Her Heart's Desire (13 page)

‘
She
’
s a real
bitch
when she wants to be, Marisa, pay no attention to her.
Promise
me?
’

Marisa pondered this, wondering if Clara had been trying to cause trouble between them.
‘
Of course
…
although I did wonder what she meant about Corinne.’ Marisa couldn’t stop herself from saying it.

James tensed at the mention of Corinne
’
s name.

‘
What did she say have to say about Corinne?
’

‘
Oh, just something about me being the
“
new Corinne.” She was really sarcastic when she said it, though, as though she were implying something had gone on between the two of you.’

‘
Nonsense,’ James tried to brush it off. ‘She
’
s just playing games; she has a way with her that would leave a saint confused.
’

‘
You would tell me if there was something wrong, wouldn
’
t you?
’
Marisa asked.

‘
Of course, darling, please don
’
t worry about Clara, or Corinne for that matter.
’

‘
Okay
…
’ She let a slow breath out.
‘
If you say so...
’

He turned to face her. Rolling on top of her, he kissed the end of her nose lightly.

‘
I
do
say so.’ He kissed her head, her cheeks, grazed her lips lightly.

* * * *

Excitement rose in her belly, making her want him again.

He moved inside her slowly this time, pushing himself in, inch by inch. She purred beneath him, making little noises of pleasure. She opened up for him, her pussy moist and welcoming. His hard cock filled her gently, and he groaned loudly as she cried out with pleasure.

‘
Oh, my God, my darling, you feel amazing. I want to be inside you forever.’

He kissed her neck, nuzzling into her as he moved in slow, rhythmical motions. She clung onto him, her fingers tangled in his hair as she gazed into his beautiful eyes. The dark, fringed lashes were heavy, his dark blue eyes sultry and deep, bewitching her, making her forget all about Clara and Corinne, nothing else mattered, only him.

She surrendered herself to him as they came together, a tidal wave of passion consuming them both. Afterward, they lay gazing at each other; the moonlight brightened his grand bedroom, casting a soft light across their faces.

‘
I love the moon so much,’ Marisa said softly, stroking his eyebrow, enthralled by every inch of him.

‘
I do, too, I find it quite magical.’ He smiled.
‘
I find you magical, too.’

He kissed her softly on the lips, and she realized it was a perfect moment of pure happiness. Her heart swelled, and she had to stop herself from telling him she loved him.

As if reading her mind, he caressed her shoulders, stroking her arm, his fingertips dancing as his eyes traveled all over her, seeking every part of her, devouring her with his gaze. He couldn
’
t hold back any longer, he had to say it. He had to know if she felt the same.

‘
I love you.’

She was overjoyed to hear him say it.

‘
I love you, too!’ She threw her arms around him, and they kissed, their union confirmed.

‘
Phew, I
’
m glad we
’
ve got that bit out of the way,
’
he joked, and she slapped him playfully on the arm.

‘
Oh, now
’
s a good time to tell you we shall be heading off to New York next month. I have a meeting with Fitzroy about the equity merger. I may need you on hand to help with some presentations and minute taking and
other stuff
,’ he emphasized.
‘
You okay with that?
’

‘
Okay with it? Oh, my God, I
’
m so excited. I
’
m going home!
’
Marisa flung her arms around him ecstatically.
‘
Oh, James, you can take me to the Rainbow Room! I
’
ve always wanted to go there and dance to Frank Sinatra.
“
Fly Me to the Moon
”
is my favorite song. It
’
s so romantic.
’

‘
I would fly you to the moon anytime you wanted, my darling, anytime at all,
’
he said tenderly. She sat up, watching the moon, a glow of wonderment on her face.

She tucked her chin into her shoulder as she half turned to look at him.

‘
Can we, can we go to the Rainbow Room? I’d really love that.’

‘
Then we must do it,’ he said as he swept her back into his arms for another kiss.

* * * *

In the morning, Marisa bounded out of bed and ran down to the kitchen. She asked Meryl if she could prepare a tray for them, as they were having a lie-in before James left for London.

‘
Yes, of course I can, dear. Eggs and toast for you, bacon, too, for the master?
’

‘
Yes, perfect, Meryl. Thank you.
’

‘
I will ask Alfred to bring it up.’

‘
Thank you, see you later,’ she trilled happily.

She returned to the bedroom and flung herself down onto James as he peeped at her lazily with one eye open.

‘
Do you still love me?
’
she asked.

‘
Of course I do,’ he replied, grinning.

‘
You
’
re funny.
’
He pulled her into him and kissed her good morning.

‘
Hmm, I love kissing you. I shall kiss you good morning and goodnight every day until you tire of me and push me away,’ he growled, nuzzling into her, kissing her neck and tickling her, making her laugh.

‘
I will never tire of you.’ Marisa giggled as they slipped under the quilt.

Alfred knocked on the door with breakfast.

‘
Uh-oh,’ said Marisa, giggling. ‘We can
’
t let the butler catch us canoodling.
’

James leapt out of bed as Marisa tucked the quilt up to her chin, feeling her cheeks blush as Alfred entered, averting his eyes. He laid the tray on the table.

‘
Thank you, Alfred,
’
James said.

‘
Very good, sir,
’
the old man said, smiling as he left.

‘
Oh no,’ squealed Marisa. ‘He knows we were screwing!
’

‘
Of course he knows, my sweetheart. The whole house knows. You yourself can testify to the way noise travels in this place.’

‘
What do you mean?
’
Marisa looked at him wide-eyed.

‘
You know very well what I mean. I saw you, you little minx.’

‘
You saw me watching Marcus and
…’

‘
Yup.
’

‘Oh, my God, how embarrassing. You must have thought I was a total pervert.
’
Marisa squirmed.

‘
Is that a bad thing?
’
James asked teasingly.

‘
You are very naughty, James St. John, spying on me…no secrets between us, eh?
’
she teased.

He tensed and pulled away.

‘I’d better grab a shower, things to do.’ He left the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. Marisa wondered what was wrong.

He looked flustered when he came out and dressed quickly, hardly looking at her. He collected his papers from his bureau and put them into his briefcase.

‘
What’s wrong, why did you go quiet before?
’
she asked.

‘
When did I go quiet?
’
He went on the defensive.

‘
Just before you went to shower,’ she stated, feeling slightly agitated by his sudden change in attitude.

‘
Oh, you
’
re imagining it. I
’
m fine, maybe a little preoccupied with work. I have a big meeting this morning, don
’
t want to be late.’

‘
I see,
’
Marisa said, biting her bottom lip. She didn
’
t see at all, something was amiss here, and she wanted to know what it was.

‘Righty ho, I’m off, my little filly. Enjoy the rest of your day, and I’ll see
you
later.’ He kissed her swiftly on the lips, and with that, he was gone, leaving her feeling confused and disappointed.

She went to the window and watched him stride across the gravelled yard towards his car, her heart beating fast, her head in turmoil. She rang Melanie and told what had happened the day before with Clara.

‘Oh, God, I sense trouble. Maybe you should quit and come home,’ Melanie said.

‘I’m not coming home, don’t talk nonsense! I’m madly in love with James. I’ve never wanted anyone so much in my life.’

‘In love, already, er, don’t you think things are moving just a bit too fast?’ Melanie sounded concerned.

‘No, I don’t think so. I spend every day with him. It’s not a conventional courtship. We spend loads of time together. We know each other inside out.’

‘Okay…well, I don’t think it’s a good idea to start sulking so soon then. He’s a strong character and an independent man, don’t forget that.’

‘He is also my boyfriend and my boss!’ Marisa felt angry. She knew she loved James with all her heart. It didn’t matter to her that things had happened so quickly.

‘Ooh, don’t get your panties in a twist, missy,’ Melanie said.

‘I’m not, just don’t wind me up. You know I’m finally over Mike. I’m really happy. James makes me happy,’ Marisa said firmly.

‘I know that, sure, of course. Look, honey, just enjoy it, but don’t cling, men hate it; especially ones like him.’

‘I know, I know! You’re right. I’m not being clingy, but it does bother me the way he is so secretive about Corinne, and the ex-wife is a total bitch.’

‘I hear you, but try to ignore her, and don’t be too concerned about things that happened in the past. He’s with you now. If it really is love, you have nothing to worry about. Just take it easy, okay?’

‘Okay, I will. I just don’t get what the big secret is about Corinne, but I know who does.’

‘Oh, who?’

‘Mrs. Reed,’ replied Marisa resolutely.

‘Be careful, Marisa, sometimes ignorance is bliss,’ warned her sister.

‘Yes, and sometimes it’s better to know the truth, Melanie. I want to know why Corinne left, and that frosty cow is damn well going to tell me because he sure as hell won’t.’

A few days later, Marisa found herself alone with Mrs. Reed. She walked into the lounge to find the housekeeper polishing the silver.

‘Mrs. Reed, tell me about Corinne. Why did she really leave?’

Mrs. Reed stopped rubbing the silver on the mantle. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for.

‘She was your predecessor. I told you before,’ Mrs. Reed said. ‘And in more ways than one,’ she added slyly.

Marisa frowned, and her heart began to thump in panic.

‘What do you mean, more ways than one, she was just the PA, yes?’

Mrs. Reed turned to face Marisa, and with an evil glint in her eye, she delivered her well-planned speech.

‘Oh, you silly girl, do you really believe you are the only one he has taken to his bed?’

She laughed sharply; shaking her head, she resumed the polishing.

Marisa stood openmouthed, in shock, feeling wounded. She didn’t know what to say.

‘It’s not true. You’re making it up!

‘No, dear, it’s true all right; he takes them all to his bed, sooner or later. Corinne didn’t wish to leave; he dismissed her when he grew tired of her, as he will of you.’

‘No!’ cried Marisa. ‘He loves me. We are in love. You are lying!’

‘Oh, that’s what he tells them all, dear. Mrs. Reed shook her head and raised her brows. ‘Why do you think Corinne was left heartbroken? She tutted then sighed heavily as Marisa struggled to stop the tears from flowing.