by Alexia Praks
Cole waved James’s concern aside. “Don’t worry. Like I said, the bastard is a wuss. He literally pee on his pants the moment he saw me.” He went quite for a moment. His voice was hard and dark when he said, “Mia Donovan is all clear. That girl. What a mess.”
James frowned. “What’s a mess?”
“Mia Donovan,” Cole said. “I don’t know how she could have put up with such a bastard. Honestly, I don’t. I know I wouldn’t. I know a lot of people wouldn’t. If it were me in her situation, I’d beat that fuck-head into a pulp.”
James kept quiet. He knew it was best to let Cole have his rant about his passionate subjects. Apparently, Mia Donovan’s previous working life was now one of those.
James wondered how Cole would react if he were to meet Mia in person? The man had a soft spot for cute, vulnerable creatures, after all, despite what he looked like and what his job was. And Mia Donovan was that cute, vulnerable creatures. On top of that, she had also had a pretty shitty life and had been treated poorly and unfairly, not to mention had been molested by an uncle during her tender years. Yes. Those were Cole’s other passionate subjects; tortured creatures being cruelly treated and left to fend for themselves.
James didn’t doubt if Cole were going to meet Mia, the man would treat her like one of his beloved kitten, doted on her, and would protect her with his life.
Cole went on, “She works from eight in the morning until eleven at night with only a half hour break for lunch and dinner. That’s fucking fifteen hours a day. That’s not legal. And she got paid minimum wage for eight hours a day. The other seven she got paid ten bucks an hour, and those were under the table.” He growled. “That’s fucking illegal, you know, boss. I talked to one of the waitress. The woman said Mia got treated the worst because she refused him. He was fucking harassing her, you know that?”
James gritted his teeth. Fuck! No! He did not know that. First the uncle and now the restaurant owner, too?
“That poor girl,” Cole said. He sounded a little deflated after his ranting, as if he had finally let off some steam. But James knew better. The only way for Cole to let off some steam was a good fight in the ring where the opponent was severely beaten into a pulp.
“And the uncle?” James asked. This bastard, this Uncle Herbert, was what he worried most. He needed to get the man’s attention and set him straight where Mia was concerned. It was for Mia’s sake.
James noted there was a bit of a pause on Cole’s part when he asked the man this question.
“Well?” he asked again.
“About that,” Cole said. “That Uncle Herbert isn’t a Donovan. His name is Herbert Weston. His wife is Mia Donovan’s mother’s sister. It’s messed up, boss. So fucking messed up. Need I tell you the bastard is gone?”
James gritted his teeth. “Gone?”
Cole said, “Yes, sir. Mia’s aunt divorced him a couple of years ago. He was abusing her and there was quite a big court case about it, though nothing came out of it. He’s no longer in New Hampshire.”
James frowned. “He fled?”
“Yes, sir,” Cole said. “My team are on it. We’ll find him in the next couple of weeks, I’m sure.”
James frowned. “Good,” he said. “We can’t afford not to.”
Cole’s tone was sharp and dark when he said, “I understand. Shit! I can’t wait to take down that bastard. What he did was unforgivable. He’s sick. He’s a fucked up shit.”
James couldn’t disagree more. “Contact me when you’ve found him.”
“Will do,” Cole said.
James was about to terminate the call when Cole said, “Err… Is Mia all right?”
James couldn’t help but smiled. “She’s fine. Come over to LA when you’ve got the job done. I’ve got a few more stuff for you to do in LA.”
He could tell the man was pleased with the offers. He knew Cole wanted to see Mia, despite they had never cross path before and had nothing to do with one another whatsoever.
No. James knew he was wrong on the last part. Cole did have something to do with Mia. He had put forward her resignation from her job on her behalf, and furthermore, he’d be the one to take down Herbert Weston, her uncle who had sexually molested her when she had been young.
James terminated the call and leaned his head against the back of the chair. He shut his eyes.
“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath. It was a good thing, he thought, that Mia had come into his life. He’d protect her. He’d provide for her. He’d make sure nothing like the past would ever happen to her again.
A knock came at the door, and James opened his eyes to Matt coming in.
“What’s up?” Matt asked, cocking his head to one side. “You look pissed off.”
James couldn’t deny that. “Yeah. I’m very pissed off,” he said.
“Something to do with Mia?” Matt asked as he took a seat on the couch.
James got off his chair and went to sit on the couch opposite his friend.
“Hmm,” he responded. “The uncle has disappeared.”
“Not surprised,” Matt said. “Fuck-head like him don’t stay in one place.”
James nodded. “My men did some digging,” he said. “He needs to be put away for good.”
Matt nodded. “I know he really fuck Andy up.” He scowled and his eyes were dark when he said, “Andy never told me how old he was when he was first raped. I’m not going to push him, but I think it’s important for him to trust me and tell me about his past.”
James raised a brow. “I’m not surprised if he have truth issue.”
Matt leaned forward and raked his large hand over his hair. “Fuck, I’m tired.” He chuckled, though there were both sadness and irritation within the tone.
The two men were quiet as they sat there, thinking about the siblings who came into their lives and slowly changing them.
Matt said, his voice weak and low, “I love him, James. It hurts when he’s like this. It nearly killed me when I saw him in that basement…”
James knew his friend was referring to his love for Andy, and of course, the scene they had witnessed when they had finally managed to saved Andy.
“I thought I was going to lose him…” Matt continued. “I never thought… I never thought I’d come to love anybody like that… Not in the least bit that rascal ten years my junior.”
James came over and slapped his hand on Matt’s shoulder. “Show him,” he said. “I’m not one to give advice on this sort of things considering my previous relationship. You don’t need to listen to what I have to say but talking to him is probably the best method. Show him how much he means to you.”
Matt stared up at James and chuckled. “Wow. Where the shit did all that come from, James? It’s not like you to give me advice on relationship.”
James shrugged. “It’s usually Mark, isn’t it? He’s the oldest and more in tune with that department out of all of us,” he said. “Why don’t you give him a call?”
“Yeah, the oldest by a mere few months,” Matt said. “But you’re right. I’ll give him a call later.”
Matt left a few minutes later, and James had no doubt his friend would be with Andy again tonight.
Love, huh? Relationship. He had experienced it once with Whitney. But was that really love? Had their relationship ever been serious? Had Whitney ever loved him? Fuck no. He knew that for certain. The woman had never loved him.
He dismissed the thought of love and Whitney from his mind and headed back to his desk. He was intending to do a bit more work when he noticed the time. It was nearly six. He smiled and the image of Mia in sexy lingerie came into his mind.
Love, he thought. Mia Donovan. Could he love her? Could he give his heart to her? Would she cherish it?
He didn’t have any doubt that she would, just like the way she cherished her love for Andy as her siblings. His heart warmed, and James smiled.
“Fuck,” he swore under his breath, chuckling. Oh shit, his chest felt full and light at the same t
ime.
He shut the laptop and headed out the door, a smile still lingering on his lips. Along the corridor, James felt as though he was walking on air.
Chapter 15
Mia
The soapy, warm water soothed me, and I laid there in the huge marble bathtub, staring up at the chandelier, trying not to think about anything. Not especially about that lingerie I was supposed to wear tonight. I couldn’t possibly disobey James again, could I? Since I had already done so yesterday, and he had noticed and specifically told me that I must this time.
I groaned under my breath.
I procrastinated for another half an hour by pretending to be busy in the bathtub, cleaning myself. At six o’clock, I knew I really had to get out and get ready before I got too nervous. Besides, James might return soon and he’d need the bathroom.
I sighed and reluctantly got out. After having a quick rinse in the shower, I dapped myself dry with a big, fluffy white towel and then wrapped myself in a robe. I headed over to the basin area and started blow drying my hair and doing my makeup.
Some fifteen minutes later, with my hair dry, the long length resting all the way down to my waist, and my makeup done neutrally, I stood there at the foot of the bed, glaring at the lingerie as if I was about to start an all-out battle with my enemy.
It was going to be fine, I told myself. I’d get used to it, that see-through flimsy material.
Determinedly, I snapped the panty up and slid it through my legs. Once it was on, I thought that it didn’t feel too bad. Of course, I refused to see what I look like in the mirror.
I took off the robe and then put the bra on, too. The material was soft and silky, completely different from my usual cheap underwear which was made out of cotton.
Still refusing to look at myself, I grabbed for the blue cocktail dress. I was just unzipping the back when a manly voice said, “Hello.”
I jumped on my spot and hastily twisted around. Standing there at the bedroom door was James, looking as amazingly handsome as ever.
I felt my throat go dry all of a sudden, and I unconsciously licked my lips. My body reacted at the mere sight of him, quietly squirming away in a sort of delicious sensation.
“Hi,” I said, having thought of nothing else to say.
He smiled, and I noted that his eyes were twinkling. “Is that the dress you’re going to wear for tonight?”
I nodded. I didn’t missed the spark in his eyes nor the way he was looking at me, either. That dark, sensual gaze that told me he was delighted to see me and approved of what I had on me.
So he liked the lingerie on me?
The thought made me deliriously happy, and my heart glowed with delight. I must not look too bad with the garment on then, and now I was eager to see myself in the mirror. Did I look as sexy as those hot models who wore Victoria Secret lingerie on the runway? I doubt it because I wasn’t tall nor was I beautiful. But still, if it pleased James, my look must be above average for sure.
James stepped to stand within an inch in front of me and took the dress from my hands, which surprised me.
“Let me help you with that,” he said softly.
I obliged because, really, I couldn’t do anything else. My whole body was weak at the nearness of him. He smelt good, too. He smelt just so James Maxwell, and I sighed in content, basking in his presence, savoring his nearness; his warmth, his smell, the sight of him, and of course, his touches.
James kneeled on the floor and urged me to step into the dress. God, I felt like a helpless little girl who was now being aid into her clothes by her guardian. Though I must admit the feeling wasn’t bad, and I sort of liked it; being pampered by a billionaire.
I obeyed, and James slowly and seductively glided the material up my legs, his hands were lightly brushing against my skin as he did so. I held my breath because his action, slow and gently as it were, were sensually erotic which made my core dance with excitement.
Once he made me slip my arms through the sleeves, he adjusted the dress about me. Then he said, “Turn around,” of which I did. As he zipped up the dress around my back, he had his nose buried in my hair about the nape of my neck.
“Hmm…” He chuckled. “You smell good.”
He kissed me there, and I groaned, my tummy fluttering deliciously. Then he moved back and said, “I won’t be long.”
I turned and watched him disappearing into the bathroom, my heart racing. Unexpectedly, I was really looking forward to after dinner when we’d return, when he’d make love to me like he had promised. My core burned in anticipation and excitement. Would he make me cry whilst he fuck me again? I wondered.
Oh my God! I had just realized I had used the word ‘fuck’ without thinking. What have become of me? My vocabulary had changed, hadn’t it? Was it because I was with James and got influence by him.
I secretly smiled. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing, after all. Using that particular word during our wild sex session had been a definite turned-on for sure.
At exactly seven o’clock, James—dressed in another sleek three piece suit that made him looked like a powerful, ruthless billionaire on top of the world, which he was—escorted me down the main entrance of the hotel and into a flashy silver Jaguar sports car. It was breathtakingly sexy was the word that I came up with to describe the vehicle. And of course, I gave up trying to figure out how many cars James owned. Every time when we go out, it’d be a different one. I also didn’t missed the fact that every single person was staring at the car and James either, with me tagging along with him like a lost little duckling. I felt more than a little self-conscious at all the attention. I still wasn’t used to this since I had always been the one in the background, the invisible Mia Donovan where no one new existed, and I liked it that way. Becoming well known and being the center of attention wasn’t something I aspired to have.
Some twenty minutes later, we arrived at another fancy hotel, and after the car was taken away to be parked safely by the valet, James took my hand and led me in.
This hotel wasn’t much different from the one that James and Matt owned. There was a large, grand foyer with reception, high chandelier, wall and columns made of marbles, and the furnishing was of the finest quality. It was busy, with peopled everywhere.
I couldn’t help but take everything in. Needless to say, I was enjoying myself by taking in the sight of the scenery and the scent that was around me.
James was leading me up the grand stairs to the first floor where I assume the restaurant was when I thought I saw someone familiar. More specially, a girl I had just bumped into this afternoon, Savanah White. I wanted to make sure, and so I searched amongst the countless people amongst us. And then there she was, dressed in a pale peach cocktail dress and her long hair down, she was a pretty little thing.
I wanted to get her attention, and did my best trying to make eye contact with her. Still, she didn’t see me. She looked lost, I thought, even though she was being escorted by a blonde, tall male of lean built in an expensively tailored suit. Oddly enough, I thought this man looked familiar to me, too. Where had I seen him? I was pretty sure I’ve seen him before. But at the moment, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
A moment later, I was a little annoyed when both Savanah and her escort disappeared from my sight. It must have showed on my face because James chuckled, drawing my attention to him.
I blushed and said, “What?”
“Trying to find a friend?” he asked.
I nodded. “I thought I saw someone I knew.”
“Oh?” There was a tease within his voice I didn’t missed.
“Well,” I corrected. “A girl I’ve met this afternoon. She was awfully nice. I thought…”
“That you might become friends?” he finished off for me.
My blush deepened. “Am I not allowed to do that?” I retorted. If he really did mean I wasn’t allowed to have friends, I’d be so pissed. After all, my personal life and the friends I made had nothing to do with our unconven
tional relationship nor did it had anything to do with our contract, right?
“I didn’t say that,” he said. “In fact, I encourage it.”
My eyes brightened immediately at his statement. “Really?” I asked, pleased.
Jesus, why was I behaving like this? It wasn’t like he owned me and that he had complete control over me, after all. It was a free country, and I had my rights to make friends as I pleased.
“Having friends is a good thing,” he said. “Did you have any back in Mystic Spring?”
Sadly enough I shook my head. I had always been a loner back during my high school year, and then after that, I started work at the restaurant immediately. The colleague at work weren’t friends, and of course I had no life outside of work. Nor friends for that matter. The only person I had ever had to console with about my dilemma and the sort or had any fun hanging around with was Andy. So technically, he was both my brother and my best friend.
“Only Andy,” I said.
“I see,” was his response.
We were entering the restaurant now, and I simply stared wide eyes at the sight before me. Wow! Just wow! It was indeed a grand hall, three stories high with massive chandeliers. The main hall was wide open and jammed-pack with clients. Around the left, right, and toward the back were two floors more of seats also jammed-pack with customers. They must be very famous here, I thought in awe. And the food must be very good. My stomach eagerly agreed with that by making a tiny sound as if to tell me it was ready for action.
A maître d’ greeted us a good evening, and without even James uttering a word, the man said, “Ah, Mr. Maxwell, welcome sir. I have your table ready for you.”
James must be a regular here, I thought, for the maître d’ to recognize him so. Then of course, it was the man’s job, too, to know who his customers were. After all, James was no doubt famous where billionaire elites were concerned.
The maître d’ snapped his fingers for one of the waiter’s attention, and a brief moment later, we were taken up the stairs onto the first floor landing of the restaurant.
I took my seat the waiter slid out for me, and James sat opposite me. After James had ordered an expensive bottle of wine and I had taken a couple of sip, I scanned over the menu. Everything sounded so appetizing and my mouth started watering. James must have seen the spark in my eyes because he chuckled.
