by Taylor R. C.
- Crazy ... - Snorted.
- Maybe, who there is interested in someone who throws him a drink?
- As if I hadn't.
The sound of her laughter, the vibration of her body, left James enchanted for longer than was safe.
- You bring out the best in me ... - She joked, still smiling.
- I see that yes ... - He watched her in silence for a minute. - I want to ask you something, it's personal.
- I was curious, ask! - Gisele bit her lip.
"Um ..." James cleared his throat, avoiding looking at her so attractive mouth. - How do you maintain this lifestyle?
Gisele did not even blink in the Baron's serious eyes, there was no hesitation in him either, but the woman was already waiting for that questioning.
- My parents, they died in a car accident three years ago, caught in a blizzard, it was terrible, but they left me a pompous life insurance since I was the only daughter. - Shrugged. - I decided to leave my job, then travel, toast this money that was stranded, live you know?
James gave a positive nod feeling a little rascal for having asked him such a personal question, however, he needed it, since she fell into her parachute life and knew nothing in fact, she would know soon through the Pottes report, but first he wanted to measure his answers, the sincerity in them and it seemed true to him.
- I'm sorry for your parents. - He was concise.
- Me too, but it passed, we learn to accept things as they are!
She laid her head on his chest, hiding her winning smile, when she felt the loving hand pass between her hair in a very subtle gesture. And so they stayed, and didn't say anything else, just stayed in that silence that seemed comfortable to both of them.
Chapter 05
When James woke up it was with something warm snuggled up next to his body, with the smell of roses mixed with his own, which immediately turned him on. Gisele ... I didn't need to think too much to make the association. He wanted to curse himself out loud for letting it happen, slept with her in a hospital bed. He opened his eyes, staring at the white ceiling, fearing, looking down, but he did, and he almost forgot to breathe.
Gisele slept the sleep of the just with her face resting on his chest, turned towards him, her full lips parted, letting out her soft breath, her long lashes fell under her face, free of any makeup, flirting with the tiny adorable freckles. If she was not the most beautiful thing he had ever had the pleasure of observing in years, James could not say what it could be. It was torture for fate to put that little goddess in his sick life, just to prove that he couldn't have her.
- You're staring at me ... - She spoke softly, sleepy, perfect, to him. - Good Morning!
Demons, was this woman made to drive a saint crazy? ... James questioned himself, looking into radiant green eyes accompanied by a smile that lit up his entire face.
- Got to go!
The man hurried to try to leave, Gisele chuckled, obviously it was not part of the Baron's plans to fall asleep with her, however, it had happened and it was very clear that he did not know what to do.
- Correcting, you need to escape ... - She stated, he pursed his lips, parting.
He rose from the bed, huge, all wrinkled, but looking no less warm. Gisele could not help imagining how the man was without clothes, not after sleeping practically on top of him, feeling the solidness of his large and manly body, it would be a pleasure to take him to bed. A knock on the door caused her thoughts to be interrupted, as well as James's attempt to appear more composed.
- In between! - Said the Baron, more like a grunt.
The doctor appeared, had a somewhat embarrassed look, Gisele wondered why, probably he already knew about James's interlude with her that night, but out of "respect" the Baron's position, of course, didn't comment or disapprove.
- Good morning Mr. Watts, and Miss. Linsey, how are you feeling?
She looked at the Baron, she had a little smile, which he wanted to make her swallow, after kissing her. Annoying woman ... James thought with an exasperated sigh.
- Great, except for the occasional pain, I suppose it's normal!
- Yes, they are. I am thinking of anticipating your discharge, however, I wanted to do a few more tests to make sure everything is fine. - The doctor asked.
- No problems. She looked at James. "Are you going to wait to see if I'm going to die or are you really leaving?"
The man looked at her indifferently, but somehow, she knew he was fighting an internal battle.
- I'll wait to see if you die!
She smiled, James wondered if he was going crazy or just weak. He couldn't put any distance between him and her, when he thought he was erecting a barrier, there came Gisele full of smiles, along with the circumstances that made his desire to run into dust, but he told himself that he would wait only for the results of the exams and then it would disappear.
£££
After the exams, Gisele was back in the hospital room getting ready to leave, she would be discharged, which left her relieved, the boredom would consume her if she stayed longer there.
- You can put the suitcase in the bathroom, I can't be destroyed like that!
It could look paler than normal and the hair without the usual sophistication it always exhibited, but James doubted it was "destroyed" as he described, however, he shrugged, refraining from commenting that she looked ... beautiful and exciting. He gave a positive wave, making an exasperated sound, taking the suitcase from the bathroom, when he left Gisele was standing, frowning, looking into the nightgown by the collar.
- What's it? - Without restraining curiosity and a certain concern he questioned.
- Looks like I got beaten up ...
Gisele didn't lie. She looked up to find the Baron with his face contained as always, however, the corner of his lips had a certain tension, concern, she can tell.
- So bad? He asked, she smirked as she passed him.
- If you want to see it I'll show you!
- Abused! Her laugh was too pleasant a sound for James not to be disturbed.
Gisele went into the bathroom, tearing off the ugly nightgown, looking in the small mirror to find the bruise below the ribs on the right side, as well as at the beginning of the thigh and hip, bikinis would have to stay out of their clothing for a while. He looked at his reflection in his face, paler, but no less attractive, and thanked him mentally.
She thought she would have to change her tactics with James Watts, because the one she was using was being effectively denied, even with occasional moments of weakness, however, this was not what she needed, she had to have the Baron completely enmeshed to be successful. . With a determined sigh, she opened the suitcase to find a black dress, white sneakers and a leather jacket, smiled thinking that she would have to thank the butler who packed the suitcase. When he left, he found the said Baron sitting in the armchair, looking sulky.
- I thought I died in there.
- You could have come in to check! - He pointed out with a smile.
- Funny. - He got serious again. - All right with your exams, just sign the discharge and go!
- How wonderful!
He got up and went to Gisele, but just grabbed the bag, waving it forward. She didn't say anything, just followed and in the hallway she placed herself next to him and wrapped her arm around him.
- Do you want to have dinner with me? - Gisele offered, won a frown.
- What?
- Dinner, Blackcastle, I believe you know what that is!
James tried to ignore the fact that the small hands wrapped around his forearm and the invitation that would not sound absurd to any man other than him.
- I thought I made it clear that I don't want any relationship with you.
- A woman with less confidence would be offended ... - However she seemed amused, and continued. - I'm just asking you to dinner, it's not like I'm asking you to marry me.
- The answer is still no!
She rolled her eyes, getting impatient, if she let the
man escape there, maybe she wouldn't see him again, he was good at avoiding her when he wasn't face-to-face, which was a good sign, because it meant that Gisele she had some power to attract him personally.
- Blackcastle! - She stopped him, in the middle of the corridor, facing him. - I already understood that you don't want to get involved with me, okay, you were very clear, but you can't be my friend?
Being friends with her would be like putting a fox to look after a nest of chicks, the Baron knew, so he wanted to avoid getting close.
- If I accept dinner with you will you promise me that it will be the last invitation you will make?
The way she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes made James want to smile.
- I don't like the direction of this.
- Answer, there is only one choice!
- My God, whatever ... Look, I've never met anyone so eccentric!
They started walking again, with the Baron's encouragement, Gisele didn't even object.
- That's why you should be trying to get rid of me.
- It will be I like that and didn't even know. Gisele shrugged.
- You must be crazy as I always said.
She stopped him again, but it was different, when she met his eyes there was no implied amusement, just seriousness.
- Crazy or not I was always a little harmful to myself, I end up choosing what can hurt me ...
If they had told him that those words came out of her mouth, she would have a nice, discredited laugh, however, James heard every syllable, it was as if the woman was referring to his sordid world.
- Then maybe someone should choose for you this time and prevent you from getting hurt!
- Is that what you're trying to do?
- Maybe ... - Gisele reached out and touched his face.
- As much as I see good intention in your act, I have no inclination to let them make choices for me, and regardless of whether they are good or bad, because in the end what matters is that they are mine.
James wanted to kiss that woman and say he was amazed to see her appear to be so strong, determined, taking care of his convictions, no matter where he took them, but the circumstances there were different, beyond his imagination and were dangerous to be driven only by their desire to be independent.
- You are stubborn, but so am I. - It was firm and serious. - Let's have dinner, when it's better, not before, it will be the last and only time!
She rolled her eyes impatiently, but said nothing to disagree, which James thanked mentally.
- Whatever!
- Okay, now be a good girl and go sign your paperwork to leave!
- Don't send Baron here, you can go, actually!
The man gave him a superior look, arrogant to the last of the blue tones in his eyes.
- I'm the one who dispenses here, not you!
- Do not count on it...
She gave him a smart look, went to the counter to sign the exit papers, feeling that he was being watched by the Baron. As soon as it was finished with the bureaucracy the man was already at his side and was taken towards the parking lot, to the SUV.
- Will the Baron take me?
- No, Bartor goes, I have things to do!
James opened the car door, handing Gisele's suitcase over to Bartor, who appeared quietly, then helped her inside, but stopped for a brief moment staring at her.
- Thank you for your help!
- Do you want to thank me for running you over too?
- Stop being intractable. - I said giving him a push. - Thank you for real!
The Baron gave a positive nod, swallowing the strange taste in his mouth, trying to disguise his lack of tact in dealing with it.
- Okay, you're welcome. Now take care and look around when crossing the street!
- Yes sir...
She whispered softly with teasing and saw James hold himself back from smiling.
- It's the worst act of obedience I've ever seen!
- Swear? - She disguised and saw him roll his eyes.
- Enough, go away, your stone in the shoe!
Her laughter echoed, Gisele didn't care, she was really amused by the Baron's insults, because she knew that it masked her desire.
- Douchebag! She winked and James closed the door, smiling.
£££
Benett looked at Gisele as if she had lost her mind.
- This is crossing all of our limits! - Exclaimed half hysterically.
- Did it work? Didn't it?
She closed her robe, which opened for Benett to see the injuries, although in the first minute the man only had eyes for his underwear, which wasn't even sensual or anything, however, when the guy saw the bruises he started to stare at her as if her head has split in two.
- If you had died it wouldn't have worked.
- But I didn't die. - She answered abruptly and he frowned.
- Stubborn and impulsive, that's what you are!
- If you are so unhappy, you can give up the Baron's fortune, I will make the sacrifice of assuming it alone, because you can be sure, I will have it!
Benett made a sulky sound, then left the couch in the living room, Gisele sat watching him walk from side to side, thinking, what was still unknown.
- I'm just worried. - He looked at her seriously. - Money is important Gisele to me, but remember that no more than you!
- I'm fine, don't do drama. She frowned, exasperated.
- Okay, so let's talk business if you want to be so practical. - His posture changed immediately. - Your profile was consulted!
- I am not surprised, in fact, we both knew he was going to look for any skeleton of mine before he had a relationship with me, even if at a minimum.
She worked hard with Benett to get that “Gisele Linsey” profile flawless. Her partner was a kind of computer genius, he had no data that he couldn't access, and he taught her well, but Gisele was on a lower level, there was no denying it.
- The mouse fell into the mousetrap, but in any case I will go through your files and throw you some more history ... - His smile was very satisfied. - When will you see him?
A wicked smile fixed on her lips, as well as anticipation, Gisele was counting the minutes to see the Baron again, because she really wanted his fortune, but she also wanted to double him, that seemed to be becoming more and more essential. To make James Watts, the eighth Baron of Blackcastle fall in love, that was his main objective, because after that, he would have anything from him.
£££
Pottes went down the dimly lit stairs, entering the corridor that had the same dubious taste for lighting, followed until the end entering a basement transformed into a rustic gym which Sir. Blackcastle trained.
- Did it come to be my Pottes punching bag?
James asked, punching a real punching bag, while his butler acquiesced, placing a tray of food on the table in the corner.
- It seems to me in a good mood ...
- Sure, I'm hitting something.
- Have you seen the time, sir?
- Not!
- Mass time, you said you would go.
With a tired sigh, he punched a few more, then stopped. He grabbed a towel across his face and went over to the tray Pottes had brought, picked up the cup of bitter coffee, feeling more revitalized, despite having woken up at dawn and started his training. James hadn't gone down to the basement in a while, he had been drunk almost always.
- Did you prepare the wreath?
- It has already been sent, sir. - The man said competently.
He nodded, took a cupcake and tossed it in his mouth, thinking about what he would have to put up with. Without caring about Pottes, he left the basement, went to the room where he soon took a shower and tried to put on the black suit, matching with a watch, and glasses, the cane with a silver phoenix, a prop that gave power, and it was what he wanted.
- Pottes, you nosy, where's my car? He shouted at the top of his lungs down the stairs.
- It's stopping at the front door. - He smiled, a
ppearing in the hall. - Great choice of clothes Sir. Blackcastle!
- Stop it, it looks like an owl hen with her chicks.
- This comparison seems to me much more affectionate in reference to all you have ever done to me! - Pottes gave a satisfied smile.
The Baron rolled his eyes towards the exit, opened the door, found the black Roll Royce stopped, Bartor was already opening the back door. He came in, putting on his glasses, hoping they would soon go to London traffic towards the most luxurious church in the center. It was Ramires Scott's birthday mass, the poor man died tragically, which was entirely his fault.
He had been found dead in a cheap hotel room, beheaded and lost all his belongings, which constitutes a clear robbery followed by murder. James stared at the city that passed through the car window with a sigh. Ramires might have been celebrating his birthday alive if he hadn't been so curious and if he had been content with what he received, but he preferred to go against his orders, ask questions and say what he shouldn't, so he had to be silenced. That was the rule, do your part without question, receive it, then everything would be fine. It clearly didn't end well for the man.
When he got out of the car in front of the church he saw some photographers that he made a point of ignoring. An important fact that led James Watts to be there was the business and family ties that existed with the Scotts, Ramires was the eldest son, he had taken on his father's legacy about three years ago, his career was brutally interrupted, so it was good to have the condolence of the close, final friends left his wife and a son in his early twenties, who was the logical heir.
- Mrs. Scott! - He addressed the woman in black who was beside her daughter-in-law. - My most sincere condolences.
- Mr. Watts, thank you, I'm glad you came. - She gave him a grateful smile.
He nodded, giving her a polite handshake, and a wave at the girl beside him, then went on, meeting Evo, son of the deceased, near the coffin, his presence was noticed, the young boy with brown hair and blue eyes stared at him, for a brief minute he had a flash of something, which quickly disappeared, leaving him with only the face of desolation.