by Alexia Praks
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 worried about me.”
He blushed, which told me this was certainly the case.
“Maybe.” He sat on the side of the bed and turned to look at my food. “Nice?”
I nodded and said, “It’s very creamy. Want some?” I directed the forkful of mashed potatoes in his direction.
He shook his head. “No thanks. I’m not here to steal food from you.”
Andy stayed with me, entertaining me until well past four that afternoon, until Matt made his grand appearance, along with a dark scowl that’d make most gangsters in Vegas shake in their boots at the sight of him.
“I texted!” he announced bluntly the moment his eyes met Andy’s. “You didn’t reply, and I got worried.” Which undoubtedly explained why he was here at the hospital, in my room and only inches from my bed, standing there so imposingly staring at Andy.
Andy raked his fingers through his dark hair. He looked nervous. Come to think of it, Andy was always a little bit nervous around Matt, and I wondered why. It was as if he feared the man was going to pound on him when he least expected it.
That was when it struck me! Of course, Matt was the type who’d pound the one he liked whenever he felt like it, just as James had done with me. Suddenly, I felt sorry for my brother. Andy hated those types of people, especially men who did that sort of thing to him. After all, he had to suffer that from Herbert in his teens.
“Sorry. It’s on silent mode,” he said.
Matt folded his arms across his chest. “Well,” he said. “At least I know you’re fine here in L.A.” He turned to me then and asked, “How are you doing, Mia? You look horrible by the way.”
I smiled. Straight to the point as usual, that man.
“I’m fine,” I said, grinning at him. “Still breathing, as you can see.”
He chuckled. “Feisty, just like your brother. I like it.” He flicked his eyes to Andy again, and I didn’t miss the fact that Andy was looking a little bit annoyed. That was when I saw Matt smirk.
Hmm… Something told me Matt liked Andy’s haughty attitude, which pleased me.
I raised a brow at the man. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around? After all, I’m older than him.”
Matt nodded. “True.”
As Matt was making himself comfortable on the sofa, the door opened once again, and I heard Aria’s voice coming through, which made me jump with joy.
“Aria?” I called out.
“Mia! Mia!” Aria shrieked in delight at the top of her little lungs as she rushed in through the door.
Behind her, I noted Savannah as well as James, William, Scott, and Eric. Gosh, the room was suddenly filled with people. It looked as if the whole family was here to visit me. How nice.
When I turned my gaze back to Aria again, I noted her standing in the middle of the room, staring at me. It was then that I realized I looked quite horrendous, and Aria was probably shocked to see me like this. Dear Lord, my appearance must have really frightened her.
Shit!
Aria looked at me for a moment and then slowly made her way toward me. Meanwhile, my insides were churning in dread.
The little girl came to stand by my bed and said, “I’m so sorry about what happen, Mia. Are you okay? Daddy said it was horrible and that’s why you couldn’t go home to be with us and have to stay in the hospital.”
I flicked my gaze to James, who was standing behind his daughter. I wondered what he’d told Aria about my condition.
I licked my lips and said, “Well, I’m a lot better now.”
“Really?” the little girl asked, uncertain and more than little worried based on the expression on her adorable face. Her Prussian-blue eyes were quite teary. “But you don’t look it. Are you okay, Mia?” She reached her arms out, indicating she wanted to hug me.
I leaned down and gave her a big, tight hug, my arms wrapped around her, as she began to cry.
“Aww… What’s wrong, Aria?” I asked.
She wiped her eyes as she said, “You got into an accident. It must have been painful, right?”
I raised my eyes to James again, and he gave me a handsome smile. So that was what he had told his daughter. That I was in an accident, not kidnapped and beaten by my uncle and Aria’s ex-nanny Sophie Wilson.
“Well, I’m fine now,” I said. “Though, I do have bruises all over me, but I’m still here and smiling.”
Aria nodded. “From now on, I’m going to make Daddy look after you properly so you won’t get into an accident ever again, all right?”
James chuckled, along with everyone else in the room.
“Good one, Aria,” Eric said, chuckling away enthusiastically.
“You do that, sweetheart,” Scott said, urging her on.
Once Aria finally settled down, I turned to Savannah, who had been standing there quietly and patiently waiting for her turn at my attention. I moved over and gave her a big hug as well.
“I’m so glad to see you, Mia,” she said. “You have no idea how scared I was when I heard the news.”
I nodded. “I know. I know. And thanks for coming and helping look after Aria.”
“No worries. And by the way, I brought some essential stuff.” She pointed to the small luggage sitting on the floor by her side.
“Thanks,” I said, grateful.
Matt, Andy, William, and Savannah left about an hour after they had arrived, while Scott, Eric, James, and Aria stayed behind. While I was talking to Aria and having some fun bonding time with the little girl, I faintly heard the Maxwell brothers start talking about the return of their father, Liam Maxwell, on the other side of the room. Of course, from the corner of my eyes, I didn’t miss the fact that there were more young nurses walking the ward either, their eyes straying toward the brothers with admiration.
I secretly smiled. The men were a bunch of hotties all right, and I had no doubt the girls wanted to attract their attention as much as possible, especially Scott since he was so gorgeous.
Aria was just telling me about what she had learned at school and how much fun she had with her friends when I faintly heard Scott saying something about their father being very likely to want to meet me, which made me nervous. After all, I had heard that the great man was very ruthless, more so than James, and James had already scared me shitless the first time I’d met him. If I hadn’t happened to be so attracted to him in the first place, I’d run in the opposite direction as though the devil were chasing after me.
Then again, why would Liam Maxwell want to see me? I was merely James’s mistress, wasn’t I? No, wait. I had already graduated to being his girlfriend, but still… There was no reason for him to want to see me.
I sighed, heart racing and stomach knotting in dread.
“Mia, what’s wrong?” Aria asked.
I shook my head and said, “Nothing.”
Chapter 15
Mia
I 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 myself 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 wa
s 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 nightshift nurse, Laura, said, chuckling.
I greeted, “Hello there. Yes, it’s the first time in five days I’ve showered, so…”
Laura nodded. “I can understand that. It must have been stuffy as hell.”
“You got that right,” I said, hopping into bed, making sure my undies weren’t showing through the gown as I did so. To be sure, having the opening at the back was rather inconvenient, and I had no idea why a typical hospital gown was designed this way.
“Are you glad that you’re going to be discharged tomorrow?” Laura asked as she tidied things up for me.
I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, very. I can’t wait to be home with everyone.”
After Laura had done her thing, she said, “Get a good night’s sleep, then.”
I nodded and said, “Thanks.”
As she switched off the main light in the room, Laura said, “Good night, Mia.” Then she closed the door behind her.
Alone, I made myself comfortable in bed and closed my eyes.
Get a good night’s sleep, eh? It seemed I had indeed been having a good night’s sleep last night, since I had confronted the monster of Herbert Weston who had been haunting me relentlessly after the kidnapping. More especially when I felt James beside me in bed. His mere presence was a comfort to me, which made me sleep very soundly.
When I fell into a deep sleep that night, I had a pleasant dream of my late parents, of them smiling at me and Andy. I had a feeling they had been watching over us, and I felt this glow of happiness within me that was difficult to describe. Perhaps they were telling me they were happy now that we were safe and we had found the one who loved and cherished us as Mom and Dad had loved and cherished each other and us. In my mind, I silently thanked them before they disappeared from my dream.
When I woke again, I felt as though someone was watching me. I fluttered my eyes open, and in the dimness of the wall light, I saw James standing not too far away.
I stretched lightly since I felt a little stiff sleeping in one position for so long. Or had it been that long at all since I’d fallen asleep? “Hi. What time is it?”
James replied, “Two in the morning.”
“Oh,” I said, wondering why I was suddenly wide awake at this time.
I sat up slightly, grinning since the pleasant dream about my parents had put me in a good mood.
“Why aren’t you sleeping?” I asked. “And you know you don’t have to be here with me, right? I mean, it’s not that I don’t want you here with me, but… You must be tired, and I’m well now…”
God, I was mumbling nonsensical words. Even though I loved to have James beside me every night, I was also worried about his health and well-being. He probably hadn’t had one good night’s sleep since the kidnapping.
James came to sit on the side of the bed, his eyes intense on my face. “So I notice. You’ve showered, too.”
I smiled at him cheekily. “It felt really good to shower, you know.” I eyed him with interest. “So since I’m pretty clean now, do you want to kiss me?”
He cocked his head to one side, his Prussian-blue eyes dark with a sort of intense aura that snatched my breath away and made my tummy flutter in excitement.
“Is that an invitation?” he asked.
I licked my lower lip as I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Maybe?”
Suddenly, he cupped my face, his fingers digging deep into my newly shampooed hair. “I’m glad you woke up smiling.”
His words and the expression on his face confused me. But of course all puzzlement was wiped out of my mind when I felt his lips against mine.
God, he felt warm and comforting, and his lips were just wonderful, kissing me so passionately like that.
I groaned in his arms as I closed my eyes, savoring the feeling and the moment. Then he urged my lips to part for him, and I obliged without hesitation. God, I had been waiting for this, and now that I finally received it, I took full advantage of it.
I groaned in pleasure as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders whilst my tongue caressed and stroked his, dancing this beautiful exotic salsa.
My whole body was basking in the warmth of pleasure while my head was in a haze of delight. When we finally stopped and James moved back, I was breathless.
I clung to him as I took a moment to catch my breath, still dazed from the amazing kiss.
Of course, once I regained my senses, I’d ask him to stay here in bed with me rather than returning to his uncomfortable sofa for the rest of the night, but then…
Then he took me off guard as I felt his hands going under the blanket and then under my hospital gown. In a mere moment, he was caressing my skin around the back where the gown was easily peeled off.
Eh?
I raised my eyes to him in surprise and asked, “Where are you touching, mister?”
He smiled darkly at me as he said, “You don’t expect me to stop there, do you? After your enticing seduction?” He chuckled with amusement when he saw me blushing severely.
I felt his hand move around to my front and then up to my breast. I gasped in delight as I gazed up at him.
I bit my lip so my groaning wouldn’t escape my mouth as he continued to arrogantly stroke my nipple.
“James!” I whispered, my face red. “You can’t. Not here. We’re in a hospital!”
He silenced me with another kiss, and it wasn’t long when he tore away my hospital gown, ripping it in the process.
I freaked out because Laura, or one of the nurses, might hear us or worse, walk in on us and witness this unsavory scene.
I tried to make him stop kissing and caressing me by pushing him back, but of course, the man was strong and, needless to say, relentless. In the end, I was underneath him, my body willingly and eagerly allowing him to touch and caress.
When James lifted his head and released my now sore lips, he said darkly, “I did promise to kiss you properly once you were well again, didn’t I? Isn’t this what you want?”
I mindlessly nodded, but… But I wasn’t well enough yet, and we were still in the hospital.
He grinned at me seductively, his Prussian-blue eyes twinkling wildly with passion, which took my breath away.
“I promise to be gentle tonight,” he said. “But when we return home…”
He left the sentence unfinished, which of course, made my body shiver in both trepidation and anticipation. But when we return home… That would be another story. He was telling me that he’d go back to his wild, sexy side again, and he’d fuck me ruthlessly until I was sure to be mindless.
I watched, mesmerized, as James lowered his head and kissed my breast gently, as he had never done before. The same went for his hands and fingers. They were very gentle and light in their touches, and God, it was wonderful and even more tantalizing than I had ever experienced with him before. Every stroke and every touch sent my body soaring with pleasure, and I kept groaning softly out into the night.
When James popped one very aroused nipple into his hot mouth, I couldn’t help myself and groaned loudly. Just as quickly, I covered my mouth with my hand to mask the noise. But of course, James was unyielding as he sucked at my nipple, which drove me almost to the brink of insanity, and I cried, tears flowing down my cheeks. My whole body was shaking like a leaf in a storm at this new undisguised sort of pleasure that I had not experienced before, and God, I wanted more and more. It was intoxicating and addictive.
When James started lovingly stroking me between my legs, I cried out in ecstasy. I softly called out his name, begging him for more.
“You’re eager for me, aren’t you?” He teased, his warm breath fanning my sensitive ear, which only added to the tantalizing sensations
of his lovemaking.
I couldn’t control myself and mindlessly nodded. “I want you… Yes, please… James…”
I continued to groan and cried out softly as James continued to lovingly torture me with his slow and gentle lovemaking, his hands and fingers stroking and caressing me everywhere, especially my pussy. When he inserted his fingers into my wet opening, I felt as though I were melting, my legs turning to jelly.
I lifted my hips, wanting him to go even deeper, and when he did, caressing inside, I felt I could die any moment now from this incredible pleasure that I couldn’t describe. My chest felt so tight, and my insides felt full, yet it wasn’t full and I wanted more. I wanted something bigger and harder filling me to the brink and satisfying me.
“James…” I groaned out his name. “Please… I can’t hold on much longer…”
I heard him chuckling. Then I felt him move his face close to me and say, “You’re so beautiful, Mia. I love you.”
I nodded. “I love you, too,” I said. “Now please take me.”
“My pleasure, princess,” he said and then inserted his cock into my pussy.
The moment I felt that rock-hard organ inside me, I felt like a million fireworks were going off, bursting, lighting the night sky with brilliant colors, and I sighed in pleasure.
Then James started to move inside me, driving that pleasure meter higher and higher, and my mind went into a haze of nothing but pleasure.
“Ja-James…” I groaned his name as he thrust deep inside me, again and again, relentlessly pleasuring me and driving me crazy.
I spread my legs wider and lifted my hips so I could feel him deeper inside me. And God, it felt so good to have him filling me so perfectly.
“James!” I cried out breathlessly. “James! Hmm…”
I heard him groaning in pleasure, too, as he fucked me, his hard cock thrusting, and it wasn’t long before I came. I clung to him for dear life as I climaxed, feeling my whole body tense in exotic pleasure that made me want more and more.
When I was finally done, he came after me, and I watched him, mesmerized at the sight. God, it was the first time I really watched him climax when we made love, and he took my breath away. He was gorgeous, and I knew I wanted to see more of this.