MiaI sat on the bed, staring into space, my mind on James as I heard the shower going. The amazing sex and the words I’d said to him were still playing in my head. Why, oh why had I said it? Then I remembered once again I had to tell James about returning to Mystic Spring, returning to my job.“I’ll tell him when he’s out,” I said, nodding, my stomach lurching with dread. I wasn’t looking forward to it, but it had to be done. I couldn’t put it off anymore. My annual leave would end soon, and my bastard of a boss would be livid if I didn’t return to work the day I was due back. Besides, there was also the fact that I needed to distance myself from James. I’d decided to clear my head.Being close to him, I had come to realize, confused me, both emotionally and mentally—for example, what just happened in the bathroom. Was it truly love I had for James, or was it simply an infatuation, as Andy had put it? I had no idea, and I knew it’d get worse the more time I spent with James and the m
JamesHe didn’t want her to work. What was so fucking hard to understand about that? James thought in irritation. He’d provide everything for her, even a regular income. He was a generous man when it came to a person he adored, and Mia was definitely one of those people. So why the fuck did she behave like he’d crushed her heart when he refused to let her return to Mystic Spring, which was no longer her home?“Fuck!” he swore under his breath as he raked his fingers through his thick, dark hair.Was she really going to defy him and return to the small town? What with that two hundred bucks of hers? Furthermore, her sick bastard of an uncle was still on the loose, prowling the country, searching for her and her brother. He had no doubt the maniac would kidnap Mia if he found her. Fuck, didn’t she realize her life could be in danger? That he personally wouldn’t be able to protect her if she were to return to the other side of the States?God, that sex they’d had previously had been simp
JamesUpon opening the bathroom door here at the hotel suite, the instant he’d seen Mia in the bath, her face pale as if she were having a nightmare, his stomach lurched with dread. She was going through it again, her unpleasant past, her demons.Fuck, how he wanted her to confide in him, to share her past with him. He knew, however, he couldn’t force her into that, not until she was ready.Mia’s voice drew his attention back to the present. She said, “I’m sorry too. I’m… I’m sorry I called you all those mean things. I mean…you know…that you’re a control freak…that you’re…”He chuckled, amused at her assumption of his character. “I am?” he asked.She blushed and stammered, “Well, yes, of course. The way you made me say and do things…and stuff…” She licked her lips, her eyes downcast. “But…but it’s quite nice being controlled by you too, you know.”James felt his breath catch at the back of his throat. What was this feeling? It was warm and cozy, like Mia herself had captured his heart
MiaWhen I woke the next morning, it was to James kissing my cheek. His warm breath seductively caressed my skin as I stirred and fluttered my eyes open.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he whispered.I reluctantly groaned and asked softly, “James?”“Hmm?” He kissed me again, his lips warm.“What time is it?” Then, because I couldn’t help myself, I yawned.“Seven,” he said.I rubbed my eyes and then turned to look at him fully. He was leaning over me, his face close to mine. I moved about in my spot and tried to make myself sit up. James wouldn’t let me, however, and I found myself lying there below him in such a vulnerable position. His beautiful Prussian-blue eyes were so intense that I became nervous all of a sudden. I glanced away, casting my eyes downward to avoid his passionate stare.That was when I noticed he was fully and immaculately dressed in his powerful suit, per usual. Gosh, the man still looked as darkly gorgeous as ever, even this early in the morning. Whereas I, on the ot
MiaJames and I spent an hour walking the mall and shopping for suitcases. I wasn’t particular about luggage and, in fact, thought any old one would do. James, however, insisted I get a matching set. Thus, I found myself getting one of those very fancy, expensive Louis Vuitton traveling collections. By the time we were done shopping, I felt awfully guilty for spending James’ money yet again.We were in one of the restaurants, having lunch, when I couldn’t help myself and said, “James, I know I’m… um…”How did I even go about this? Telling him I didn’t want to be so indebted to him even though I was supposed to be his mistress.James cocked his head to one side. “What’s the matter?”I licked my lips and then cleared my throat. I stared down at my food as I said, “You’re spending too much on me.”“You don’t like that?”I shook my head. “Well, it’s not that… I just don’t want to be indebted to you. That’s all.” I glanced at him and noted his dark frown. My heart constricted in dread. “Wh
MiaI wasn’t sure if it was a good thing to see James do a double take the moment he walked into the living area. It had been the first time I’d seen him do that. Surely I wasn’t wearing something so glamorous it was worthy of such avid attention from him this evening. It was just a simple white dress that wasn’t showing much of anything. My hair was French braided, and my makeup was done neutrally. When I’d had a glance at myself in the mirror, I thought I looked like some innocent girl on her way to church.James had a dark look on his face that made me nervous. It wasn’t the usual spark I’d seen so many times when he saw me in something sexy, like the erotic lingerie or the silk cocktail dress. This was something more. It was deeper and, quite frankly, notoriously wicked and iniquitous.His stare made my stomach flip in both dread and excitement. There was a sort of hard line to the features of his face that made him look like a devil in heat.I licked my lips and said, “Hi. You’re
MiaWe arrived at the Bosworth Hotel and Resort fifteen minutes later. The place wasn’t so different from The Maxwell after all. It was busy and lively with tourists and businessmen enjoying their time drinking, dining, and gambling.Once we came to the penthouse, which took up the entire top floor of the building, I noticed James’ stance was rather tense. I couldn’t help myself and glanced over at him, more than a little worried. Personally, I hoped William wasn’t around. After all, the two, despite being friends, didn’t really get along well.“James?” I asked, drawing his attention to me. “Are you sure you want to…um…?”James snorted with amusement, as if he knew what my concern was and what I was about to ask.“It’s fine,” he said bluntly. He stepped forward and knocked on the door loudly to inform Savanah of our arrival.I truly hoped everything would go all right tonight. I knew Savanah personally hadn’t yet met James, and I wondered if she could handle being around him. He was r
WilliamWilliam had done his fucking best behaving himself and not ruining the night for Savanah. Sitting there watching the woman he loved enjoying herself in the company of her new friend was certainly fulfilling, despite the fact that he had to endure James’ presence. Truth be told, it wasn’t that unpleasant, but William would have preferred it better if he were alone with Savanah. But of course, he didn’t have to wait long until the time came for their guests to leave, and he’d have her all to himself.He lifted his wineglass and took a sip, his eyes still glued on Savanah, who was sitting with Mia on the other side of the table, talking enthusiastically.James said darkly, “Quit staring so much.”William chuckled and returned his attention to his friend. “Can’t be helped,” he said, shrugging. “Who the fuck could resist staring when there are two cute girls in the house?”James said, “You’re not behaving yourself at all.”“I’m doing my best, James,” William said as if he were frus