“Peacock,” Ericks remarked, and Mitch couldn’t stop the laugh that burst out of him.
“That’s truer than you know,” Mitch commented.
“Why don’t you lot take a walk?” Ericks asked those surrounding him, and they all disappeared. “Are you here to talk business?”
“Wow, wish I could make people disappear like that,” Diar muttered.
“Nobody wants to upset the great white whale, except you, I sense,” Ericks said, looking at Mitch.
Mitch held his gaze. “You’re possibly the richest man in the room. But Ericks, you bleed red like the rest of us. Strip you naked, and you’re the same as everyone else.”
Ericks laughed as Jess blanched. “One day, Mitchum McQuoid, you might find the error of those statements. But for now, I’ll ignore them.”
“Leon, I’m heading to powder my nose,” Jess murmured.
“Now, Diarmad, let’s talk about that penthouse,” Ericks said.
“I thought we weren’t going to talk business,” Diar replied, and Mitch wanted to kick his shin.
“We’re not. McDonald, we’re discussing the possibility of you selling me a penthouse or two.” Ericks chuckled.
“On that note, I see someone I need to speak with. Excuse me,” Mitch stated and walked away. He had his target in sight and wanted a word.
Chapter Six.
Jess
She couldn’t believe that Mitch was here. Jess had guessed he had money, but not this level. Damn it. Her heart was pounding with excitement at seeing him again.
Sheesh, Jess bent over the taps and splashed some cold water on her wrists to calm down. Mitch was as handsome as she remembered, and her body was reacting enthusiastically. After taking a few moments to compose herself, Jess sucked in a deep breath, opened the door, and left the ladies’ room.
Mitch had dented her armour with his attraction, and Jess was barely holding on. Seeing him again had been a shock, and she underestimated Mitch’s impact on her. A hand grabbed her arm, and before she could argue, Jess was pushed into a side room. An angry-looking Mitch glowered at her.
“Hello, Jess,” he ground out.
Jess wanted to shift her gaze but refused. “Mitch, you look well.”
“That’s all you’ve got to say? Especially after running like a coward?” Mitch spat.
Jess winced. Damn, Mitch was really hurt; it was obvious in his voice.
“I had to leave, Mitch.”
“Why? My fortune isn’t enough for you?” he demanded, and before Jess realised it, her hand shot out and struck him.
Mitch’s head snapped to the side before he faced her again. “So, is Ericks the force keeping us apart?”
“No!” Jess exclaimed.
“Well, Ericks is the type of man not to play nicely with his toys. Is he holding a threat over you?”
“Mitch, no, Leon wouldn’t do that!” Jess cried. She would not allow Mitch to malign Leon. It didn’t matter how hurt Mitch was; she’d not stand for that.
“It’s his bank balance then,” Mitch pushed.
“No, Mitch, it was never about money,” Jess murmured as she struggled to control rising tears. Mitch was deeply wounded, and she was the cause. Jess had hoped that her departure would save him this, but instead it had caused it.
“Your leaving didn’t spare me pain,” Mitch hissed, and Jess closed her eyes. She released a sigh and swallowed hard.
