by Alexia Praks
"Oh. I thought he was torturing you that night when we talked. I was so worried."
Andy blinked and his blush intensified, which confused me. "No, he wasn't. He was... We were... He helped me. I mean, if it weren't for him, I would have been dead that night."
"So he was there as well?" I asked, confused.
"Yeah, he was following me. Apparently, he was suspicious, and he knew I had a contract with Mr. Maxwell. He thought I was going to run away or commit suicide or something."
"I don't trust him, though," I said, eyeing Matt from the distance.
He chuckled. "He gets on my nerves, too. But really, Mia, I'll be dead without him. That man knows how it works, this type of business. He's a pro. Thanks to him, I'm still breathing. I owe him that much."
He sounded absolute about that, so I quit pestering him about the subject.
"And what about you? Matt didn't tell me anything about you and Mr. Maxwell," he said, his eyes on me.
I blushed and licked my lip as I gazed at my own hands. They were trembling, and I wondered why. I sighed and then said, "I made a contract with him."
I peeked up and saw Andy frowning darkly. "What for?"
I licked my lower lip again and said, "For the two million."
He just stared at me as if I were stupid. Well, maybe I was.
"Wait? What? Mia? What the fuck?"
He had raised his voice at me, and I glared at him, upset. He must have seen how pissed I was at his rude remark and quietened down.
"Mia," he said. "You signed a contract with him? For my two million?"
I mutely nodded.
"Why?"
"Because you're my brother, that's why," I said, staring at him, tears brewing in my eyes. "What else could I do?" My voice was shaking. I couldn't help it. I was very emotional where Andy was concerned.
His body quaked, and he growled in frustration. Suddenly, he sobbed, "I'm sorry, Mia. I'm so stupid. I'm so useless." He pulled me into his arms and held me tight, like he always held me after we were beaten up by Uncle Herbert or after he'd been sexually abused by that disgusting man.
"I'm going to make everything right again," he said into my hair. "I'm so sorry, Mia. I promise I'll make everything right again."
My heart ached at his words. How was he going to make things right again? It was too late now. I'd already signed the contract, and it wasn't going to end for five more years.
"Is everything all right?" James's voice drifted to me. I noted his concern, and it made me wonder if he was worried about me. The thought pleased me, which was odd, because I shouldn't really care at all whether he cared about me or not. I was just his mistress after all.
I raised my head and saw the man standing before me, watching me intensely. Matt wasn't far behind him, and his eyes were on Andy's. He had a deep frown on his face, and within those gray irises, there was spark of protectiveness. For Andy?
Andy drew himself back and turned to look over his shoulders. "Mr. Maxwell, thanks for bringing my sister to see me."
A smirk appeared across James's face. "You've made your sister cry," he said bluntly. "It's the first time I've seen her cry like this."
I blushed at the comment and wiped my tears with my hands, trying my best to look presentable. Then I said, "Can Andy come with us? Is he allowed to stay with us at the apartment? He and I can share a room."
The moment I uttered that statement, I regretted it. I knew there was no way James would ever allow my brother to come along and stay with me in his apartment. Then I thought it was probably a good idea to rent a motel or something. Just as instantly, however, the reminder of the Mexican and the Albanian crossed my mind. The two groups, and perhaps more, wanted both me and Andy dead after all.
"Andy is staying here with me," Matt stated with a no-nonsense tone.
I thought it was probably for the best since Andy did mention Matt had the ability and power to protect him, that he was a pro at this type of business. There was also the fact that I had seen the protectiveness over Andy within Matt's eyes, which put me at ease. At least Andy had another person who really cared about him, and that pleased me very much. Hence, I nodded in agreement.
"Mia," Andy said, looking at me, "how long are you here?"
"A week," I said without thinking. "I fly back on Thursday."
"That's only four more days," he said. "I have to figure a way to settle everything before you go."
The moment he said that, I suddenly realized I really did have to fly back home in four days' time. And what of the contract between me and James?
I looked up at the man in question and instantly regretted it. I'd never seen such a dark scowl from that handsome man. He looked like he wanted to murder someone, and that someone was probably me. I'd entirely forgotten to tell him that my annual leave ended in a week, and...
Oh God! The whole thing was such a mess and a total headache.
Matt said, "That's enough for now."
I was sure he was directing that statement to Andy, and my brother nodded in agreement. He stood, and I did, too.
At the door, I hugged Andy tightly again. He kissed me on the forehead and said, "I promise to sort everything out before you leave. Everything is going to be okay."
I looked up at him, and oddly enough, I felt this sickening feeling within my stomach. The thought of leaving didn't sit well within me because that meant I'd be leaving Andy behind.
I nodded at my brother and then headed out the door. Andy promised to come around to see me tomorrow, if time allowed. I knew exactly what he meant. It translated to if Matt allowed.
Such a control freak, I thought sourly.
Matt had no rights over my brother, and I'd have to talk to James about that. Another item to add to the list of things I had to talk to James about. Not to mention, of course, the fact that I'd be returning to Mystic Spring soon. Then I wondered how our relationship was going to work out if I left, if we were to live in separate states, all the way across the country.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 30
Mia
When the elevator door dinged open, I slowly stepped in. James wasn't far behind and stood close to me when it shut again. He pushed the button and the lift ascended.
My whole body was still tense from the meeting with Andy as my mind wandered off about the whole situation. Ever since our parents had passed away, neither of our lives had ever turned out the way we expected. This whole story of him leaving our small town of Mystic Spring in New Hampshire to come all the way to the West Coast, first to Los Angeles and then to Las Vegas, to find fortune and freedom, to live the American dream, was nothing but that--a dream. Reality, it seemed, was a bitch, killing a young's man dream of having a better future, both for himself and his sister.
I suddenly felt the warmth of a body against me, and strong, powerful arms wrapped around my slender shoulders. Those inviting, dependable arms lured me into a comfortable embrace. I couldn't resist and leaned against that hard, muscular wall of warmth and looked up. Beautiful Prussian-blue eyes watched me intensely.
"You look tired," James said. Was there a hint of worry within his voice? Or was it just my imagination?
I nodded. "Yes," I said, tightening my arms about his.
After the meeting with my brother, I suddenly felt very exhausted--emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Ever since that day a couple months back when I had received that phone call from Andy telling me he had screwed up, I was worried. Of course, he'd never really told me what he'd done, and that had only made me all the more anxious because Andy had always been a good boy. He'd never done anything stupid or reckless before.
When I'd received that particular email from James a couple days after that, the billionaire who was now holding me in his arms, I felt as though my world had shattered right before my eyes. Andy was the only person in the world whom I loved and cherished with all my heart after the death of our parents. I couldn't lose him. I couldn't let him get into troub
le like that.
I had been worried sick about the problem, trying to figure out a way to help Andy. I couldn't sleep at night, and I couldn't work properly. Then a few days later, I'd decided the only way to get that debt sorted out was to grab the bull by the horns and ride with it. Thus, I'd requested two weeks annual leave from the restaurant and spent some of my savings to fly over to Los Angeles to negotiate with the billionaire.
Yes, I hadn't been able to settle until I'd made that ultimate decision. After all, what could be the worst possible outcome other than Andy and I get put into jail?
The elevator door dinged open again, and James led me out into the corridor. Here, I gazed around me in marvel at the expensive decor and furnishing, very much like the floor where Matt resided.
James walked ahead toward one of the three doors to the left and then slipped out a key card. The door opened in an instant.
"Come on," he said.
I hesitantly stepped over the threshold of my supposedly new home for the night. Inside, there was a lavish living area with attached kitchenette. Everything here was made for luxury: expensive sofas and chairs, coffee table, LCD TV, chandelier, soft lighting, and marble countertop and stainless steel in the kitchen. I took a peek through the ajar door that led to the next room--the bedroom with ensuite bath. What I glimpsed there was nothing short of expensive taste and luxury.
James went to the refrigerator in the kitchenette and got himself a bottle of water. I, on the other hand, headed into the bedroom to take a better look at my sleeping quarters.
I couldn't believe how extravagant this place was and couldn't stop ogling either. Matt's place was lavish in a comfortable and simple way that was designed for functionality, for a man's taste. But this? This was designed for opulence. Although, it was tailored for a man as well. Everything here spoke masculinity in bold statements, just like James's apartment and house back in Los Angeles.
"Is this room assigned to you every time you come here?" I couldn't help asking, my eyes on the king-size bed--the only bed in the room. Was I supposed to sleep with him?
"Hmm," I heard.
Must be nice, I thought, to have such a luxurious accommodation ready for you here in Vegas whenever you have the urge to come and lose yourself in Sin City.
Then, of course, I needed to know for sure about the sleeping arrangement. "James?"
"Yeah?"
I jumped at the voice behind me and hastily turned around. When did he get here? I wondered contritely, my face flaming red.
He was watching me intensely, and I knew he'd seen the expression on my face as I stared at the bed.
I cleared my throat. "Do I get my own room?"
He smiled slowly. Gosh, he was just too good-looking for my peace of mind. I glanced away, staring blindly at the bathroom door just to his left.
"No," he said bluntly. "You're staying here with me."
I licked my upper lip. "What about my bed?"
He nodded to the one behind me. Okay, so I was to sleep on that massive king-size bed. That was fine with me. I liked large, soft beds. No doubt, this particular one would be very soft indeed since it was in such a posh hotel and resort.
"What about yours?" I shifted my eyes to watch him carefully.
"That one," he said bluntly, nodding to that same bed behind me.
Once again, I licked my upper lip. "But there's only one."
He must have understood my meaning and leaned forward. He cupped my small chin with one hand and said, "I promise I won't bite."
I blinked. "Huh?" I blushed. He won't bite indeed? When my body was already black and blue from his brutal treatment.
He laughed. Once he calmed down, he said, mirth in his voice, "You're tired and you've just met your brother. Now, bedtime for you."
I agreed with a nod of my head. "Yeah. I'm very tired. I'm going to clean up now."
Before he let me go, he kissed me on the lips softly. I blushed. I had no idea why I was blushing so much. It was only a kiss. It wasn't even like most of his other kisses, which were passionate and wild, with tongue and everything. This one was just a quick, soft brush of our lips. But then why did my heart quicken with so much delight?
I stepped away from him and headed into the bathroom. After I'd closed the door, I dumped my bag on the floor and stared at myself in the mirror. Gosh, my face was so flushed and my eyes were so bright with red-rimmed corners, a result of my earlier tears.
I didn't take long brushing my teeth. After that, I had a quick shower. Some fifteen minutes later, with only James's work shirt and my undies on, I headed back out.
I was glad James wasn't in the bedroom. I wasn't in the mood to see him just now because of that small kiss earlier. It got me thinking in ways I didn't want to think. It was better not to get in too deep in an area where you knew from the beginning it wasn't possible. We were just master and mistress. No need to get involved emotionally. But hell, he did kiss me like Dad used to kiss Mom--that light, sweet kiss full of devotion and care and love.
Shaking my head and determined not to think about the billionaire and the kiss, I quickly got into the bed. As I shut my eyes and tried to make myself sleep, I heard James's voice on the other side of the room, talking lightly. I presumed he was on his cell phone because I didn't hear anyone replying to him. It must be business, I thought, because he mentioned terms such as investments and contracts and negotiations.
My mind drifted off to my brother once again, and I wondered what Andy meant when he'd said he'd sort everything out before I returned to Mystic Spring. I didn't feel too good about that. And he wasn't happy either that I'd exchanged myself to be James's mistress for the two million he owed. Of course, I'd known that, but what was I supposed to do? I was his sister after all. The debt needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.
A few moments later, I heard James coming into the bedroom and then disappearing again into the bathroom. He must be having a shower, I thought, as I heard the water going. I smiled, having the urge to see droplets of water running down that amazingly hot, masculine body of his.
My belly tingled and my heart raced. My fingers itched to trail the length of that brick wall of chest down to the six-pack abs. I groaned and told myself this was ridiculous. What had James done to me? Making me think of ridiculous things like that? Wanting to caress him and everything.
When he returned, I still had my eyes shut even though I wasn't really sleeping, even though I was tired. Deep within my mind, I was actually fantasizing about Mr. James Maxwell, naked and under the shower, and I wanted to sexually molest him with my hands and lips, caressing him and kissing him and...
Oh no. What was I thinking about? This wasn't normal, surely.
I felt James getting into bed beside me, and instantly, I held my breath. It's fine, Mia. You're supposed to be sleeping. Quit worrying, the small voice at the back of my head said to me.
Suddenly, I felt warm hands on me and then a little pull, rolling me over. I found myself being hugged in a tight embrace in James's arms. Oddly enough, it felt good--the warmth, the tight space, and the hardness of his body against me. It was then I realized he was naked from the waist up. Did he usually sleep in only his shorts? I couldn't help myself and blushed, my eyes still closed.
Without me realizing it, I snuggled my face deeper into the crook of his arm, against his chest, and inhaled. Oh God! He smelled so good--of maleness and of just... James. I couldn't help myself and sighed pleasantly. I felt somewhat safe and protected in his arms, and it was wonderful. I hadn't felt like that since my parents died. Every night had always been cold and frightening and empty and lonely.
I felt warm lips on my forehead, that light, sweet kiss like he did earlier with my lips, and my insides glowed.
"See? I don't bite in bed," he said lightly, a hint of a tease in his deep voice. "Unless you want me to."
I flashed my eyes open and glared at him. I noted him snickering and sucked in my breath. The Prussian blue of his eyes was on fire. I
didn't even have time to react before he claimed my lips in a scorching kiss. When he slipped his tongue into my mouth, it was wild, licking me, stroking me, and dancing with me.
"Ngh..." I groaned.
When he finally released me, I was dazed, my mind was numbed, and my body sparked with heat.
"Do you want me to bite you, Mia?" he asked.
I blinked. "Huh?"
He chuckled. "Never mind." He rested his cheek against my forehead and shut his eyes.
Huh? I frowned. What? So he just decided to kiss me like that and then expected me to sleep? What an arrogant man, I thought in irritation.
I struggled in his arms, wanting to annoy him as much as possible, wanting him to let me go. He only chuckled at my escape attempt and tightened his hold on me.
"Good night, Mia," he said softly.
A moment later, I gave up and sighed, flopping my head against his arm and closing my eyes.
"Good night, James," I whispered.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 31
Mia
James Maxwell is a bastard! That was what I was thinking right now as I tried to make myself sleep. Even though I was completely tired, even though it was way past one in the morning, I couldn't sleep. I still couldn't move an inch in his arms since he'd come into bed twenty minutes ago. I just couldn't relax.
I sighed, giving in. It was then he relaxed, easing his hold on me, and somehow, I managed to shift back a little. I noted his breathing was even and knew he must be fully asleep. Hence, gaining some space between us would be no big deal. Besides, me sleeping so close to him wasn't very nice. Every nerve in my body was excited, jumping around and sparking about.
It had all started with that wild fantasy of mine, of course, conjuring up images of the hot billionaire naked and under the shower, beads of water glistening on his smooth skin.
I sighed and slowly opened my eyes to confirm my suspicion that he was indeed asleep. I noted his resting face, which was breathtakingly handsome. As I gazed at his aquiline features in the dimness of the room, I couldn't help but wonder that certain people were just born lucky. When they arrived on this earth, they got the whole package. The good looks. The money. And of course, the mind for business to make even more money, which also made them even more powerful, influential, and attractive to the opposite sex. Andy and I weren't those people, and that was okay. It couldn't be helped. We just needed to work harder and strive to better ourselves.