by Alexia Praks
He said, “Morning.”
“Did Mia have nightmares again?” she asked with a concerned expression.
James nodded.
Brenda said, “It’s not surprising, considering what she’s been through. Poor girl. I’ll make a note of it.”
James moved over to the sofa and picked up his suit jacket. “Don’t tell Mia about the nightmares.”
James felt it was best Mia didn’t know since, come morning, she forgot about everything that had happened during her dreams anyway. After all, it had happened for the past three days. It was as if the nightmare never existed. It was as if her mind decided to erase that horrendous memory in order to preserve her sanity, and James was fine with that as long as Mia was her bright, cheerful self during the day. Yes, he was fine with that, though he had high hopes that the nightmare would soon pass and Mia would have her normal sleep once again.
“I won’t,” Brenda said, nodding. “You have a good day, Mr. Maxwell.”
James nodded, and a moment later, he left the hospital.
In the parking lot, he got into his Lamborghini and rested his head against the seat.
Fuck, he was tired. Of course, there was no time for him to rest. At least not yet anyway. There was a shitload to be done, and then there was the meeting with Matt and William late this afternoon, too. He knew both men were getting more than a little impatient since their respective lovers were eager to see Mia before any of them flew back to Vegas. Besides, neither Matt nor William wanted to waste any more time idling when they had multibillion-dollar businesses to run—and of course a few unsavory underground businesses that had violated their terms and conditions, which they had to destroy.
When he arrived home an hour later, he was greeted by his bright, cheerful daughter, which made him smile despite his tiredness.
Aria ran up to him in excitement, her little arms opened wide. “Daddy! Daddy!”
Behind the little girl was Ms. Lane, who had prepped her for the day, and of course, both canines, Sammy and Alfie, who barked animatedly at the sight of him.
James chuckled in delight as he came down to his knees at the entrance of the house. Once Aria was within reach, he pulled her little body into his strong arms and then lifted her up. “Good morning, sweetheart,” he greeted. “You didn’t cause any trouble for Savannah or Ms. Lane, did you?”
Aria wrapped her arms around her dad’s shoulders as she shook her dark head. “No, I didn’t,” she said and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. When she was done, she continued. “Daddy, you promised I’d get to see Mia today.”
James made a show of nodding his head. “That I did.”
“Yay! So can we go now? Can we, Daddy? Please, Daddy?” Aria asked excitedly.
James shook his head. “We can’t go now. It’s a weekday. You must go to school. You can see Mia this evening. Now go and get some breakfast, and I’ll drop you off at school after.” He gently put her back down on the floor.
Aria nodded with a big grin on her face. “Okay.” She giggled. “I can’t wait to tell Savannah when she comes down ‘cause she can’t wait to see Mia, too.” With that, she dashed from the foyer toward the kitchen at the back of the house, Ms. Lane following close behind her.
When his daughter was out of sight, James went up to his room, made a few phone calls, and then quickly showered. Once he was done and immaculately dressed in a powerful suit, he came down for breakfast. In the dining room, he noted Aria was chatting enthusiastically with Savannah, who was staying with them because Aria had asked her to and, of course, to the agreement of William.
Once Savannah saw him, she asked meekly, “Good morning, Mr. Maxwell. Aria told me we can visit Mia this evening?”
James nodded as he took a seat. “Hmm.”
Savannah leaned forward and asked, “How is she doing? Oh, and maybe I should bring her some stuff? Like bathroom essentials and clothing. She probably needs those, right?”
James thought about this for a moment and nodded. “Yes, that’s a good idea. Mia would be pleased. Ask Ms. Lane to help you with that.”
“Sure,” Savanah said.
As he was reaching out for a piece of toast, James wondered why he hadn’t thought about bringing Mia essential things like toiletries and clothing. Then again, his mind had been so consumed with fear and worry about her since the night of her kidnapping that nothing else seemed that important.
After finishing a hearty breakfast of toast and strong black coffee, James dropped Aria off at school before heading to the office.
It was well after two in the afternoon when James managed to get himself some lunch. He had been busy meeting potential future business partners from overseas. He and Matt had recently planned on expanding their hotel, casino, and resort business to Singapore and Hong Kong, the next hot sites within the travelling and tourism industry.
He was still enjoying his club sandwich when Matt and William walked in. After greeting each other, William took a seat on the leather couch while Matt helped himself to James’s sandwiches sitting on the coffee table.
“How goes the meeting?” Matt asked as he, too, took a seat in an armchair across from William.
“Good,” James said. “Singapore looks promising.”
“Wonderful,” Matt said.
“And what about your side?” James asked.
“Hong Kong looks promising, too,” Matt said, chuckling. “Might take Andy there when I’m on a business trip next time.”
James nodded. “Hmm… Mia would love that as well. She’s never been overseas.”
William rolled his eyes. “Can we quit talking about your endless business expansion and future holiday destinations now and get straight to why we’re here? When the fuck are we going to get the ball rolling and shut those bastards down?”
Both James and Matt instantly knew William was referring to the prostitution auction operating in Vegas, within their territory. It was the same place where William had won the bidding for Savannah for just over five million. Of course, apart from the fact that the illegal human trafficking business was hurting a lot of innocent people, especially young girls, William had a personal agenda with the CEO and wanted the bastard and the business gone as soon as possible. Hence, his impatience.
James said, “We’re getting started.”
Matt nodded. “Everything is going per plan so far. We’re meeting up with Tory and his team next month to get the ball rolling.”
William said, “By Tory’s team you mean the yakuza from Japan, am I correct?”
James nodded. “The best. You’re not against yakuza, are you?”
William shook his head. “I don’t fucking care who we’re siding with as long as that bastard and his business is dealt with.”
Both James and Matt nodded in understanding.
For the next hour and a half, the three men went over their plan for destroying their next target, and this time, it’d be William leading the pact.
It was a bit later when William asked, “Savannah told me this morning Mia is well enough to receive visitors. Is that true?”
James nodded. “She seems fine, though still very bruised.”
Matt said, “Obviously, especially after what she’s been through. Andy’s getting very impatient.”
William shrugged. “Can’t be helped. She’s his sister, and Andy looks like an impatient boy by nature.”
Matt nodded in agreement. Andy had an impatient personality by nature. Otherwise, the boy wouldn’t have gotten himself into so many shitty situations in the first place.
It was then that the door opened, and Scott and Eric walked in.
James said, “I’ll be taking Aria to see Mia this evening.”
Scott said, “I’m coming along, too, then. By the way, are you sure it’s okay to let Aria see Mia in the hospital? Especially since Mia looks so bruised?”
James watched his brothers taking their seats on the sofa opposite him as he said, “It’ll be fine.”
Eric aske
d, “What are you going to tell her now? Remember, you lied to her that Mia was staying with Andy last time.”
At this, Scott chuckled. “Isn’t it obvious? He’s going to lie again.”
William looked heavenward. “I can’t believe you lie to your daughter. What type of father are you?”
James gave William a death glare. “I do things my way,” he said.
Scott sensed the tense atmosphere between the two friends and decided to change the subject to lighten the mood. “So I’ve just got a call from Dad. He’s coming home tomorrow night.”
Eric asked, his tone dark and hard, “From Japan?”
Scott chuckled because he knew Eric didn’t like that particular news. He nodded. “Yep, from Japan.”
“Fuck!” Eric muttered under his breath.
Chapter 13
Mia
When I woke, my hands were resting on the empty space on the side of my bed, and I wondered why it felt so warm, as if someone had been there only moments before. I shifted my body and then inhaled deeply. The scent that was unique to James caressed my nostrils, and I smiled.
He had been here, hadn’t he? Sleeping next to me. My heart soared at the thought, though at the same time, I was a little disappointed that he didn’t wake me when he had arrived. We could have had a little chat and kiss.
“Good morning.” A nurse I didn’t recognize greeted me as she came into the room. “How are you feeling this morning, love?”
I gave her a bright smiled, my lips and mouth a little sore in the process. Obviously, my wounds had not yet healed properly. “I’m good. A little pain, but it’s fine.”
“That’s good,” she said, grinning brightly. Then she came over to stand at the end of the bed and picked up my medical record. She quickly scanned over the documents, and a moment later, looking rather satisfied, she said, “Everything looks good.” She lifted her head, and her eyes met mine. “By the way, Dr. Smith will be here to see you around nine.”
“Okay,” I said, nodding.
“Now, time to take your blood pressure.”
After she was done, she said, “By the way, I’m Brenda.” She pointed to the nametag on her chest.
I smiled. “Hi, Brenda. Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah, go ahead, sweetheart.”
“Did you happen to see a man, tall with dark hair, leaving the room this morning?”
She chuckled, her eyes on me, and I blushed.
“Yes, I did. Mr. Maxwell I believe.” She leaned forward and continued, smiling brightly. “He’s a very handsome man, isn’t he? You’re one lucky girl. Let me just tell you that he takes very good care of you.” She even gave me a wink.
My face went bright red. “Thanks… I guess?”
She laughed. She must have found my shy reaction amusing.
“Righty-oh! That’s all for now. Someone will come and take your blood in a bit. For now, take it easy.”
I nodded. “Thanks.”
Once she was gone, I slipped out of bed and headed into the bathroom to get myself ready. A few minutes after that, a lab tech arrived to take my blood for routine testing, and once she was done, it was time for breakfast, which was nothing too special. I had scrambled eggs on toast since it was easy for me to chew, though I did crave some bacon. I decided I’d have some once my mouth healed.
Sometime after breakfast, Dr. Smith arrived, along with his entourage of medical students who were eager to learn. Obviously, he did a thorough examination of my superficial wounds and asked me numerous questions, which I answered as best I could.
Finally, Dr. Smith said, “You’re doing very well. That IV fluid can come off today. If your blood tests are all good, then we can discharge you tomorrow. How’s that sound?”
I smiled, nodding. “Sounds good.” After all, I couldn’t wait to return home to be with James and Aria. I had missed them dearly, and staying in hospital was rather boring and certainly not my cup of tea.
Dr. Smith was just getting up from the chair when one of the medical students asked, “What type of accident did you have? I mean, those bruises…”
The question caught me off guard, and all I could do was stare at the student with a blank expression on my face. Once the meaning behind the question dawned on me, I paled immediately and felt a little sick to my stomach. Instantly, flashes of Herbert Weston beating me bombarded my mind’s eye, and I felt dizzy. Suddenly, the world around me started spinning, and I felt myself falling back.
“Mia! Mia!” I heard Dr. Smith calling my name frantically. But I couldn’t respond to him because darkness was pulling me away into its prison, and I had no way of escaping.
When I came to, I heard someone calling my name again and again. There was fear echoing within the voice, which made my heart ache.
I fluttered my eyes open, my head in pain. “Andy?” I asked, staring at the blurry face of my brother above me.
“Shit, Mia,” Andy said, stroking my forehead.
I blinked several times, and finally, my vision cleared. That was when I noted the concerned expression on his gorgeous face.
“You just kind of fainted when I walked through the door,” he said. “You scared me.”
“Did I?” I asked, confused as I tried to get up.
Andy wouldn’t let me, however, and made me lie still there on the bed. “Don’t get up yet. Take your time.”
“Looks like you’re still too weak to be discharged so soon,” Dr. Smith said, which drew my attention to him. I noticed that all the students were gone, and I wondered how long I had been unconscious.
“We’ll keep you here for a couple more days to make sure you’re really fine.” He continued. “After all, we don’t want Mr. Maxwell to worry, do we? He’s one of our major benefactors after all.” He chuckled nervously, which made me curious as to how powerful James and his family were in relation to this hospital.
Once he and Nurse Brenda were sure I was fine after another thorough examination, they left me and Andy alone. That was when I moved myself to sit up, and this time, Andy let me. He even helped.
Once I was comfortable, he said, “You look horrible.”
I chuckled in amusement. “Thanks,” I said sarcastically. “Come here and give me a hug. I’ve missed you.”
Andy moved closer, and we hugged tightly. Once I let him go, he said, “I’m phoning Mr. Maxwell to tell him what happened.”
I frowned in confusion. “What happened? You mean you’re going to tell James just because I fainted a little?”
He nodded. “He needs to know. You’re in a fragile condition, and he needs to know that. He’s your boyfriend, isn’t he?”
I blushed. “Yes, of course, but seriously, Andy, it’s nothing. There’s no need to tell James. I was probably just… you know… anemic or something…”
Then again, I knew for certain that wasn’t the case. My full blood count was fine and within the normal range yesterday. This fainting episode was simply because… Herbert Weston… The memories of him just kind of…
Shit! My head was pounding like mad.
I raised my eyes to my brother and asked weakly, “Can you please pass me those painkillers? I have such a bad headache.”
“Err… sure,” Andy said, looking around him for the pills. Once he spotted them, he reached out for the tablets sitting on the bedside table where the nurse had left them for me. “Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked as he handed me the pills.
I nodded. “I’m fine. Just a headache.” And this particular headache had absolutely nothing to do with the memories of Herbert Weston and the trauma he’d inflicted upon me.
As I took the medication, I didn’t miss the fact that Andy was watching me closely. God, he seemed so worried about me.
Once I was done, I gave him a bright smile to reassure him I was fine and he needn’t be so concern about me.
“I’m fine. Now, I’m sorry I can’t entertain you because I feel absolutely exhausted. I’m going to sleep it off, both the exhaust
ion and the headache.”
Andy nodded. “Go for it.” He leaned forward and kissed me on the forehead. “Have sweet dreams. I’ll just be out around town, and I’ll tell the nurse to contact me if you need me, all right?”
I nodded, but before he left, I asked, “Andy?”
He turned. “Hm?”
“Don’t tell James about me fainting, okay? I don’t want to worry him.”
Andy sighed and looked heavenward. “Fine. I won’t. Now go to sleep and get better. You’d better be smiling bright like fucking sunshine when I’m back.”
I chuckled. Was that a threat?
“See you soon, Andy,” I said.
“Yeah, see you soon,” he said, and then he was gone, shutting the door behind him.
Alone, I made myself comfortable in bed and closed my eyes, my mind relentlessly replaying the scenes of Herbert Weston kidnapping me and beating me. I allowed the memories of the horrendous episode to swirl free in my mind, letting them take over.
I too allowed my emotions to run wild, to feel the fear, anger, and distress that had taken over me at the time of my kidnapping. I wanted to confront them—my emotions, Herbert Weston, Sophie Wilson, the kidnapping, and the beating, molestation, and bullying. I wanted them all to clash and fight one another within me until they were sated, until I was sated and emerged the winner.
As tears flowed down my cheeks and emotions turmoiled within my being, I slowly fell into a deep slumber, the images of Herbert Weston and what he had done to me fading into a dark abyss, where they belonged.
Chapter 14
Mia
When I woke again, I felt a lot better. The headache was gone, as was the exhaustion.
After cleaning myself up for the second time that day, I returned to my bed with renewed determination. I will no longer allow the thought of Herbert Weston to affect me. I will not cry remembering the trauma he inflicted on me nor the distress he caused me—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I will be free from that bastard!
