Chapter 25：Mia

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 key card 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."

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?"

I mutely 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 laugh 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.