by Alexia Praks
The moment James said my woman, my heart somersaulted within my chest. I flicked my eyes to him and felt warm all over. I knew my face was going red from the outrageous statement, and I was indeed glad the night was now cool and the streets were dark so no one noticed me blushing.
“Oh?” William stated, one handsome brow arched in mocking question. “Are you James’s woman, sweetheart?”
He directed the query at me, and I was cornered. I felt James’s intense gaze on me as well and was compelled to return the eye contact. When our stares met, he too was waiting for my reply. Bastard! I thought with fury. He did that on purpose.
I had a feeling if I were to say yes to the query, then William would leave me alone. If I were to say no, however, why then William would take me with him, whether James liked it or not. I had no idea whether my assumption was correct, but I did know one thing within my gut, and that was James wouldn’t like it if William took me. Hence, all hell would break loose. Above all else, my instincts told me both men were somehow involved with Andy. How, I didn’t know, and I desperately wanted to find out.
James or William. Which of the two should I trust? Instantly, my eyes flicked to James. I didn’t know why, but I was drawn to him, this powerful man who made my heart leap and my body sing.
Tentatively, I nodded. “Yes… Yes, I am,” I said low.
I noted James smiling. My breath caught at the back of my throat. Gosh, he was handsome.
“Oh?” William said, coming closer. He moved so his face was mere inches from mine. The light blue of his eyes stared deep into my own as he said, “You’re as beautiful as your brother, Mia. Hmm, looks like I have to work very hard to steal you.”
At lightning speed, James had his hand on William’s throat. Face to face, he sneered while William smiled. I blinked in confusion as panic once again descended upon me. Around us, William’s men drew their weapons. Two men had guns in the air, ready to fire. One had two knives in his hands, and the other two had brass knuckles, one in each hand. Only the one who had opened the door for William stood calm as if a fight weren’t about to break out.
James didn’t seem intimidated by William’s mean-looking guards. Rather, he seemed pleased, and I was confused and scared by the glint in his eyes. It looked as though he wanted a good fight.
I, however, wanted no part of this dirty play. I cleared my throat and said clearly and loudly, “Even if you managed, I still wouldn’t go with you.”
My hope was William would just leave us be. Opposite to my prayer, however, he didn’t seem to register my blunt declaration at all. Instead, he shook with laugher as he raised his head to the sky. When he stopped, he said, “Oh no, James, my friend. You can’t do that to me. You see, that’s not how it works. You’ve already taken Andy from me. You just can’t have both brother and sister, you know.” He cocked his head to one side. “Ah, I see.”
He was looking at me now, and I felt something akin to apprehension settling within my being. “You’re here to save your brother? It’s no use, sweetheart. No use.”
I was instantly pissed. “How do you know it’s no use?” I demanded.
James said coldly, “The lady gave you her answer, William. She chose me. Better get your ass out of here before I beat you and your men senseless.”
At this proclamation, William’s bodyguards suddenly looked nervous and took a few steps away from us. James simply raised a handsome brow, challenging them. I thought it was odd that five burly men—men who no doubt had killed many within their ruthless world—were scared of him.
Then my mind wandered off on its own, wondering if James Maxwell was famous, or should I say infamous, in this dark business world. Perhaps he was a merciless mafia leader of some type that went around murdering people for money. The thought didn’t sit well with me, and I panicked a little.
Had I chosen the wrong person to trust? What was I doing getting myself involved with these people? But Andy. I had to save Andy. And James? Hiding me and protecting me with his hard body? Why did I feel safe around him when I shouldn’t be? I was more than a little confused and scared.
William laughed, drawing my attention from my internal dilemma.
“I’d love to have a good workout with you, James.” Then more quietly and seriously, he added, “Shall we make a date?”
“That would be a pleasure,” James said, smiling, his eyes glinting.
The two men exchanged a sort of understanding, and then James roughly let William go.
William easily gained his composure and tidied his suit. He turned on his heel and headed back to the car. As he stepped in, he said, “Remember, it’s not only me who wants Mia and her brother.” With that, he waved and the door was shut.
As the cars departed, I watched, wondering what William meant when he said it wasn’t only him who wanted me and Andy. Were there more people after us? Dead or alive?
* * * * *
CHAPTER 12
Mia
I didn’t believe James’s words that it wasn’t safe for me to be alone until I was back in my motel room half an hour later. Only then did reality really sink in. The reality that my world was changing. Instantly, my heart leaped with something akin to fear and dread. I was no longer living in Mystic Spring of New Hampshire where my everyday life revolved around working and making ends meet. Here, my life revolved around keeping myself and Andy safe, finding that two million dollars, and of course, this man beside me.
James clicked the door shut and surveyed the room with interest. I noted the bed was a mess, my small belongings scattered haphazardly across the floor, the bathroom door stood ajar, and the table and two chairs were on the floor as though someone had been angry and rampaged through everything. Yes, this room looked as though it had been ransacked.
I shakily sat on the bed and took in a deep breath. James easily lifted the chairs and table and arranged them properly. Then he took a seat on the chair, facing me.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I tentatively nodded, unconvincingly. I didn’t want to reply because I knew my voice would be shaking with fear, and I didn’t want James to know I was so scared.
“Looks like they’ve been here,” he said quietly.
I glanced at him, my eyes watering. “Who? William’s men?”
James shook his head. “I know William. It’s not his work. He’s too honorable for this type of bullshit.”
“They were looking for me, I suppose?” I asked stupidly.
He nodded.
“Because of Andy?”
Again, he nodded.
“But I’ve only been here half a day,” I protested, tears blinding me.
James noticed my tears and came over to me. He sat beside me and took me into his arms. I gasped in surprise as he pressed my face against the crook of his shoulder. He was so warm and strong, and his scent, his wonderful scent played havoc on my senses. I didn’t need any further encouragement. I closed my eyes and breathed in deep. He made me feel safe.
Suddenly, he kissed my forehead gently, and I shivered deliciously. What was going on? Was this even right? The man who wanted me to pay my brother’s debt with my body was comforting me like he would his daughter? I was confused by this man’s character.
“If you didn’t come, they would have flown to New Hampshire to find you,” he said, matter-of-fact. “It’s the way things are.”
I shook my head, not understanding. I didn’t understand how James Maxwell’s world worked, and a part of me didn’t want to know. But apparently, it was too late now, because whether I liked it or not, I was part of it thanks to Andy and his friends.
I sighed, comfortable in James’s arms. I moved just a little and looked up at him. “Do you know who it is?”
He looked down and smiled kindly. I tried not to be affected by that handsome grin of his, but it was hard.
“I have my suspicions,” he said.
I saw the gleam in his eyes and knew something was up. I wanted to ask him, but he cut me o
ff.
“Now then, a safe place to keep you away from those greedy bastards,” he said.
“The police?” I suggested naively.
He laughed. I loved his laugh. It was sonorous, rumbling from all the way deep within his throat.
“No, not the police, sweetheart. My apartment.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“Nowhere else?” I queried meekly.
“Nowhere else,” he replied and stood. “Let’s get your things together.”
I watched as he gathered all my torn clothing and stuffed it into my bag. Once that was done, he grabbed my arm and led me out the door. He kept me close as we headed to the reception area.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I noted two black cars in the parking lot and four men standing there, watching us from afar. These men didn’t wear black suits like William’s men. They wore casual clothing and appeared ready to strike. I knew immediately they were another group of people who were after me. I knew also if I were alone, they’d beat me senseless and then drag me away with them.
“It’s all right. They won’t do anything,” James whispered into my ear. I shivered and gave him a look that questioned his confident statement. He grinned. “They’re not that stupid.”
I didn’t understand the meaning behind his words but was pleased that once I was checked out and in James’s car, they indeed had not acted. To further my relief, they didn’t follow us as James drove out into the streets.
I sighed and relaxed in my seat. James laughed, and I took offense. “It’s my first time,” I snapped. “I’ve never had to deal with these types of people back home.”
Suddenly, James veered the car to the right and stopped. He turned to me and said, “I believe you.”
In a second flat, he had his hand behind my head and his lips were against mine. His kiss was hot, and I felt my whole quivering with delight as his tongue slipped between my lips and invaded my mouth. I groaned and as my body melted onto his and he kissed me deeper. When finally he let me go, I was dizzy and my brain was a muddled mess.
He stroked my sore lips with his thumb when he whispered to me, “Don’t look at me like that, Mia. Your expression makes me want to fuck you so badly.”
I blinked. My mind began to clear, and when his words finally sank in, I angrily slapped his hand from my lips.
I was still having difficulty breathing when he returned his attention to the car and started driving out. I was pleased he didn’t make any conversation during the twenty-minute drive to his apartment. Once he parked in the underground lot, he led me, with his arm around me of course, toward the elevator. I tried to push him away, but the man would have none of it.
“Do you mind?” I asked in exasperation. “Personal space here, mister!”
He chuckled. “All right, personal space,” he said and let go of me. He even had the courtesy to take a few steps back.
“Thank you,” I said.
Yes, I needed space and time away from this man. In only half a day, he had kissed me twice. In only half a day, he had already made a wanton wench of me. I came to the realization that Mr. James Maxwell was a bad influence on me, and I needed to be free of him. But it was hard when a number of ruthless thugs were after you, and the only person able to keep you safe was the person you wanted to run away from. Yet I didn’t truly want to run from this gorgeous Mr. Maxwell.
James had to swipe his key card in order to get into the main building and then again to get onto the elevator. I noted security cameras on every corner, even in the lift itself. Security was indeed tight in this building, and instantly, I felt safer.
The door dinged open, and James led me to a grand doorway across the hall. He flipped out his keycard once again, inserted it in the slot to the side, and then punched in his pin number. The lock clicked open.
“After you,” he said, holding the door for me.
I nodded and took a step in. Instantly, the light flashed on by itself. I gazed around in amazement. The hallway was indeed grand, and I was impressed. I waited for James so as not to be rude, walking into someone else’s home before the owner. James passed me and led me straight into the living area.
I sucked in my breath. And here I’d thought the hallway was grand. The living area, in comparison, was a hundred times grander. The place was bright and the area was open and spacious. Glass windows stretched from floor to ceiling. I walked down the few steps and stared off at the vast city before us. The view of city lights was indeed breathtaking.
I couldn’t help myself. I had to ask. I had to know. “Are you sure you want me to stay here?”
“You don’t like this place?” he asked bluntly.
I blushed. “That’s not what I mean,” I said. “It’s just so… grand.”
He cocked his head to one side and then chuckled. “Then you like it?”
I bit on my lower lip and nodded.
“The view is even more beautiful during the day,” he said.
I nodded in agreement. Oddly enough, I couldn’t wait until morning to see it.
I was lost in my own world, imagining what the view would look like in the morning as the sun was rising. I felt a large, strong hand around my wrist.
“Come on. I’ll show you to your room.”
I nodded, allowing myself to be led up the stairs and then into a large room. A king-sized bed was positioned to one side. The window once again stretched from floor to ceiling.
“The bathroom is there.” James pointed to the door to my left. “I’m going to make some coffee. Do you want some?”
Mutely, I nodded my head. Before he left me alone, however, I asked, “James?”
He turned. “Hmm?”
“Is this your bedroom?”
He gave me that handsome grin of his and his eyes twinkled. “Would you like this to be my bedroom?” he teased.
I blushed. “Shit!” I blurted out.
He roared with laughter. I’d never seen any man laugh so hard before, and somehow, it made my belly glow with warmth.
When I heard William laughed in the parking lot, I knew immediately it was a forced, fake response. But with James, it was real. With James, it was from the heart, and it made my whole body quiver with delicious sensation. God, my attraction to him was worse than I’d originally thought. Yes, I had to get away from this billionaire as soon as possible. Once Andy’s affairs and safety had been sorted out, of course. Meanwhile… what must I do?
When he calmed down, he said, “You’re learning.”
Before I could ask him what he meant, he was out the door, humming to himself.
Alone, I threw my bag onto the bed and then sat down.
“What a weird man,” I murmured. Then, because I couldn’t help myself, I stood and headed to the walk-in wardrobe. I yanked open the door, my heart thundering within my chest.
Nothing. There was absolutely nothing in the wardrobe. I sighed in relief. This wasn’t James’s room. If it were, then his clothing would have been in there. I was sure of it.
I chuckled and turned my attention to the vast view of the city outside. It was beautiful, and once again, my mind drifted back to my brother. Was he okay? Like me, was he in hiding from those many people who were after him?
I sighed, feeling a headache coming. Thinking about that now wasn’t going to help. I needed to phone him, and to do that, I needed to first get James to give me the number.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 13
Mia
Turning on my heel, I marched downstairs. I found James still humming in the open-plan kitchen, preparing two cups of coffee. I went to sit on one of the barstools at the center island.
He placed a cup in front of me and then took a sip of his own. I wrapped my hand around the mug and inhaled the steamy aroma. It soothed me somehow, and I closed my eyes.
“You marched down those stairs like a woman on a mission,” he teased.
I flicked my eyes open and gazed up at him watching me. “You said you’d let me phon
e Andy if I played nice at dinner.”
Slowly, a smile spread across his face. His eyes still on me, he rested his chin in his palm as he leaned on the counter. “A promise is a promise.”
I waited patiently as he took out his cell and dialed. His eyes never left my face as he said into the phone, “Max? James here.” Then suddenly, he laughed, which made me wonder what he found so amusing. “Play nice with Andy, Max. I have his sister here with me.”
I frowned as he handed over the phone.
I took it and placed it against my ear. “Andy?”
All I could hear was heavy breathing and then a groan. A deep, faint voice that didn’t belong to Andy said, “Here, it’s your sister.”
“Andy?” I said loudly into the phone.
A moment later, a shaky voice whispered, “Mia?”
My body shook in reaction and my heart leaped with relief. “Andy! Are you okay? Where are you?”
Deep breathing continued and then another groan. “Mia… Ah… Shit… Fuck!” More deep breathing and then, “Stop it! I said stop! Let me go, you bastard!”
There was a loud thud as though a heavy object landed on the floor and then the noise of footsteps running. I could hear the ringing of a man laughing in the distance. My heart jumped with sickness when I heard a door bang shut.
“Andy? Andy? Talk to me. Please talk to me,” I said, my voice weak with concern.
Before me, James was hiding his laughter. I was angry. That bastard. He was enjoying watching me under such stressful circumstances.
I ignored him and tried to get my brother to talk to me again. But all I could hear was groaning and heavy breathing.
“Oh, Andy, please be all right,” I said. To James, I demanded, “What is that man doing to my brother?”
James just grinned at me as if he knew a secret. Be damned, but I really wanted to know what he was hiding and what he found so oddly amusing.
“Mia?” I heard Andy’s voice. I quickly turned my attention to the phone.
