Chapter Four. #2
This was another reason why she and Mitch were incompatible.
He clearly liked costly toys and being in the public eye, although she couldn’t place him.
That meant he owned a big company. Intuition told her that he’d lied about the Bugatti being Diar’s because he was too relaxed while driving it.
An eleven-million-pound car, and Mitch wasn’t fazed?
No, Mitch had been far too comfortable behind the wheel.
Whoever Mitch was, he shied away from social media and didn’t seek attention.
She didn’t recognise him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t wield power.
Everything about Mitch screamed authority, control, and money.
He might be dressed in jeans and a tee, but she knew their brands, and they were expensive.
Jess huffed. If this was Mitch’s standard of living, at least he wasn’t after her for her fortune.
She’d done her hardest to give off the illusion she was barely breaking even.
However, admitting she owned two houses wasn’t exactly normal.
Only wealthy or middle-class people could usually afford something like that.
Not the working-class persona she was attempting to pull off.
Jess hadn’t lied about her career. She was a movie set designer and one of the best out there, and earned a lot of money from that.
Not enough to buy a Bugatti La Voiture Noire, but adequate to keep her in two homes.
Aside from her job, Jess’s personal fortune placed her as one of the richest people in the world, but nobody knew it.
She kept that secret. If all the Legendary Shifter fortunes were calculated, they would take over the top fifty places easily.
With someone like Midas, they’d never be out of pocket.
“Jess, are you okay?” Mitch asked as he leaned down to give her a hand up onto the yacht.
“Overwhelmed.”
“I’m the same man who pulled you out of the loch. Jess, I just happen to have money,” he replied.
“And I’m being silly.” Jess reached up, grabbed Mitch’s hand, and let him help her on board. “You know, you never mentioned how long you’re staying.”
“It’s been five days, and there are two days left of the conference. But I’m staying on for another week.”
“Nine in total,” Jess mused.
“Yup. Want to spend them with me?”
“Let’s see what you’ve brought to feed me first,” Jess quipped.
“I’m starting to think that the way to your heart is through your stomach. However, I’m sure that’s intended to mean men.” Mitch laughed.
Jess grinned. “When you’ve gone hungry, you tend to remember it.”
Mitch’s head shot round as Jess clamped her lips together.
She smiled tightly, and Mitch didn’t push.
Damn it, that was a slip she’d not meant to say.
Jess had known hunger back in the days of being unable to shift.
She was thankful that Mitch let it go, but there was a look in his eye that she couldn’t pin down.
Mitch steered the yacht, and they headed out into the loch. It was a warm day, although a breeze fluttered over the water. Jess sat at the bow and stared out as Mitch played at captain. She was shocked when a guy appeared and took over from Mitch.
“Who’s that?” she asked when Mitch joined her.
“I’ll admit it, that’s Diar’s captain. Jess, I cheated.” Mitch hung his head and looked shamefaced before breaking into a grin. “I wanted to spend time with you, so I showed off my manly prowess by getting us onto the loch. Then he’s taking over.” Mitch shrugged, and she laughed.
Jess idly noted that she seemed to do that a lot with Mitch. And it appeared he liked hearing it. “Is there a chef, too?”
“Yes,” Mitch moved closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He nudged her cheek with his nose. “You.”
Jess couldn’t stop the snort and giggled. “Ah, you’ve an ulterior motive.”
“Definitely. You can’t serve me food like last night and not expect me to take advantage of it. Just tell me when you’re hungry, and we’ll go eat.”
“Can we sit and enjoy the sun? It’s so pretty glistening on the water.”
“Whatever you want, Jess,” Mitch said.
Jess smiled and tipped her head onto his shoulder. For now, she’d ignore her bloody history and live in the moment. She was with an attractive man who was lavishing attention on her. And it was a beautiful day. Jess’s longevity; she’d not had many days like this. It was one Jess would never forget.
Mitch
He couldn’t believe the nine days were nearly over.
He had tonight and tomorrow left. Jess enthralled him; in spite of Mitch’s doubts, she’d proved to be the ideal companion.
More so because Jess wasn’t high maintenance, she didn’t create arguments, cause trouble, or make unreasonable demands.
She was perfectly happy eating at a cheap burger joint as much as in an expensive restaurant. Jess also loved being at home.
They’d had fun, but he wanted more. Mitch wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Jess had been quiet tonight, and Mitch thought it was because tomorrow was their last day. As he drove her home, Mitch tried to figure out how to voice his wants and desires.
“Jess,” he began and coughed to clear his throat.
“Don’t, Mitch. Let’s enjoy tomorrow,” Jess replied quietly.
“But—”
“Please don’t. Not now, we’ll talk tomorrow,” she replied.
Mitch glanced over and saw the tears in Jess’s eyes, and it kicked him in the gut. He slipped a hand off the steering wheel and squeezed her thigh.
“Okay,” Mitch said reassuringly. Tomorrow was a new day. He’d discover a way of keeping Jess at his side. This was the beginning of something special, and Mitch wouldn’t lose her, not now that he’d found her.
Jess
Mitch walked her to the door, as he was wont to do, and kissed her. She leaned in close and clung to him. Jess let go of her passion and poured emotion into the kiss. It got heated, and Mitch pressed her back against the door as his hands wound into her hair.
“Mitch,” she whispered.
“Admit you feel it, Jess,” he ordered.
“I do, but I’m not ready,” Jess replied.
Mitch ended the kiss and withdrew. “I’d never force you.”
“I know, it’s why I’m beginning to care for you,” she whispered, swallowing tears.
“Me too,” he murmured and stepped away. “I’ll pick you up at ten tomorrow.”
“I’ll look forward to it. Wear something pretty,” she teased.
Mitch offered a dire glance, and Jess laughed, but there was pain mixed into it. Mitch rubbed his thumb over her lip and walked back to his car.
Jess watched him drive away and shut the door. She headed into her bedroom and straight to her mirror.
“Mary Worth, Mary Worth, Mary Worth, hear me, sister,” Jess cried with tears clogging her throat.
“I’m here, come,” Mary called.
Jess launched through the mirror and flung herself into her sister’s arms. There she broke down in sobs as Mary rocked her, trying to offer comfort.
“Mary, I did it again,” Jess sobbed.
“What, Jess, what?” Mary asked as she rubbed Jess’s back.
“Fell in love,” Jess wailed. She burrowed into Mary’s body and let her emotions out. Here in the castle, Disease might rant and rail, but he couldn’t infect anyone. That small victory gave her a little comfort. Nobody would die today.
Mitch
She was gone. Mitch stared in disbelief at the note she’d left and read it again.
‘Mitch,
If I didn’t leave tonight, I never would.
As much as we might want to be together, forces are keeping us apart that you’d never understand.
But know, if things were different, I’d stay by your side, and we’d live a beautiful life.
I couldn’t bear parting from you tomorrow; it would have been too painful. So, I’ve gone now to save us both.
I wish you a good life.
Jess.’
That was it. All Mitch got. Jess had ripped his heart out and fled.
He’d find her. Jess wouldn’t get far. She might hide, but Mitch would seek, and when he found her… she’d know exactly how he felt.