Chained to You (Dark Billionaires 3, 4)

"He was in Mystic Spring yesterday, but he already left when we checked the place out. He's on the move again. I suspect he'll be going to the West Coast. Either Las Angeles or Las Vegas."

The moment Cole said that, James felt a little sick to his stomach. "He's after Mia and Andy."

"Yep. Looks that way," Cole said. "Got a call from one of the waitresses back in Mystic Spring. She said a suspicious-looking man came in yesterday, asking about Mia. She told me the man said he's her relative."

"I see," James said. "Keep tracking him, Cole. We can't let him get away. And we can't let him get near either Mia or Andy."

"Sure, boss," Cole said. "I'll call again to keep you posted."

"Yeah. We'll talk soon."

"Yeah. Bye for now," Cole said and then hung up.

James flipped the phone shut and sighed. "Fuck!" he swore under his breath.

It was a few hours later, after he had his meeting with the important client, when he met up with Matt for a drink in one of their favorite bars in the city. They were sitting in their favorite spot at the back, sipping beer, when James brought up the subject.

"Herbert's after Mia and Andy."

Matt nearly choked on his drink. "Fuck me!" he said. "If he lays his hands on Andy, he's as good as dead." He shook his head in disbelief that such a bastard of a man was so persistent in getting his claws on his prey. "He's on his way here?"

James nodded.

"Guess the bastard doesn't realize the siblings are under our protection." He chuckled. "Fuck. He's in for a big surprise."

James nodded. "A damn big surprise."

"Come on," Matt said, sliding off his seat. "Time to go. Another damn dinner meeting. Shit, James, when the hell is this going to end? It's like this every time you're in town." He shook his head. "From now on, you're not welcome in Las Vegas," he teased. "Go back to L.A."

James chuckled. "Glad to. Once the shit's over."

"Aria must really miss you, huh?" Matt asked.

He gave a quick glance at his friend and nodded. "Yep. Though I couldn't get ahold of her today."

"There's always tomorrow," Matt said.

James didn't comment on that statement.

They were just at door, leaving, when James remembered he hadn't told Mia about the fact that he wouldn't be able to join her tonight, again. They were walking along the busy footpath as he dialed Mia's number.

Matt glanced over and shook his head. "Fuck, James. You act like the world is going to end if you can't hear her voice for a day."

"Shut up," James snapped, a little irritated the comment hit right on the mark. Fuck! He knew he shouldn't act like Mia meant so much to him, but hell, he couldn't help himself.

It was on the fourth ring now, and Mia still hadn't picked up the phone. Then it went to voicemail, and he cursed.

Matt gave a long, loud whistle and then laughed. "She's not your wife, James."

James gave Matt a dark frown. Dismissing his friend, he quickly sent Mia a text. Once done, he said, "I don't want her to wait on me. Fuck, quit jumping to conclusions."

Matt shrugged. "Sure," he said, secretly smiling.

Chapter 27

Mia

It was nearly five that evening by the time I finally said good-bye to Savanah. This had been the second time I'd had a proper coffee date with her, and I had to admit both times had been wonderful. Not only that, but being able to spend time with her along with Andy had helped ease my loneliness for the past four days while James had been so busy with his work.

During our seemingly very short teatime, we gossiped about men in general. Especially James and William, of course. It was fun, and we couldn't help but giggle like schoolgirls. By the sound of things, Savanah seemed smitten with William. Her eyes glowed and her cheeks blushed pink every time she mentioned his name. I wondered if I looked like her every time I thought or talked about James.

Then of course we chitchatted about random subjects such as fashion, beauty, movies, and of course books, which to my surprise were some of Savanah's favorite topics. I was glad she was an avid reader and loved books of all sorts, especially mystery and travelling. She'd said she'd love to travel around the world one day, as I did. We promised each other we'd be travelling buddies when the time came.

That reminder stopped me short as I made my way back to the car in the parking lot.

Travelling buddies, huh? I sighed.

That innocent, enthusiastic plan wasn't likely to happen, at least until five years later, when my contract with James expired. When I was no longer his mistress. When I'd be free.

My heart raced at the thought, and instantly, I felt both saddened and confused.

"I'll no longer be with James," I murmured under my breath, my eyes on the toes of my shoes.

I was so used to being with him already. So used to having him around, doting on me and kissing me. I was so used to sharing a bed with him, eating with him, and talking nonsense with him. It was like I'd known him so long, and I knew our relationship would only grow deeper within the next five years. Not to mention the fact that it had only been four days since I hadn't seen him properly, and already, I felt I'd been starved of him. I felt like my world had turned gray and dull, as if I were missing something very important. The blue sky, the Prussian blue I loved. The Prussian blue of James's eyes.

I was already lonely and slightly depressed, and hence, the thought that we'd part in the future only made my heart ache even more.

So many questions popped up in my head then. What would I do after the contract ended? What of James? Would he have fallen in love with me already? Would he want to let me go?

Instantly, I thought no. I didn't want him to let me go, regardless that our unconventional contract had expired. Yes, I was selfish, but--

"Miss Donovan."

Patrick's voice c

ame my way, which made me jump back to reality. I blinked, only just realizing I had actually reached the car without knowing.

I said in a fluster, "Patrick, you surprised me."

Patrick chuckled and said, "You look a little troubled there."

I gave him a bright smile, pretending nothing of the sort was happening to me. That I was totally and awesomely fine.

"I'm fine, thank you. No trouble at all." I confirmed.

Patrick nodded and opened the car door for me. "That's good, then. Here you go."

"Thanks," I said as I slipped inside.

I was just putting on my seatbelt when my cell phone beeped, telling me I had a message. I dug into my handbag and found the phone. Flipping it on, I saw I did indeed have a message from James.

My heart skipped a beat, wondering what he was texting me about. Oh God, I'd missed him. God, please let him tell me he'll be free tonight, that he'll be having dinner with me, that we'll spend the evening together and maybe...

I nervously clicked on the message and started reading. After I finished, my heart felt as if it had sunk to bottom of the ocean like a bombed submarine.

So he was busy again tonight. And wouldn't be back until well into the night.

Billionaires, huh? Weren't they always busy? Not to mention the fact that James was multibillionaire, and surely, he'd be even busier than most.

My heart felt crushed within my chest.

No. No. No. I snorted at my own stupidity. Of course James was a busy man. For him to able to join me for dinner every other night was a miracle indeed. I shouldn't be down just because I wasn't going to be with him for a while.

"Is everything all right, Miss Donovan?" Patrick asked, his eyes watching me with concern.

I raised my head to him and nodded, along with a smile. "Yes."

He didn't look convinced, but nodded nonetheless. "Back to the hotel, then?"

I was about to agree when I thought of something better. "Actually..." I began, smiling broadly now. "How about the supermarket?"

Patrick raised a brow. "The supermarket?"

I nodded. "I thought I'd make Andy and myself something nice to eat. I haven't cooked for a while now."