Mr. Mitchell Billionaires' Club Book 2 - Raylin Marks Page 0,13
take me up on my offer, I could prove that to you.”
“Offer?”
“Staying with me at my place in the country.”
“Right,” I answered. “And how do I know you’re not going to tie me up in a dungeon or something?”
“A dungeon?” He laughed a light and humored laugh that did something to my insides. “You, Avery, have been locked in the dark ages of London’s history for too long. Two trips to hear the haunted voices of the princes who were locked away in that tower,” he pointed back at the Tower of London that I’d ended up at, “tells me you need to learn the more current events of this fine country.”
“Ah, so where’s this place you have? Does it have cell service?”
“You’ll be able to call your daughter in the states at any time, so long as you keep in mind the time difference, of course.”
I let out a breath. “I’ve done some crazy shit in my life, and considering this idea might be up there with that.”
“You don’t have to come.” He smiled sympathetically at me. “I will say this, though: if you enjoy nature, that place has it all. I will mostly be working from my study and out of your way. There will also be plenty of food,” he said, and I could tell he was looking at my still tear-stained cheeks. “Up to you.”
“Fine,” I said, meeting his eyes with a little determination. “And if I need to get back here earlier than expected?”
“Then I’ll personally drive you back.”
“Personally?”
“Yeah, I have a driver.” He cringed. “Is that a total turn-off?”
I laughed. “No. Somewhat geeky, I guess, but not a complete turn-off. Glad you value my opinion, though.”
“As I said, I’m intrigued by you. That could be another turn-off, couldn’t it?”
“Possibly, but only because I think you’ve lost your mind.” I sighed and discreetly rubbed the back of my fingers over my cheek, making sure there weren’t any lingering tears. “I am not afraid to state the obvious when I say that you could get any girl in the UK, and here you are somehow intrigued by me, of all people.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he answered. “And while you offered me one, I’ll offer you one as well. I’m quite picky when it comes to the people with whom I like to keep my company. And here I am, begging to learn more about you and bringing you out of the city with me.”
“That is quite the compliment. However, there’s not too much to learn about me. Just an average gal, dealing with constant bullshit.”
“Perhaps that’s your opinion. I believe a woman like you has a better story than you give yourself credit for.”
“A lot to assume since we just met, sir.”
“Jim,” he corrected me.
“Jim.” I smiled.
“And since it is our fifth anniversary, I’d like to bring my wife to the house in the country.”
“Where she’ll be neglected while her husband works?”
He laughed, and I watched his eyebrow rise above his aviator sunglasses. “The last thing I would want is for my beautiful bride to be neglected.”
“Make sure the fridge is full, and we have a deal. I had a partial city-life breakdown before you showed up, so I’m down for some of England’s gorgeous countryside.”
“And my dungeon, of course.”
“Depends on what you plan on doing with me in your dungeon.” Shit. Too far. That was messed up.
He laughed that laugh again. “She loves food and the dark, kinky stuff. It looks like I might fear the dungeon of the old place.”
“What time do we leave? I left all my shit at the hotel, and I have nothing on me.”
“I disagree, you have too much clothing on you.” He smirked.
“Flirting with me?”
“Perhaps. Hopefully, it’s not too geeky for you.”
“It’s a good look on you.” I stood, him following directly behind me. “I need to head back that way.”
“Which hotel? I’ll have my driver take us there,” he said as he slid his hands into his pockets.
“The most expensive one in town. Forgot the name.”
“I think I know where you’re staying,” he said, his tone drier now. “I have an old friend staying there. You won’t mind if I wait in the car while you get your things?”
“Nope. Where’s this driver at, Mr. Fancy?”
So I was going to stay in the country with some stranger, some very hot stranger who had a driver. The man oozed wealth, so why should I be surprised? Either way, after having a panic attack, I did need to get