Chapter Seven.
Jess/Loch Ness Monster
Another month had passed, and that made three since Jess last seen Mitch, but she’d kept tabs on him.
Mitch had become the star of Jess’s own private reality show.
Jess asked Mary Worth to spell a small mirror she could carry around so Jess could check on Mitch.
And he dug deeper into her heart until it became almost unbearable.
Jess had watched Mitch jog, work out, create designs, eat, sleep, and even shower.
Twice, she’d caught him masturbating, which in turn led to Jess seeking her own release.
Mitch was fast becoming an obsession for her, as she was for him.
Several times, Mitch spoke his thoughts out loud, and Jess was in them.
It was a boost that he’d not forgotten her, and Jess could tell he regretted their last meeting.
But today… today had undone her.
She’d caught Mitch in the shower a few times and admired his fit, muscled body.
Only he’d also been masturbating, and as Mitch came, he’d called her name.
Now Jess was biting her nails and wondering what to do.
The obvious thing would be to let Mitch go, but Jess was incapable of doing that.
The yearning she felt to be close to him was overwhelming.
Taking a deep breath, Jess made a decision.
Mitch
“I’m about to be kicked out by your guards if you don’t come down,” Jess said to Mitch.
“What?” he exclaimed, sitting up.
“You heard me. Your receptionist thinks I’m some female fatale or a crazy stalker and called security,” Jess replied, amused.
“Don’t move! I’m coming,” Mitch ordered.
“Might not have a choice; these are brawny guys. Hey, let go!” Jess squealed.
“Put me on the loudspeaker!” Mitch commanded as he rounded his desk and headed for the door. He burst through it, surprising his personal assistant, and literally jogged to the elevator. Jabbing impatiently at the buttons, Mitch growled.
“Your lord and master wants me to place him on hands-free. Now, behave!” Jess scolded someone. “Mitch, you’re live!”
“If anyone touches her, you’re fired. If she tries to leave the building, sit on her and I’ll give you a bonus,” Mitch promised, giving up on the lift and heading for the stairs. He burst through the door and took them two at a time.
Jess was sitting demurely when Mitch rushed into the reception. By the look his receptionist and security guards sent him, Mitch must have appeared like a madman. He didn’t care. Jess was here, and she looked wonderful.
“Follow me,” Mitch ordered, and Jess rolled her eyes. Mitch smiled; he couldn’t help it. Jess would never docilely obey. “Please, Jess.”
“Fine,” she said, getting to her feet. Mitch reached for her hand and hesitated. Jess moved away slightly, and Mitch let it drop. He wouldn’t push her. Jess had extended an olive branch, and that was what mattered.
“Come on, we’ll head to my office,” Mitch suggested.
Jess nodded and followed him to the elevator.
To his disbelief, it opened immediately.
Where was the damn thing when he’d been rushing to reach reception?
In silence, they headed upstairs to his office, where Mitch ignored the curious stares of his employees.
“Can I get you a drink?” Mitch asked as they passed Alice.
Alice smirked, and Mitch scowled. The woman had no fear of him.
“I’m fine, thank you,” Jess replied.
“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, they ripped 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.
“I’m not in love with you, Mitch.” He deflated and felt devastated. Then she continued, “But I’m halfway there.”
His pulse leapt. “Same here. I can’t think of anything beyond you, Jess. You’re in my every thought.”
“If you treat me like them, I won’t survive this go-around. Too many betrayals.” Mitch bled for her, but Jess’s next words shocked him. He couldn’t have heard them right. “This time I might destroy the world.”
Mitch held Jess’s gaze. “I’ve got secrets that I am unable to share with you, too, Jess.”
“Then we’ll both keep them,” she said.
“You don’t want to know?” Mitch inquired, bemused.
“No. Why should I ask yours when I can’t tell you mine?” Jess shrugged.
“Fair enough, but will this work if we conceal things from each other?” Mitch wondered.
“Good question, and one I don’t have an answer for. We can try because this thing between us isn’t going away,” Jess admitted.
“And Leon?” Mitch asked.
“Mitch, I love Leon, but not in a sexual way. That’s just nasty.” Jess shuddered, and the expression of distaste on her face spoke volumes.
“Okay. But Ericks is an arrogant ass,” Mitch commented.
Jess laughed. “Yeah, Leon is.”
“I want to take you out tonight,” Mitch stated, and Jess smiled.
“Do I need to dress up?”
“Would you like to?”
“Not really.”
“Then, no, Jess, you don’t have to. Where can I pick you up?”
Jess smirked. “I’m staying at Diarmad’s hotel in town.”
Mitch chuckled. “I guess that’s suitable. Okay, we’ll go somewhere casual. Do you still have my number?”
Jess looked shamefaced. “No, it was too much temptation.”
“I know the feeling.” Mitch handed Jess a card. “Text me, and I’ll message back.”
Jess did as Mitch asked, and both their phones beeped.
“I’ll see you tonight,” Jess said a little shyly. Mitch smiled. He wanted to reach out and kiss her, but guessed it might be too soon. Jess left his office, and Mitch’s day suddenly looked much brighter.
Gargoyle
They were noisy this evening. It sounded like a fight between a father and son was happening, and Alexander was on the losing side.
“If Mitchum is telling the truth, he’ll blow us out of the water,” Alexander yelled at Alfred.
“Boy doesn’t have the brains for that,” Alfred scoffed.
“Mitchum created a multi-billion pound company from four paltry jewellery shops. I’d say he has the intelligence!” Alexander hissed.
Gargoyle snorted. Was he really hearing them discuss the death of their own flesh and blood? They were disgusting.
“What could your son have gathered that would bring us down?”
Gargoyle became more alert. That was the Ceann-Feadhna[7]—the leader of the Hunters, or Sealgair Uilebheist, as they liked to be called. Why was he here?
“Nothing,” Alfred snapped.