Chapter 78

Mia

I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing to see James do a double take the moment he walked into the living area. It had been the first time I’d seen him do that. Surely I wasn’t wearing something so glamorous it was worthy of such avid attention from him this evening. It was just a simple white dress that wasn’t showing much of anything. My hair was French braided, and my makeup was done neutrally. When I’d had a glance at myself in the mirror, I thought I looked like some innocent girl on her way to church.

James had a dark look on his face that made me nervous. It wasn’t the usual spark I’d seen so many times when he saw me in something sexy, like the erotic lingerie or the silk cocktail dress. This was something more. It was deeper and, quite frankly, notoriously wicked and iniquitous.

His stare made my stomach flip in both dread and excitement. There was a sort of hard line to the features of his face that made him look like a devil in heat.

I licked my lips and said, “Hi. You’re back early.”

James was still staring, his eyes roving over me, taking in every inch. He smirked. “I don’t remember buying you that dress.”

I shrugged. “It was among the others from Fleur,” I said. “Maybe you’ve bought so many you’ve forgotten.” I cocked my head to one side as I glanced down at myself. “Although, I didn’t know you liked this sort of thing on me. It’s quite nice, isn’t it?”

It was true this dress was completely different from the others. This one was very modest in an almost schoolgirl style.

“I didn’t know either,” he said, walking toward me, his eyes dark.

Once he was close, he drew me to him and planted a kiss gently against my lips. When he urged me to part, I obliged, and he eagerly plunged in his tongue.

He was slow and erotic, his tongue playing and teasing me. This was a different James. This James was gentle, taking his time. This James made my heart flutter with joy.

I groaned softly, my hands clutching his jacket as he continued to leisurely explore me, tasting me and teasing me, slowly burning me and igniting my core.

When he finally terminated the kiss, I was breathless and dazed. My knees were weak as I leaned against him for support.

James moved over and cupped my breast through the fabric of the dress. I groaned because I knew what his intention was. Despite the fact that he’d already turned me on and I wanted more than anything to let him do sexy, erotic stuff to me right now, I had to control myself. I had a dinner date with Savanah after all. It wouldn’t do for me to be late, especially when I wanted to spend time with her. Who knew when I’d get to see her again? I wasn’t in control of my own traveling plans for the next five years because of the contract with James. And neither was Savanah, as I knew she was under William’s patronage.

I said, my voice weak and shaky, “James, I have to go.”

James snuggled his nose in the crook of my neck and asked, “Where are you going?”

I made him move back from me because, really, I simply couldn’t think straight when he was so close. Gosh, his heat and smell were driving me senseless. As always, his presence made me want to throw away my morals and simply allow him to ravish me in every way he desired until I was spent. I was such a wanton wench, wasn’t I?

“I have a dinner date with a friend.”

James cocked his head to one side. “A friend?”

“Remember?” I said. “Savanah.”

“Ah, her.” He nodded. “At William’s penthouse, I presume?”

I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not for James to know so much about me and everything to do with me, even my new friend Savanah and where she lived.

“Yes.” I nodded, taking a step back. “I think Patrick is waiting for me downstairs,” I said to hint at the fact I really must get going.

I managed to escape his fervent clutches somehow and hastily rushed into the bedroom. There, I retrieved my handbag and shoes and then returned to the living room to find James on the phone. He was busy talking, and because I didn’t want to disturb him, I waved and headed to the door.

I was just about to exit when I felt James’ hand on my wrist, pulling me back against him. He buried his face in the crook of my neck. “Sure, I’ll behave myself. Just make sure you do the same.”

He sounded both amused and pissed, and I wondered who he was on the phone with.

I glanced at him, wondering what he wanted now, since his embrace was so tight. Truly, I didn’t have a moment to waste if I was to get to Savanah’s place on time.

“James,” I said, my voice weak. I tried very hard not to feel too comfortable in his arms, which was simply impossible because the man knew just how to make me melt into him. “I really must get going now.”

“I’m coming with you,” he said bluntly.

I blinked. “Excuse me?” I turned in his arms to look up at him. “What do you mean—”

He cut me short. “I’m coming with you.” With that, he took my hand and led me out the door.

Ten minutes later, in the car, I started the conversation by asking, “So what about your dinner meeting with your clients tonight?”

“Don’t have one,” he said.

“What about work?” I couldn’t help asking.

He smiled and said, “I didn’t know you were interested in my work life.”

I blushed. “I… I was just wondering, that’s all.” I defended myself. Then I thought it was more like I was worried about his work. I didn’t want him to ruin his business and, hence, lose his important clients because of me. I’d feel so guilty over it.

He moved his hand over to cup my face and caressed my cheek fondly. “Business sorted, for now.”

“Oh.” Then something else entirely hit me, drawing my attention from James. “Oh shoot!” I hastily searched my bag for my phone. “I forgot to tell Savanah you’re coming for dinner as well.”

I found the phone and gave Savanah a quick call. Thank goodness she wasn’t at all upset James was tagging along. Although I had to admit she sounded rather nervous, which in turn made me anxious, and I had to apologize to her profusely for the short notice.