Chapter 50：Mia

He laughed. Once he calmed down, he said, mirth in his voice, "You're tired, and you've just met your brother. Now bedtime for you."

I agreed with a nod of my head. "Yeah. I'm very tired. I'm going to clean up now."

Before he let me go, he softly kissed me on the lips. I blushed. I had no idea why I was blushing so much. It was only a kiss. It wasn't even like most of his other kisses, which were passionate and wild, with tongue and everything. This one was just a quick, soft brush of our lips. But then why did my heart quicken with so much delight?

I stepped away from him and headed into the bathroom. After I'd closed the door, I dumped my bag on the floor and stared at myself in the mirror. Gosh, my face was so flushed and my eyes were so bright with red-rimmed corners, a result of my earlier tears.

I didn't take long brushing my teeth. After that, I had a quick shower. Some fifteen minutes later, with only James's work shirt and my undies on, I headed back out.

I was glad James wasn't in the bedroom. I wasn't in the mood to see him just now because of that small kiss earlier. It got me thinking in ways I didn't want to think. It was better not to get in too deep in an area where you knew from the beginning it wasn't possible. We were just master and mistress. No need to get involved emotionally. But hell, he did kiss me like Dad used to kiss Mom—that light, sweet kiss full of devotion and care and love.

Shaking my head and determined not to think about the billionaire and the kiss, I quickly got into the bed. As I shut my eyes and tried to make myself sleep, I heard James's voice on the other side of the room, talking lightly. I presumed he was on his cell phone because I didn't hear anyone replying to him. It must be business, I thought, because he mentioned terms such as investments and contracts and negotiations.

My mind drifted off to my brother once again, and I wondered what Andy meant when he'd said he'd sort everything out before I returned to Mystic Spring. I didn't feel too good about that. And he wasn't happy either that I'd exchanged myself to be James's mistress for the two million he owed. Of course I'd known that, but what was I supposed to do? I was his sister after all. The debt needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.

A few moments later, I heard James coming into the bedroom and then disappearing again into the bathroom. He must be having a shower, I thought, as I heard the water going. I smiled, having the urge to see droplets of water running down that amazingly hot, masculine body of his.

My belly tingled, and my heart raced. My fingers itched to trail the length of that brick wall of chest down to the six-pack abs. I groaned and told myself this was ridiculous. What had James done to me? Making me think of ridiculous things like that? Wanting to caress him and everything.

When he returned, I still had my eyes shut even though I wasn't really sleeping, even though I was tired. Deep within my mind, I was actually fantasizing about Mr. James Maxwell, naked and under the shower, and I wanted to sexually molest him with my hands and lips, caressing him and kissing him and…

Oh no. What was I thinking about? This wasn't normal, surely.

I felt James getting into bed beside me, and instantly I held my breath. It's fine, Mia. You're supposed to be sleeping. Quit worrying, the small voice at the back of my head said to me.

Suddenly I felt warm hands on me and then a little pull, rolling me over. I found myself being hugged in a tight embrace in James's arms. Oddly enough, it felt good—the warmth, the tight space, and the hardness of his body against me. It was then I realized he was naked from the waist up. Did he usually sleep in only his shorts? I couldn't help myself and blushed, my eyes still closed.

Without my realizing it, I snuggled my face deeper into the crook of his arm, against his chest, and inhaled. Oh God! He smelled so good—of maleness and of just… James. I couldn't help myself and sighed pleasantly. I felt somewhat safe and protected in his arms, and it was wonderful. I hadn't felt like that since my parents died. Every night had always been cold and frightening and empty and lonely.

I felt warm lips on my forehead, that light, sweet kiss like he did earlier with my lips, and my insides glowed.

"See? I don't bite in bed," he said lightly, a hint of a tease in his deep voice. "Unless you want me to."

I flashed my eyes open and glared at him. I noted him snickering and sucked in my breath. The Prussian blue of his eyes was on fire. I didn't even have time to react before he claimed my lips in a scorching kiss. When he slipped his tongue into my mouth, it was wild, licking me, stroking me, and dancing with me.

"Ngh…" I groaned.

When he finally released me, I was dazed, my mind was numbed, and my body sparked with heat.

"Do you want me to bite you, Mia?" he asked.

I blinked. "Huh?"

He chuckled. "Never mind." He rested his cheek against my forehead and shut his eyes.

Huh? I frowned. What? So he just decided to kiss me like that and then expected me to sleep? What an arrogant man, I thought in irritation.

I struggled in his arms, wanting to annoy him as much as possible, wanting him to let me go. He only chuckled at my escape attempt and tightened his hold on me.

"Good night, Mia," he said softly.

A moment later, I gave up and sighed, flopping my head against his arm and closing my eyes.