouldn’t have any of that, however, and scooped me up into his arms.

“You know I can walk, right?” I stated as he ascended the stairs.

“I know you claim you can walk,” he said. “But whether you can or you cannot is another story.”

I made a face at him. I couldn’t help myself.

Once we were in my own bedroom, I noted the bed was all made up and the room itself was tidy and clean. I wondered if the billionaire himself had cleaned the place or had he phoned one of the maids and requested a clean? Either way, I was quite pleased with the result.

As he put me down, I noted a dress and some underwear neatly folded on the bed.

“Are those for me?” I asked, staring at it. I knew even from this distance those items weren’t cheap.

“Mm-hmm.” He turned on his heel and headed out the door. But before he left, he said over his shoulder, “Do you want some help?”

I shook my head vigorously. “No. No. I’ll be fine,” I said quickly. “I promise I won’t take long.”

He nodded and then left, shutting the door behind him. Alone, I turned my attention to my new clothing. First I picked up the dress. It was a lovely summer dress of a floral design, and the material was so soft in my hands. Then I picked up the underwear as well and headed to the bathroom. Of course, my body was still sore as I walked, but I managed somehow.

In the bathroom, I unraveled the bedsheet from my body, relieved I didn’t have to clutch it as if it were my lifeline or something, afraid it’d unwrap itself from me without my knowing. I was just preparing the panties when I noticed myself in the length of the mirror.

My eyes widened in shock as I mindlessly gaped at myself. Shit! I couldn’t believe it. My body was bruised with hand and bite marks and black-and-blue everywhere.

My whole body involuntarily shook, and I whispered, “James!”

I couldn’t believe it. My body looked like I’d been tortured brutally. I couldn’t believe sex with James Maxwell did this to me.

I decided then I really needed to talk to him about our sex routine and he must tone it down. That decision made, I returned my attention to getting myself dressed.

Once done moments later, I stared at myself. The bite marks along my neck and arms were still visible. I needed something long to hide those. At least the dress suited me and the underwear, too, to my surprise. I wondered how James figured out my size. Suddenly, the thought that he’d gone through my stuff while I was asleep didn’t sit well with me. It was just plain weird. Another question I needed to ask him.

I headed out the door, got my now very light backpack, and then descended the stairs.

“James?” I called out.

The great man emerged from his office. “You’re ready?” He was heading my way, and I noted he had a small traveling luggage ready. Was he going on a business trip out of town somewhere?

Related chapters

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 27

    MiaA private jet? What were we doing here at a private airport, heading toward a private jet? I couldn’t help myself as I stared at James, my eyes large in confusion.“James?” I asked, clutching my backpack in front of me tightly. “What are we doing here?” I flicked my eyes back to the sleek plane before us, all set to take in passengers. I noted a steward in his mid-forties, dressed immaculately in a gray uniform, walking briskly toward us.“To see your brother,” James replied, turning off the car engine.“Huh?” I couldn’t help myself. I was more than a little lost and confused. “Hold up. Why are we in an airport to see my brother?” I knew I sounded stupid.He chuckled. “Or don’t you want to see your brother at all?”I scowled. “Of course I do,” I snapped. “But it would help if you could at least explain why we’re at an airport?”“Ah, Mia.” He stroked my cheek with the back of his fingers. “Your reactions always please me.”I didn’t like the sound of that and wondered if he was teas

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17
  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 28

    JamesIt had been fifteen minutes since the plane was airborne, and the moment they were allowed to take off their seat belts, Mia took off in the direction of the sofa. Now James watched her as she sat there crossed-legged and enjoyed another set of treats. This was mostly sweets with an assortment of cupcakes and cake slices.It was odd that since he’d met her, his mostly sober world seemed to have change a little, especially when she was around. It was odd, too, that he enjoyed watching her, and even now was no different. Though he’d admit she seemed oblivious to his attraction toward her.“Do you want some?” she asked from the distance, a piece of chocolate cake in her hand.He chuckled. “No, thanks.” Then his phone rang.Mia returned her attention to her cake while he reluctantly paid attention to his phone.“Hey, what’s up?”“So you’re going to Las Vegas?” Scott asked in greeting.James wondered how Scott had found out. After all, he hadn’t told anyone about the plan. It was onl

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17
  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 29

    Mia“I didn’t go through your stuff,” James said, his eyes on the road. He chuckled low as if he found my jumping to conclusion amusing. “Give me some credit, Mia.”I blushed. What was I supposed to think? He’d bought me clothes that fit me perfectly. If he didn’t go through my stuff to figure out my size, then how did he know?“I notice everything about you,” he explained. There was a hint of teasing within his deep voice that I didn’t miss.I turned my gaze to him. I couldn’t help but admire his profile. He was indeed a very handsome man with a long, straight nose, perfectly high cheekbones, and a firm jawline. I was surprised there wasn’t a queue of females clinging to him even for a one-night stand. I myself wouldn’t mind having a one-night stand with him, even though I did vow to myself I would never do such a thing.Talking about a line of female fans… Perhaps I had yet to find that out. After all, there were still a lot of things I didn’t know about James Maxwell. Such as that

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17
  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 30

    MiaWe were in front of a door in no time, and James rang the bell. In an instant, it was drawn open widely, and I was greeted by one of the most intimidating men I’d ever met. James was intimidating, too, on first meeting, but at the same time, I felt drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I felt a type of an attraction to him that was difficult to break or explain.This man standing before us, on the other hand, was just plain intimidating. He was tall and muscularly toned, with sandy-brown hair and steel-gray eyes. His aquiline features were darkly handsome, and I was pretty sure every female found him attractive. I guessed I wasn’t one of those females as I stared up at him, wide-eyed, like a child who had just met her first Santa Claus.He smiled at James, and they shook hands. Suddenly, he turned his attention to me. I felt a little uneasy as his eyes roved over me. I didn’t utter a word as I stared up at him. Slowly, a hint of a smile played across his lips, and then he laughed.

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17
  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 31

    MiaMy whole body started shaking uncontrollably. I could just imagine the chaos with the shooting and people dying in that dark underground parking lot. And what about the police? Why didn’t Andy go to the police in the first place?But James’ reaction on that first day back at the motel when I’d suggested the police made me pause. Were the police not to be trusted? I had no doubt those powerful underground groups had the police under their thumbs, working secretly for them. Any eyewitness such as Andy would be dead in an instant, with full explanation such as an accident or suicide.A shiver ran along my spine at that dark, disturbing thought.“What about Matt?” I asked. “How does he come into play?”Andy raised his eyes to mine and chuckled, a tint of a blush creeping across his cheeks. He licked his lips and said, “That casino those bastards lost the money in? That was this casino. It’s Mr. Maxwell’s and Matt’s place. They both own it, and Matt runs the place. When I found out tha

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17
  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 32

    MiaWhen 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 wal

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17
  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 33

    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.

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17
  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 34

    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

    Last Updated : 2023-02-17

Latest chapter

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 131

    MiaThe day had been long and exhausting for me, especially after James, Aria, and I had started that lunch with Liam, Scott, Eric, Alice, and Yuki. Then, of course, once we were done with that, Liam had suggested we stay for dinner as well since Alice, Yuki, Aria, and I seemed to get along so well. He had said that the sisters needed company near their ages, someone they felt comfortable with, since America was so new and different to them. Of course, I had fun spending time with the sisters, but I must say both Scott and Eric—well, mostly Eric—had behaved poorly, a side of them I had not seen before.Boy, was I glad we were finally home. After helping Aria bathe and dress, I lay beside her—along with Sammy and Alfie, who were being very nice and obedient, snuggling comfortably near Aria—reading them a bedtime story. When I finished the book, I tucked Aria in.I was about to kiss her good night when Aria asked, “Mia? Do you love Daddy?”That took me by surprise, and I blushed intense

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 130

    MiaWilliam arrived to pick up Savannah at eleven that morning for their return flight to Vegas.After Savannah and I had hugged tightly, Savannah said, “You have to come to Vegas again soon.”Beside me, Aria was excited. “We can ask Daddy. He did promise to take me there soon.” She turned to her father standing not too far away. “Isn’t that right, Daddy?”James nodded. “Yes, sweetheart.”Once William and Savannah departed, James, Aria, and I went to have lunch with Liam, Scott, and Eric at the main house. Of course, I had no idea this was happening until this morning after breakfast when James happened to just casually mention it. And to be honest, I wasn’t exactly prepared for it. Wasn’t it like my boyfriend taking me to meet his parents for the first time? Which freaked most girls out because they had to give a good first impression. But then again, what was there for me to prepare for? I had already met Liam last night, after all.Aria seemed excited to see her grandfather again,

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 129

    JamesThe moment their father appeared at the door, James knew for a fact that Eric wasn’t happy. He knew also that, soon, the youngest brother would bring up the subject of their father’s future young bride and demand details. Of course, James had no idea why Eric was so riled up about something this trivial. After all, their father was very popular with the opposite sex, regardless of age, and for him to tie the knot again, with a twenty-five-year-old woman at that, wasn’t all that surprising.Currently, they were drinking, nibbling, and chatting about various topics—social and business. They even talked about Herbert Weston and the Mexican mafia, which didn’t much interest James. To him, what was done was done. Of course, what really interested James was Mia.Fuck! He wanted to kiss her and make passionate love to her, but alas, he obviously couldn’t do that until everyone left.It was around midnight when Eric finally brought up the much-anticipated subject. Of course, James was q

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 128

    MiaI dismissed the thought of my brother and Matt from my mind and headed into the bathroom to shower. When I was done, dressed in a lovely loose, long-sleeved blouse and trousers, my makeup lightly done, since my bruised skin was still too sensitive, I headed out the door.I found Savannah sitting on my bed, waiting for me.“Hey,” I said. “Sorry, I think I might have overslept a little.”Savannah chuckled. “No worries. I did that this morning as well. I was so tired.”I nodded. Of course, her having found out about my kidnapping had really scared her, and the whole situation must have exhausted her. Now that I was safe and sound, everything had just kind of caught up to her. I didn’t miss the dark circles under her eyes, either.I was so moved by the fact that she had been so good to me, especially since we had only been friends for a short time, that I gave her a tight hug again. “Thank you for coming all the way here and helping out.”“It’s fine, Mia,” Savannah said. “You’re my fr

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 127

    MiaThe next day, I was finally discharged from the hospital, and James, with Andy tagging along, came to pick me up that afternoon. Of course, both men watched over me like mother hens as I slipped out of bed and began to get myself ready.I was just reaching out for the luggage to start packing when Andy said, “I’ll do that for you. You go and get changed.”I nodded and headed into the bathroom, a dress in my hand.While Andy packed my stuff into the bag Savannah had brought for me, James was in the bathroom, aiding me with getting dressed since my movement was slow. Of course, I didn’t mind the fact that I was half naked in front of him, in just undies and bra and my bare skin marked with dark bruises everywhere. After all, he had seen me naked last night when he was making love to me, albeit under the dimness of the wall light.“Raise your arms,” he instructed as if I were his daughter. I thought he was being very parental toward me.I smiled as I obeyed him, raising my arms high

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 126

    MiaI was finally judged to be well enough to allow a proper shower by myself instead of the occasional sponge bath by the nurse, which, to be honest, was rather embarrassing to say the least. And of course, now that I didn’t have an IV line connected to me, it was even better.After retrieving a towel and the bathroom essentials that Savannah had considerately brought for me yesterday evening, I headed into the bathroom. I took my time brushing my teeth and cleaning myself thoroughly, and, of course, enjoying the warm water on my skin. By the time I was done, I smiled with glee at the fact that I now smelled like the Garden of Eden.After donning the undesirable hospital gown once again and putting on some night cream over my still lightly bruised face, I headed back out, humming to myself.“You sound like you’re having a fine time showering,” the night shift nurse, Laura, said, chuckling.“Hello there. Yes, it’s the first time in five days I’ve showered, so…”Laura nodded. “I can un

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 125

    MiaWhen I woke again, I felt a lot better. The headache was gone, as was the exhaustion.After cleaning myself up for the second time that day, I returned to my bed with renewed determination. I will no longer allow the thought of Herbert Weston to affect me. I will not cry remembering the trauma he inflicted on me nor the distress he caused me—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I will be free from that bastard!With that, I settled myself to read some magazines Brenda had left for me, and it wasn’t long before lunch arrived. It was also around then that Andy appeared at the door again. With my mouth still full of food, I stared at him wide-eyed as he walked toward me.“Hey,” he said. “Feeling better?”I quickly swallowed my food and reached my arms out for him, begging for a great big hug again.Andy came over and took me into his arms as I wrapped mine around his torso.I chuckled as I raised my eyes to look at him. “I hope you’re not driving Matt crazy because you’re so worrie

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 124

    MiaWhen I woke, my hands were resting on the empty space on the side of my bed, and I wondered why it felt so warm, as if someone had been there only moments before. I shifted my body and then inhaled deeply. The scent that was unique to James caressed my nostrils, and I smiled.He had been here, hadn’t he? Sleeping next to me. My heart soared at the thought, though at the same time, I was a little disappointed that he didn’t wake me when he had arrived. We could have had a little chat and kiss.“Good morning.” A nurse I didn’t recognize greeted me as she came into the room. “How are you feeling this morning, love?”I gave her a bright smile, my lips and mouth a little sore in the process. Obviously, my wounds had not yet healed properly. “I’m good. A little pain, but it’s fine.”“That’s good,” she said, grinning brightly. Then she came over to stand at the end of the bed and picked up my medical record. She quickly scanned over the documents, and a moment later, looking rather satis

  • Chained to the Billionaire   Chapter 123

    JamesWhen James came in through the door after a long day at the office and headed toward Mia’s bed in the hospital that night, he found her deep in slumber. Standing by her side, he gazed at her long and hard, noting the bruises on her beautiful face. Fuck! He wanted those unsightly marks gone as soon as possible. The sight of them reminded him of Herbert Weston and what the bastard had done to Mia, and once again, he felt rage erupting in his being.For perhaps the hundredth time, he swore nothing like that would ever happen to Mia again. He’d protect her. He’d cherish her.For now, she looked peaceful in her sleep, but he knew it wouldn’t last long. Soon, it would start, the nightmare, as it had the past three nights. She’d start crying and screaming and begging in her sleep as that terrifying episode of her kidnapping returned to haunt her. She’d scream for Herbert Weston to let her go. She’d beg for him to stop hurting her, and fuck, but the sheer fear and panic in her voice bro

DMCA.com Protection Status