Chapter 12

Mia

I 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. Then he took a seat on the chair, facing me.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I tentatively nodded, unconvincingly. I didn’t want to reply because I knew my voice would be shaking with fear, and I didn’t want James to know I was so scared.

“Looks like they’ve been here,” he said quietly.

I glanced at him, my eyes watering. “Who? William’s men?”

James shook his head. “I know William. It’s not his work. He’s too honorable for this type of bullshit.”

“They were looking for me, I suppose?” I asked stupidly.

He nodded.

“Because of Andy?”

Again, he nodded.

“But I’ve only been here half a day,” I protested, tears blinding me.

James noticed my tears and came over to me. He sat beside me and took me into his arms. I gasped in surprise as he pressed my face against the crook of his shoulder. He was so warm and strong, and his scent, his wonderful scent played havoc with my senses. I didn’t need any further encouragement. I closed my eyes and breathed in deep. He made me feel safe.

Suddenly, he kissed my forehead gently, and I shivered deliciously. What was going on? Was this even right? The man who wanted me to pay my brother’s debt with my body was comforting me like he would his daughter? I was confused by this man’s character.

“If you didn’t come, they would have flown to New Hampshire to find you,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’s the way things are.”

I shook my head, not understanding. I didn’t understand how James Maxwell’s world worked, and a part of me didn’t want to know. But apparently, it was too late now, because whether I liked it or not, I was part of it thanks to Andy and his friends.

I sighed, comfortable in James’ arms. I moved just a little and looked up at him. “Do you know who it is?”

He looked down and smiled kindly. I tried not to be affected by that handsome grin of his, but it was hard.

“I have my suspicions,” he said.

I saw the gleam in his eyes and knew something was up. I wanted to ask him, but he cut me off.

“Now then, a safe place to keep you away from those greedy bastards,” he said.

“The police?” I suggested naïvely.

He laughed. I loved his laugh. It was sonorous, rumbling from all the way deep within his throat.

“No, not the police, sweetheart. My apartment.”

My heart skipped a beat.

“Nowhere else?” I queried meekly.

“Nowhere else,” he replied and stood. “Let’s get your things together.”

I watched as he gathered all my torn clothing and stuffed it into my bag. Once that was done, he grabbed my arm and led me out the door. He kept me close as we headed to the reception area.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noted two black cars in the parking lot and four men standing there, watching us from afar. These men didn’t wear black suits like William’s men. They wore casual clothing and appeared ready to strike. I knew immediately they were another group of people who were after me. I knew also if I were alone, they’d beat me senseless and then drag me away with them.

“It’s all right. They won’t do anything,” James whispered into my ear. I shivered and gave him a look that questioned his confident statement. He grinned. “They’re not that stupid.”

I didn’t understand the meaning behind his words but was pleased that once I was checked out and in James’ car, they indeed had not acted. To further my relief, they didn’t follow us as James drove out into the street.

I sighed and relaxed in my seat. James laughed, and I took offense. “It’s my first time,” I snapped. “I’ve never had to deal with these types of people back home.”

Suddenly, James veered the car to the right and stopped. He turned to me and said, “I believe you.”

In a second flat, he had his hand behind my head and his lips were against mine. His kiss was hot, and I felt my body quivering with delight as his tongue slipped between my lips and invaded my mouth. I groaned as my body melted into his and he kissed me deeper. When finally he let me go, I was dizzy and my brain was a muddled mess.

He stroked my sore lips with his thumb when he whispered to me, “Don’t look at me like that, Mia. Your expression makes me want to fuck you so badly.”

My mind began to clear, and when his words finally sank in, I angrily slapped his hand from my lips.

I was still having difficulty breathing when he returned his attention to the car and started driving out. I was pleased he didn’t make any conversation during the twenty-minute drive to his apartment. Once he parked in the underground lot, he led me, with his arm around me of course, toward the elevator. I tried to push him away, but the man would have none of it.

“Do you mind?” I asked in exasperation. “Personal space here, mister!”

He chuckled. “All right, personal space,” he said and let go of me. He even had the courtesy to take a few steps back.

“Thank you,” I said.

Yes, I needed space and time away from this man. In only half a day, he had kissed me twice. In only half a day, he had already made a wanton wench of me. I came to the realization that Mr. James Maxwell was a bad influence on me, and I needed to be free of him. But it was hard when ruthless thugs were after me, and the only person able to keep me safe was the person I wanted to run away from. Yet I didn’t truly want to run from this gorgeous Mr. Maxwell.

James had to swipe his key card to get into the main building and then again to get onto the elevator. I noted security cameras on every corner, even in the elevator itself. Security was indeed tight in this building, and instantly I felt safer.