“I’ll hold your calls,” Alice taunted.
Mitch pursed his lips in displeasure. “Thanks, Alice.”
He shut the door, and Jess glanced at him. “I sensed some tension there.”
“I made Alice’s life a misery until she called Diarmad and threatened to quit on me. Diar sent her to a luxury resort for two weeks on my dime. Let’s say Alice knows how to enjoy herself,” Mitch replied, and Jess let out a laugh.
“I see.”
Mitch watched as Jess wandered through the office, picking up random items and putting them down again.
“Guess you’re wondering why I’m here,” Jess said.
“Yeah, we didn’t exactly leave on good terms last time,” Mitch admitted. That was the understatement of the century.
“No. Before we start, you need to understand something. There are things we must discuss. Should you pry beyond taking me at my word, that means you don’t respect my privacy. Also, before we have this conversation, make sure you want me, Mitch. Because the four times I opened my heart to someone, theyripped it out and stamped on it. And because of my grief, serious repercussions were experienced.”
Mitch longed to understand what these dangerous things were, because Jess had mentioned them before. Somehow, he knew that Jess wouldn’t share the information.
“Jess, it’s been several months since Inverness. And we only had eight days together, and I’ve not been able to get over you,” Mitch replied honestly.
“I feel the same.” She tilted her head. “What is it about you?” Jess asked and shrugged defensively.
“Guess you know how I feel. You’re under my skin and in my veins.”
“That shouldn’t be romantic or attractive, but it is,” Jess said with a self-deprecating laugh.
“Stalkerish, much?” Mitch inquired as he sat on the couch and watched Jess as she began wandering again. He liked her being in his space. Usually, Mitch hated it when people interrupted him, but Jess being here felt right.
“Yes, but it also makes me feel wanted,” Jess murmured as she picked up a paperweight and then put it down.
“Come here and check how hard you make me if you doubt that,” Mitch offered gutturally. Jess sent him a surprised look, and Mitch grinned.
“A bit too soon,” Jess said and rubbed her thighs together.
“Is it? I think my words turned you on, Jess,” he teased. Mitch’s cock was tenting his trousers, and he didn’t care. Let Jess witness her effect on him. The woman had been the star of his erotic dreams for months.
“We need to talk. First off, the money. What you don’t know is that I have my own fortune. Leon and I are friends, and Leon has generously invested my funds. I’m in the top one hundred richest in the world,” Jess said bluntly. “Leon didn’t buy that dress or the jewellery I was wearing; I did.”
“Now you shame me, I only rank one hundred and forty-three,” Mitch teased. “But I don’t remember seeing your name in the rankings.”
“You won’t, same as Leon’s. I’m easily within the top fifty, but I keep my fortune secret for a reason,” Jess explained.
Mitch caught what Jess wasn’t saying, and anger rose. “Men have gotten close to you for your money.”
“Yes. The wealth I’ve amassed never mattered much. I like to work; life is boring. But to some, it meant everything. They used me while they kept women on the side,” Jess said honestly.
Mitch sensed a deep well of pain beneath those words. These assholes had badly hurt Jess, scarring her deeply. How could they live with themselves? “What are their names?” he demanded.
“They’re long gone, Mitch. They paid the ultimate price for betrayal and greed,” Jess whispered. She seemed lost in memories.
“That won’t be me,” he said strongly, and Jess looked up and held his eyes.
“I swore never to care for a man again,” Jess murmured.
Mitch’s heart picked up. Was Jess declaring herself?
“And?” he asked, his voice thick.
