Chapter 86

James

Once he was in Aria’s bedroom, James concentrated on helping his daughter choose her wardrobe for the day, not that he was any good at it. He didn’t quite understand little girls’ tastes, not like he understood women’s fashion. He personally appreciated a woman’s body, Mia’s especially. And buying garments to fit that beautiful figure was a pleasure. His mistress might not know it, but she suited most clothing he bought for her. Seeing her wearing what he’d chosen made his heart glow with delight. Not that he had any qualms about ripping the expensive material to pieces simply to get his hands on her naked body either. It was thrilling and so fucking satisfying as he worked his way through what was keeping him away from what he desired most—the smooth, sensuality of her skin.

He had just finished going through the wardrobe with his daughter when Sophie appeared, having finished drawing a bath for Aria. James noticed her shy smile, which was directed at him, and her nervous movements as she came over and ushered Aria away into the bathroom. He didn’t miss the fact that the woman was giving him sidelong looks either.

James wasn’t stupid. Sophie was personally interested in him. Sure, he’d always appreciated her breathtakingly beautiful face and gorgeous figure, but there was nothing in the woman that sparked his interest. There were no raw thrills that coursed hot in his veins. Not like when he looked at Mia.

Mia, James thought with a dark smile, made the blood in his veins erupt in excitement and stirred his cock to life. She was deeply sincere, fucking innocent, and beautifully refreshing. She had depth. She had substance. She was what he wanted in a woman.

Sophie? When did he start to realize she was just…superficial? There was nothing sincere about her, as if there were no depth or substance to her, as if she were merely a one-dimensional person.

When did he start to suspect she wasn’t all perfect? That she might have an underlying agenda?

Fuck! He was a notorious businessman, and sizing up his competitors’ true intentions had always been his instinct. But with Sophie, how the hell did he miss the fact that she had more than just looking after Aria in mind?

Thinking back, it had been the day he and Mia had returned to LA that started it off. It was when Mia had unthinkingly told him Aria had lost her cell phone only to find it again in his bedroom. Flicking through his mind, the timing was right, which was why he hadn’t been able to get through to Aria and only to encounter Sophie receiving the call.

What was her purpose? Fuck! But surely the woman was dangerously playing with fire.

His mind flashed back to that day he had confronted her about the incident. Of course she had denied any responsibility for the unusual incident and, in fact, had firmly told him in an arrogant manner that he was jumping to conclusions and it was probably another staff member who had done it.

When he’d challenged her about the timing, which fit perfectly, she became flustered and nervous. It had been then he’d placed a warning on her. He doubted she was pleased with the fact that if she were to again overstep her boundaries where Aria was concerned, he had no choice but to let her go.

In the end, the woman sincerely apologized if she had caused any trouble and would ensure nothing of the sort would ever happen again. Though she stuck with her innocence where intercepting Aria’s cell phone was concerned.

James leaned back against the wall and sighed. Truth be told, he’d gladly take down a bunch of fully armed gangs in the back streets of Las Vegas or conduct ruthless business transactions with crafty men any day of the week rather than having to deal with cunning, manipulative women. And Sophie, he instinctively knew, was one of those cunning, manipulative, and fucking twisted women, just like his ex-wife Whitney.

Yep, he admitted, he fucking did not know how to deal with them. That was why Mia was a breath of fresh air. She was transparent and had no hidden agenda.

Aria came running out into the bedroom again, wearing a white bathrobe. On her head was a white towel wrapped in an elegant turban style that made James want to chuckle with amusement.

Behind her was Sophie, who had an unpleasant expression on her face. It was as if she were annoyed with Aria’s behavior, which in turn irritated James. The amusement left him, and replacing it was a sour aftertaste.

“Aria, please don’t run,” Sophie said sharply. “And behave yourself.”

Aria halted in her tracks, and James thought his daughter looked more than a little frightened at the sharp tone directed at her.

At this point, James wondered if Sophie had ever been hard on his daughter—worse yet, abused her because of the power he’d given her as the nanny.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

He stepped forward and gently pulled Aria into his arms. “Sweetheart,” he said, “are you okay?”

Sophie looked offended immediately and went bright red, as if she understood where James was heading.

“What are you implying, Mr. Maxwell? Of course she’s okay. Come on. Let’s get her dressed up, or we’re going to be late.”

“It’s fine,” he said sternly, his dark eyes on her. “You can leave. I’ll take care of my daughter.”

Sophie was a little surprised by his no-nonsense command. She hesitated for a moment, as if considering whether to obey his order or not. Then she hardened her face and said, “All right. Do as you please. But it’s no good spoiling that child, Mr. Maxwell. She’ll grow to be selfish. And Aria needs a proper woman to raise her. She can’t afford to be influenced by an uneducated girl from the streets with a suspicious background.”

The moment she’d finished uttering those words, she left before James could respond.

Fuck! James’ frown was dark and dangerous. What the fuck was that woman going on about? Was she implying he was spoiling Aria? Was she implying Mia was a bad influence? As if it were any of her fucking business how he treated his daughter, if he spoiled her.

Fuck, what father didn’t want to spoil his beloved, sweet, cute, adorable daughter? Furthermore, he’d never thought Mia was a bad influence on Aria. On the contrary, he thought his mistress was doing a fine job where doting on Aria was concerned, giving her the motherly affection the little girl was missing and sorely needed, of which he had previously hoped Sophie herself would provide. Apparently, that was not the case, and it seemed Sophie herself was rather tired of her role as the nanny, if her rude, dismissive attitude were any indication. In which case, James had to reconsider things.