“I don’t like your fucking good mood, James,” Eric muttered in irritation. “And don’t even dare try stopping me from going to Japan.”
The three brothers were at Scott’s apartment, sitting around on the veranda outside, taking in the great view and the sun while they ate lunch.
Eric’s mention of his good mood put a smile on James’ face, and once again, he thought about Mia. Fuck, he couldn’t help himself. That sex had been great. It had only been their first time together, and he was hooked. He couldn’t wait to spend more time with her.
That sex was also Mia’s first time. He wondered if it lived up to her expectations. The thought it possibly didn’t caused his stomach to twist in dread a little. No, it was definitely great for her; no doubt about that. The look on her face when she came was complete satisfaction for him.
“Hello? Anybody home?” Scott chuckled, waving his hand in front of his brother.
James blinked and laughed. “My bad. Sorry.”
Eric got even more irritated at James’ lack of enthusiasm about his trip and more so at the fact the brother was against it. “Snap out of it, James. I said don’t even try to stop me—”
James cut him off. “Nobody can ever stop you when you put your mind to something,” he said, both with admiration and annoyance.
Eric laughed while Scott just stared at James.
“James?” Scott’s voice held a warning. His tone made it clear they had to stop Eric at all costs.
James took a sip of his beer and then rested his head back against the chair. He stared up at the bright-blue sky as he said, “So what’s your plan once you’re in Japan?”
“Find what’s her name and put a stop to the wedding,” Eric said confidently.
James laughed and turned his eyes to the youngest brother. “How the heck are you going to stop her?”
“You don’t even know what she looks like,” Scott said sourly. “Don’t be such a kid and just deal with it, Eric.”
“I’m not acting like a kid, Scott!” Eric snapped. “Like hell I’m going to accept a twenty-five-year-old child for a fucking stepmother. She’s practically my age.”
Scott and James looked at each other. They both knew Eric was very passionate about the subject, but shit, there was simply no way they could do anything about it. It was the old man’s business.
“And FYI,” Eric said, staring at Scott, “I do know what she looks like.”
Scott raised his brow with interest. “Seriously?”
“Seriously,” Eric said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, brothers, I have business to attend to.”
With that, their youngest brother took off, his expression dark.
Scott turned his attention to James and glared. “What the fuck, James? I thought you were going to stop him.”
James laughed. “You and I know there’s no stopping that smart-ass.”
Scott nodded. “He’s a Maxwell.”
James sighed. “Yep, he’s a Maxwell.”
“Shit,” Scott muttered under his breath. “Dad’s going to flip if his bride doesn’t turn up.”
James laughed. “Like you actually care.”
Scott shrugged. “I don’t. Fact is I hope Eric succeeds, but…”
“He will,” James said.
“Shit will hit the fan,” Scott muttered.
James leaned forward. “Why don’t you go with him?” he suggested.
Scott raised a brow at his brother. “To Japan?”
James nodded. “It’ll be fun.”
Scott laughed then. “Fucking hell. I guess I should.”
The view before me was indeed breathtaking, and under any other circumstances, I’d enjoy it. But today was different. As I sat there staring out into the vast expanse of the city of Los Angeles, all I could think about was what happened a few hours ago.
Sex.
I just couldn’t believe I’d just had my very first sex. And with one of the hottest and richest guys I’d ever met. Oh, the ending was good, just like all the girls in high school had whispered about. That wonderful ecstasy when one came. The pleasure and exquisite feeling of being caressed and stroked. It was amazing. Yet once it was finished, there was nothing. It was purely physical, wasn’t it?
Was this what it was meant to be like between me and my new lover, Mr. James Maxwell? Our relationship would be nothing more than purely physical pleasure? Of course, there had been no exchange in the emotional arena. No passionate connection whatsoever. Just the bodily contact. And somehow I felt let down, that sex wasn’t what it had been hyped up to be. At least compared to what romance books painted it to be. Fanciful worlds conjured by lonely authors who had too much spare time, imagination, and creativity.
I bit my lip as I pulled up my legs and tugged my knees under my chin.
“James,” I whispered. “Will you always be like this toward me? Using my body and then leaving?”
I felt fear emerging within me, the invisible monster screwing into my heart and twisting about, making me feel awfully sick.
That was part of the contract, wasn’t it? That was part of my job as mistress to a billionaire.
Tears stung my eyes, but I willed them away with the force of cold logic.
“Stupid!” I muttered to myself.
I won’t cry. I was doing this to save my brother. It was a job I’d see to the end.
Yes, I won’t feel sorry for myself. I should just be glad my brother and I needn’t think about the two-million-dollar debt anymore.
Yet…that feeling of loneliness was still there. The hope that perhaps at least there’d be some sort of emotional bond between us. Oh, how I wanted that emotional connection—the lovey-dovey type between a man and a woman. The type I’d seen between Mom and Dad. Would I ever get the chance?
Instantly, images of James came into my head, the smile and the twinkling Prussian-blue eyes I loved. Then there was that amused look as well as the fiery expression I’d seen. And what about his tender embrace back at the motel last night when we’d returned from dinner? And then that gentle kiss on my forehead? Those were affectionate moments. It was like he cared about me, yet…
Yet that sex had been good physically but lacking emotionally.
I shook my head. “Stop thinking about it,” I muttered to myself. I smiled. “It’s going to be okay.” Instantly, I dismissed the thought and turned to my brother.
“Andy,” I said.
I’d get to see him tomorrow, and I prayed he’d be all right. I prayed this Matt wasn’t hurting and torturing him, but I knew otherwise. The agonizing sounds from Andy’s voice and the harsh words from Matt I’d heard through the phone last night had nearly driven me insane. It had nearly killed me. I was worried sick about him. Even though James had reassured me Matt wouldn’t hurt Andy, after what I’d heard, there was no way I could believe him.
I shut off my mind from the thoughts of my brother, too, and got up from bed. I rushed out the door and then down the stairs into the living area and kitchen. I mucked about, searching the fridge for something hearty to eat and cold to drink. It was three in the afternoon, and I was more than a little hungry. I hadn’t had anything to eat since breakfast around seven in the morning, which had been before the contract signing and then the sex.
James, of course, had left straight after, informing me he had work to do and he’d return tonight. He’d told me not to leave the premises as there were still people after me. He also told me not to worry about security, as this was his building and no one was stupid enough to break in. I had no idea what that meant, and I didn’t ask.
My eyes lit up as I searched about in the humongous fridge. I was surprised it was stocked up with every basic food item imaginable. Did that mean he resided here often? And what about his mansion? Did he spend most of his time here or over there where that beautiful brunette named Sophie stayed?
The thought of James spending more time over at the mansion and with that woman made me a little uneasy, and I didn’t know why. Why should I feel anything if the two of them were together? It clearly had nothing to do with me. I knew in my gut, however, that the woman didn’t like me, and I hoped like hell we never crossed paths again.
Dismissing the thought, I began making myself some sandwiches. Once done, I poured a cup of apple juice and carried my very late lunch toward the veranda, which was next to the living area. I made myself comfortable on the sun couch there and ate as I admired the view. I was just finishing my drink when my eyes caught sight of a man down below. That sleek black car the man was leaning against looked oddly familiar. Then it hit me hard, and I swallowed the last of the apple juice in shock.
“William,” I said just under my breath, my voice shaking. “What’s he doing here?”
Then I realized. This was James’ building, and he must have known I was here.
Suddenly, he looked up. I held my breath as he watched me through his sunglasses. He waved, and I could tell there was a smile on his lips.
I didn’t know what to do and just stood there staring at him. A moment later, he climbed into his car and then drove away. I cocked my head to one side, confused. Had I thought wrong that he’d seen me? I would have thought he’d barge right in and steal me away.
MiaWilliam’s sudden appearance made me so unsettled that when the phone inside the apartment rang, I jumped in fright. I blinked. Who’d be calling?Should I pick up and tell whoever it was to go away? But heck, whoever it was surely was persistent. It kept ringing and ringing, and it was getting on my nerves. Then, because I couldn’t help myself, I rushed in and picked it up.“Hello?”A chuckle sounded and then, “Took you long enough. How’s your afternoon going, sweetheart?”I blushed at the comment. We’d only started our master/mistress relationship, for God’s sake. He needn’t call me sweetheart.“James?” I asked.“Yes, sweetheart.”“Why are you calling?” I couldn’t help myself.“To see how you’re getting on,” he replied.I licked my lips. “I’m fine.” Then I wondered if I should tell him about William.“Good,” he said. “Look, I won’t be there until late tonight. Sorry, sweetheart. Will you be okay?”“Of course I’ll be fine. I’m a grown adult, after all,” I said matter-of-factly. The
MiaBack in the days before I turned twelve, my life was beautiful. We weren’t well-off. In fact, my parents always worried about money, about how we were going to pay off that next bill, how we’d have enough to put food on the table. But it was a worry we shared, a combined effort to make ends meet, and we were happy.My parents had been childhood sweethearts and were married straight after they’d graduated college. They had loved each other dearly, and they had cherished me and my brother Andy with all their hearts.Yes, my life had been beautiful back then, before that fateful summer day when a truck drove into our car on Interstate 93 as we made our way back to Mystic Spring, when both my parents’ lives were abruptly snatched from this world.I felt tears sting my eyes as I stared up at the ceiling, watching the shadows of the room playing about. My chest tightened with sorrow at the thought of my parents, at the thought of how unfair the world was.“Mommy?” I remembered my eleven
MiaThe moment I saw those burning Prussian-blue eyes and his dark face, I wanted to weep with both delight and trepidation. I knew the moment I saw the look on his face that he was going to ravish me again. But so early in the morning? When we’d just done so last night?I couldn’t help myself and voiced my confusion. “James? Are we doing this again?”He chuckled. “You’re finally awake,” he replied, ignoring my question. “I was beginning to wonder.” He returned his attention to my breast.I couldn’t have that. “James?”He continued to ignore me and guided my leg up. He met my thigh with a kiss of his eager lips and then another and another and then some licks of his tongue.His tongue was hot and wet, and I groaned in response as he moved ever closer to the forbidden area.“Oh, James,” I whispered. “It’s early in the morning.”He finally turned his attention to me with an amused look. He moved up so that we were face-to-face. Then his lips found mine, and he kissed me, plunging his to
MiaAs I went down the stairs, I smelled coffee and bacon. James must have been cooking breakfast again.I found him in the kitchen transferring crispy bacon from a frying pan onto plates.“Good morning, sunshine,” he said, eyeing me with interest as I descended the last few steps.The word sunshine tugged something deep within my heart, and I felt weak in the knees.“Morning,” I replied as I hopped onto a barstool.He poured me a cup of coffee.“Thanks,” I said.“You’re welcome,” he stated, smiling.He appeared to be in a fine mood after what happened in the bedroom only twenty minutes ago. I eyed him with interest, too, as I raised the hot cup of coffee to my lips. I noted his dark hair was wet and that he had on a pair of jeans and a simple T-shirt. Despite the fact he wasn’t in a suit, he still looked handsome as hell.After the thorough examination of his person, I decided he must have had a cold shower to cool himself down as I’d suggested. Oddly enough, I felt a little disappoi
MiaI arrived on the landing and then rushed toward my bedroom door. I didn’t make it in time though. James caught me by the arm and spun me around. In one smooth motion, he scooped me up in his arms and headed straight to his own room.“James?” I queried, my heart pounding. “I thought you’d calm down. You promised to take me to see my brother.”He ignored the subject of my brother and said, “The only way to calm me down is you.”“Aren’t there other ways?” I asked naïvely.He looked at me then, and a slow, sly smile appeared on his face. “I’ll show you how one day, and you can assist me.”I regretted asking that question instantly. The look on his face made me utter, “No. No, that’s fine. No need to show me.”“Oh, but I insist,” he said. “Now let’s find out what that scent is.”He deposited me on the length of his bed as I said, “You can find that out yourself. It’s in the bathroom on a shelf.” I pointed toward the door of my own room, hoping like hell he’d take the bait.He didn’t. “
JamesMia Donovan, the naive girl from the small town of Mystic Spring, with a contagious smile and sexy body, was a hot mess. Her long dark hair rested luxuriously over his naked skin, draping over him like a seductive lover. Her face was snuggled at the nape of his neck while her naked body lolled on top of him with a sort of careless abandon any man would find alluring.She was still breathing heavily, exhausted from their unexpected morning sex. Well, unexpected on her part. For James, however, he’d known since he’d made the offer for a contract that morning sex with her was part of the deal. Honest to God, what man wouldn’t want to make love to such a beautiful, luscious body? The body that had innocently, seductively enticed him since the first time he’d met her? The body that obeyed his every command?Sex with Mia Donovan was definitely amazing, and James hadn’t had that in a long time. Not, in fact, since his first time with his ex-wife Whitney when he had been twenty-one, aft
MiaI didn’t think I’d ever get to see Andy today, and I decided that billionaire James Maxwell was a shameless liar. I shouldn’t have believed his word even though he’d promised he’d take me to my brother. I should have asked for a signed contract for a specific date and time for the requested meeting. It should have been written in the clauses of our contract. But I was stupid and had never thought about that. I was too naive and trustful.Oh God! My mind was going numb again.“James,” I groaned. “James.” I had to stop him before I was too far gone, before I lost myself to him again. Thus, I pushed him away from me, my puny palms against his massive broad chest. When he finally responded and eased his weight from me, I slipped off the bed, intending to run to my own room.I only managed one step before he swiftly caught my wrist. I jumped the moment I felt his hot hand on my skin, because I knew I wasn’t getting away.When I turned my gaze to him, there was no pleasant grin on his f
MiaWhen 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