Billionaire’s Bounty(15)

“Like horny rabbits, she said smugly, adding with a wry twist, “Though I must say that with the punishing schedule you’re putting me on lately, our sex life has had to suffer somewhat.”

Jude tipped his head at her over the top of the newspaper he was thumbing through.

“Now, now Mrs Carly Johnson, are you trying to wrangle a raise out of me – or worse, a vacation? I must warn you I’m averse to psychological arm twisting.”

“I can bet,” she muttered, but was smiling. She saw him fling the paper to the side, his profile turning to the tinted window on his right. There was a strange, unconscious smile playing on his lips, and she could bet his mind was far away at that moment. She was guessing it had to do with a certain buxom beauty he must have left in his hotel room.

“That good, was it?” she asked with an airy tone.

He turned to her sharply, blinking in surprise. He saw the knowing look in her eye, and then laughed shortly. “Woman, do not expect me to disclose to you every toe-crunching detail. To be honest, the fact that we’re actually still on this topic is making me uncomfortable. It’s almost like discussing my sex life with my mother.”

Carly barely huffed. “Well, I am not your mother. If you must know I do feel sort of responsible for you, especially concerning your...fascination with the delectable Ms Quinn. I just want to know if it’s still want you want. And if it was worth it.”

His eyes held hers for a steady moment. “If you’re talking about me giving up a lucrative company for one week of sex, then yes, Carly, it was worth it. It is.”

“You know I’m not referring to the company, Jude,” she sighed, shaking her head at him. “Though, right now its shares are worth countless millions in dollars – but no, that’s far from what I mean. I’m just thinking of you, Jude. You’ve never really acted this way before; the whole propositioning her, and then asking her here with you...it’s reckless behaviour and I’m worried someone’s going to get hurt.”

He scowled darkly. “It’s not like I force myself on her, Carly, because I don’t have to. And I respect her wishes at all times. I’m not leaving Miranda Quinn with any chance to regret her decision of yielding to me.”

“I know that,” she said with calmness even as his scowl lingered. “But I wasn’t talking about Miranda, Jude. I was actually talking about you.”

His expression softened, and he actually had a small smile for her. “Well, in that case, you can stop worrying, mother hen. I know exactly what I’m getting into.”

Famous last words, Carly couldn’t help thinking, and did not press the issue, especially when he changed the subject, turning their conversation to the forthcoming meeting.

***

So...what exactly does a paramour get to do, while her “patron” is away for the day, wheeling and dealing? Miranda couldn’t help pondering on this near-humorous state of affairs. She’d awoken earlier with a languid, satiated stretch to find that Jude was gone. All she had left to remind her of his presence was the faint, lingering hint of his gorgeous cologne, and she inhaled deeply. If her body ached in certain places, it was in a very good way. She thought of how the night had ended, and quelled a tiny shudder at the still intense memory.

She’d showered, and rang up for room service. She felt she had a large appetite, and ordered a big breakfast. Lord knows she had a lot of energy replenishment to do. Meal finished, she lingered over one last cup of coffee, which she carried to the window as she gazed out at the beautiful view of the city.

Miranda tried not to think of what she was doing – what she had done. Making love with Jude, and starting an unexpected journey of self-discovery...she was seeing insights to her personality she’d never known existed. And she wondered what more she would discover about herself before the time was up.

Her moody thoughts were broken by the sound of the phone ringing. For a moment her heart lifted at the thought that it could be Jude. Did he miss her? Was he already longing for her once again, so soon after their somewhat rumbustious coupling of the night before? But no; when she answered the call, it was to find that it was her brother.

“Jeffery?” she worded in surprise. “How...how did you get this number?”

“I’m not as inept an individual as you seem to take me for,” he growled. “It took some doing, but I managed to find out which hotel Jude Stone happened to be staying. I take it you’re there with him?”

“Not right now, but yes, I’m in London with him,” she said, biting on her lip. “Jeffery, you got my note...”