by Alexia Praks
“Actually, William’s penthouse.”
I blinked. William’s penthouse? Was that going to be all right? Would William be there?
Savanah answered that question for me. “Don’t worry. William is going to be out this evening, so it’s just you and me. Girls’ night in.” She chuckled. “Don’t you think that’d be fun?”
I nodded in agreement. “Of course,” I said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
A moment later, after I’d told her I’d see her soon, we hung up. I spent a bit more time packing and tidying up, making sure I wasn’t missing anything. It had been a lot easier before when I didn’t have a lot with me, with just my backpack and a few worn-out items of clothing. Now, however, there were so many, and I had no idea how to deal with it, this packing and stuff.
By four in the afternoon, I got tired of it and decided to take a bath and get myself ready for dinner with Savanah.
Chapter 34
Mia
I 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 back early.”
James was still staring, his eyes roving over me, taking in every inch. He smirked. “I don’t remember buying you that dress.”
I shrugged. “It was among the others from Fleur,” I said. “Maybe you’ve bought so many you’ve forgotten.” I cocked my head to one side as I glanced down at myself. “Although, I didn’t know you liked this sort of thing on me. It’s quite nice, isn’t it?”
It was true this dress was completely different from the others. This one was very modest in an almost schoolgirl style.
“I didn’t know either,” he said, walking toward me, his eyes dark.
Once he was close, he drew me to him and planted a kiss gently against my lips. When he urged me to part, I obliged, and he eagerly plunged in his tongue.
He was slow and erotic, his tongue playing and teasing me. This was a different James. This James was gentle, taking his time. This James made my heart flutter with joy.
I groaned softly, my hands clutching onto his jacket as he continued to leisurely explore me, tasting me and teasing me, slowly burning me and igniting my core.
When he finally terminated the kiss, I was breathless and dazed. My knees were weak as I leaned against him for support.
James moved over and cupped my breast through the fabric of the dress. I groaned because I knew what his intention was. Despite the fact that he’d already turned me on and I wanted more than anything to let him do sexy, erotic stuff to me right now, I had to control myself. I had a dinner date with Savanah after all. It wouldn’t do for me to be late, especially when I wanted to spend time with her. Who knew when I’d get to see her again? I wasn’t in control of my own traveling plans for the next five years because of the contract with James. And neither was Savanah, as I knew she was under William’s patronage.
I said, my voice weak and shaky, “James, I have to go.”
James snuggled his nose in the crook of my neck and asked, “Where are you going?”
I made him move back from me because, really, I simply couldn’t think straight when he was so close. Gosh, his heat and smell was driving me senseless. As always, his presence made me want to throw away my morals and simply allow him to ravish me in every way he desired until I was spent. God, I was such a wanton wench, wasn’t I?
“I have a dinner date with a friend.”
James cocked his head to one side. “A friend?”
“Remember?” I said. “Savanah.”
“Ah, her.” He nodded. “At William’s penthouse, I presume?”
I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not for James to know so much about me and everything to do with me, even my new friend Savanah and where she lived.
“Yes.” I nodded, taking a step back. “I think Patrick is waiting for me downstairs,” I said to hint at the fact I really must get going.
I managed to escape his fervent clutches somehow and hastily rushed into the bedroom. There, I retrieved my handbag and shoes and then returned to the living room to find James on the phone. He was busy talking, and because I didn’t want to disturb him, I waved and headed to the door.
I was just about to exit when I felt James’s hand on my wrist, pulling me back against him. He buried his face in the crook of my neck. “Sure, I’ll behave myself. Just make sure you do the same.”
He sounded both amused and pissed, and I wondered who he was on the phone with.
I glanced over at him, wondering what he wanted now, since his embrace was so tight. Truly, I didn’t have a moment to waste if I were to get to Savanah’s place on time.
“James,” I said, my voice weak. I tried very hard not to feel too comfortable in his arms, which was simply impossible because the man knew just how to make me melt into him. “I really must get going now.”
“I’m coming with you,” he said bluntly.
I blinked. “Excuse me?” I turned in his arms to look up at him. “What do you mean—”
He cut me short. “I’m coming with you.” With that, he took my hand and led me out the door.
Some ten minutes later, in the car, I started the conversation by asking, “So what about your dinner meeting with your clients tonight?”
“Don’t have one,” he said.
“What about work?” I couldn’t help asking.
He smiled and said, “I didn’t know you were interested in my work life.”
I blushed. “I… I was just wondering; that’s all.” I defended myself. Then I thought it was more like I was worried about his work. I didn’t want him to ruin his business and, hence, lose his important clients because of me. I’d feel so guilty over it.
He moved his hand over to cup my face and caressed my cheek fondly. “Business sorted, for now.”
“Oh.” Then something else entirely hit me, drawing my attention from James. “Oh shoot!” I hastily searched my bag for my phone. “I forgot to tell Savanah you’re coming for dinner as well.”
I found the phone and gave Savanah a quick call. Thank goodness she wasn’t at all upset James was tagging along. Although, I had to admit she sounded rather nervous, which in turn made me anxious, and I had to apologize to her profusely for the short notice.
We arrived at the Bosworth Hotel and Resort some 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 resided at the top floor of the building, I noticed James’s 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.
Gosh, I truly hoped everything would g
o all right tonight. I knew Savanah personally hadn’t yet met with James, and I wondered contritely if she could handle being around him. He was rather intimidating after all. Although, come to think of it, William wasn’t much different in term of personality. There was their arrogant, dark demeanor. So surely, if she could handle being around William, she’d be fine with James.
When I heard the sound of the door clicking open, I returned my attention there, expecting to see Savanah greeting us. But of course, my anticipation was completely wrong, because standing there so imposingly and staring at James with a dark, handsome smile on his face was William.
My first thought was, Oh God! He is going to be around for dinner? Savanah hadn’t told me he’d be joining us. I’d thought she had said he’d be out for the night.
I secretly glanced at James, wondering what his reaction would be. Would he be pissed to see William around? But then again, that couldn’t be helped. This was, after all, William’s penthouse. The man owned the place and, of course, the whole building.
To my utter relief and surprise, James didn’t seem to react one way or another toward William. He seemed calm and composed, as if this were just another meeting with a friend.
“Hello, James,” William said, a sarcastic grin playing about his face.
“Hello, William.” James returned the greeting.
As I stood there watching the two men staring at each other, the scene reminded me of that night when I’d first arrived in Los Angeles. It was the night James had taken me out for dinner and offered me a proposal I couldn’t refuse in order to annul my brother’s debt. When we’d come out of the restaurant, William had turned up to greet us in the parking lot, along with his men, armed and ready for a showdown.
Back then, I’d thought they were mortal enemies for sure. But of course, I had been wrong, and truth be told, I was glad. James and William as friends, despite not getting along as well as friends should, suited me better. First of all, there was Savanah. I honestly couldn’t imagine being friends with Savanah when our respective men were arch enemies. More so, however, was the fact that I knew William had strong influences, and if anything dangerous were to happen to James, I knew William would step in and help out, which was most likely due to the nature of their business.
The two men were still staring at each other, and honestly, I could feel the tension in the air between them. Suddenly, I dreaded dinner. Were they going to be like this the whole evening? And ruin my time with Savanah?
William turned his attention to me then and even gave me a bright smile. “Hello, Mia.”
I smiled uncomfortably and said, “Hi, William.” Then I couldn’t help myself and asked, “Are you staying for dinner?” In which case he laughed out in amusement.
He opened the door wider. “Yes, I am,” he said, ushering us in. “I couldn’t leave Savanah alone to deal with guests, could I?”
I pulled a face and said, “Just as long as you don’t ruin it for us.” I stared meaningfully at him, and both men laughed.
William said, “Feisty, aren’t we? I’m still interested in you, Mia. Are you sure you want to be with James? He’s a bastard. You know that, right?”
I glared at him. “I like being with James, thank you very much.”
James said, “I thought you said you’d behave yourself, too. I’m doing my best not to smash in your face and ruin tonight.”
William had the gall to laugh. “Sorry,” he said. “I can’t help it. I promise to be nice once we’re inside.”
James and I stepped over the threshold of the penthouse. Once we were in the living area, I scanned around in appreciation. The place was spacious, very modern, and had a great view of Las Vegas, just like James’s suite back at the hotel.
Savanah came rushing over to me then and took my hands in hers. “I’m so glad you came,” she said, smiling brightly. “And you look so cute in that dress.”
I chuckled and glanced down at myself. “Thanks,” I said. “And this place is awesome.”
She nodded. “I know. I love it here, especially the view.” She looked around the room with affection, her eyes bright.
I watched her, feeling a sense of relief that she looked happy here. I was glad because that meant William must be nice to her and not mistreat her, which I dreadfully feared. I didn’t want her to suffer, because I personally knew how painful it was to receive such mistreatment. Furthermore, I had come to care for Savanah, despite us knowing each other for such a short time.
William came over and handed me a glass of Champagne. I thanked him before taking a sip of the bubbly. From the corner of my eyes, I noted James had taken a seat on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, with a glass of Champagne in one hand. William joined him a moment later, and the two men, despite the air of tension between them, started conversing. It was then I wondered if they were enduring each other’s presence for our sake. The thought was certainly viable and, indeed, made me deliriously happy. James was willing to sacrifice his time to be in the company of a friend he didn’t much like for me. And William was doing the same for Savanah.
Savanah tugged at my arm to get my attention. “Why are you smiling?” she asked. “It looks like you saw something amusing.”
I straightened my face immediately and shook my head. Gosh, I had no idea I was smiling at all. “No, it’s nothing,” I said, and then I changed the subject. “Aren’t you going to show me around?”
Savanah looked surprised at my request. “Did you want to take a look around?”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“Okay, come on, then.”
We were heading toward the stairs when Savanah said to William, “I’m going to show Mia around, all right?”
I saw William nod. Savanah smiled appreciatively at his approval and happily went up the stairs. I noted her steps were light, as if she had a sort of happy bounce.
On the landing of the first floor, I felt my breath catch at the back of my throat as I gazed at the view before us. “Wow!” My eyes grew wide with wonder. “It’s a very nice view here.”
Savanah nodded. “Yes, it is, isn’t it?”
A moment later, after I was sated with the beautiful scenery of Las Vegas, Savanah led me about, inspecting the rooms. There were three bedrooms: the master I assumed belonged to William and the smaller one Savanah’s. The smallest one was set up as a guest room. Back on the ground floor, there was William’s office, which I had a sneak peek quickly, and there was also the library, which apparently was Savanah’s favorite place. She claimed it was her safe haven, and she’d been spending the majority of her day there reading books when William wasn’t around.
I smiled, thinking I’d be doing the same if James’s suite were to have a library. Then I wondered about his mansion back in L.A., rather hopeful there was such a place there in the house somewhere. Of course, I’d spent most of my time during the day there when James wasn’t around, too.
Savanah drew my attention away from the library and led me across the hallway toward another room. Upon opening the door, I realized it was a gym, fully equipped with a cross trainer, treadmill, and all the equipment one could think of and use in a professional gym to stay fit and healthy. Of course, Savanah cheekily claimed she had been using the treadmill quite regularly in the morning, too.
Once she had shown me all the rooms in the penthouse, we headed back to the open-plan living area. There I saw a chef and a maid laying out the table. Gosh! I had no idea this dinner was going to be such a fancy thing, with a chef cooking for us and all. I had thought Savanah would be doing the cooking, and of course, it’d be just me and her. But this was nice, too, and everything was so elegantly set out.
The smell! God! It was simply amazing, and I couldn’t help myself and smiled gleefully.
“Smells so good.”
Savanah nodded. “Michael is one of the best chefs in Las Vegas, or so William said.”
“Really?” I asked. “Wow! You guys have your own chef?”
; Savanah blushed. “William hired him to cook for me.”
“Oh.” Wow! It was then I realized William was more than just nice to Savanah, which made me even happier for her. I reached out for her hand and squeezed it tight. “You’re happy with him, aren’t you?” I wanted to know for sure.
Savanah licked her lips. “Yes… I guess so,” she said.
Her answer confused me. What did she mean by that? Wasn’t she happy William treated her like a princess? Yes, I guess so meant she was happy yet there was something else lingering inside… some unsatisfied or unhappy circumstances.
William’s voice drew my attention from my thoughts about Savanah. “Come on, ladies,” he said. “Time for dinner.” In which case, Savanah eagerly walked to him.
Chapter 35
William
William 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’s 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 wine glass 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’s 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 frustrated. Then he sighed and changed the subject. “So everything sorted with the Mexican?”
“Didn’t know you were interested,” James said with a chuckle.
“I’m not that interested,” William said coolly. “But then again, one needs to keep his ear on the ground.”