Page 44 of Chained to You (Dark Billionaires 6)

That took me by surprise, and I blushed intensely. I licked my lower lip, wondering what I should say to her. After all, I didn’t want to give her the wrong idea or, worse, hurt her feelings where her dad was concerned.

She must have understood my dilemma, which was very smart for someone so young. She said, “It’s okay. You can tell me. I don’t want you to not like Daddy, because I’ll be sad.”

Her words eased my fear. I leaned forward and stroked her cheek fondly as I said, “Yes, Aria, I love your father. I love James so very much. He’s wonderful.”

Aria grinned, her eyes bright. She looked pleased with my answer. “Then why don’t you become my mommy? ‘Cause I want you to be my mommy ‘cause mine doesn’t come to visit me and doesn’t even like me.”

Again, her words tugged at my heartstrings, and I simply wanted to burst out crying in both sadness and happiness. Sadness because Aria didn’t have a mother figure who loved her and stayed beside her to support and guide her. Happiness because she wanted me to be that person for her. I felt honored. Then of course, because I couldn’t help myself, I kissed her on the cheek and hugged her tight.

Despite the fact that I was still young and hadn’t a clue about motherhood and how one behaved, I really did want to become Aria’s mom. I wanted to show my love for her and spoil her as James loved and spoiled her.

I said, “Oh, Aria, you’re a wonderful child. I love you so much. I would love to be your mommy, but that’s not for me to decide.”

Aria cocked her head to one side. “Then who gets to decide?”

I smiled as I said gently, so she’d understand, “Your father. And I don’t think he’s ready to…” I trailed off, thinking about the betrayal of James’s ex-wife and the heartache and pain she must have caused him.

Personally, I was certain James wasn’t ready for that next step yet. He wasn’t ready to tie the knot with another woman when it hadn’t been that long ago when he was divorced. Also, he and I… Our relationship had only just begun, and, indeed, in an unconventional way. So yes, anything deeper and further than just boyfriend and girlfriend was simply out of my reach at the moment. After all, I had just graduated from being a mere mistress to being the girlfriend.

I said, “It’s complicated, honey. It’s adult stuff.”

Aria seemed to think about this for a moment and then said, “Oh, okay.”

I was pleased that she was so agreeable about it.

Suddenly, she changed the subject. “Being with Grandpa was fun today.”

I nodded uncertainly. “Yes, it was… interesting,” I said and thought to add, Especially where Scott and Eric were concerned.

The two brothers had looked gob smacked the moment they had seen Alice and Yuki. Of course, I had noticed throughout the meal, Scott didn’t take his eyes off Yuki, and neither did Eric with Alice. They were stunned to be sure, and it somehow amused me. Although, I kind of felt sorry for Alice and Yuki since they had looked so uncomfortable and, to be honest, more than a little frightened of both Scott and Eric.

At one point during the day, I had spotted Scott cornering Yuki. Good Lord, she had looked as pale as a ghost when she managed to escape him and run past me. Scott, on the other hand, looked like a cheeky cat who had finally found his mouse to toy with.

On another occasion, I happened to witness Eric outright confronting Alice and accusing her of being a gold digger. Of course, I was quite pleased to also witness her slapping him on the face and yelling at him that he was a, “Baka!” which I was sure was a swear word in Japanese.

Then, of course, I told James that his brothers were bullying my new friends and I wouldn’t stand for it. James merely chuckled in amusement and told me that was merely a Maxwell reaction, whatever that meant. He told me not to interfere. When I told him both Alice and Yuki feared Scott and Eric, he said, “Weren’t you the same when you first met me?”

He was right, of course.

He continued. “If they have any backbone, they’ll give back as much as they get. A Maxwell loves women with backbone.” He even winked at me.

It was then that I realized what he meant. That explained why Liam just kind of suddenly accepted me when we first met that night. Well, at least I thought so.

Whatever the case, I just hoped things would get better for both Alice and Yuki. I thought I might have to give those two pointers on how to stand up to Scott and Eric.

“And I like Alice and Yuki. It’s so much fun learning Japanese from Yuki. She’s so pretty,” Aria said, grinning from ear to ear.

I nodded in agreement. “I’m sure we’ll get to visit them again soon. Now then, bedtime. Good night, sweetheart.”

Aria snuggled and made herself comfortable. “Good night, Mia.”

I kissed her forehead once again and then headed out, closing the door gently behind me. Back in my bedroom, I went into the walk-in closet and picked out my pajamas. Then I went into the adjoining en-suite and drew myself a hot bath. Some ten minutes later, after washing myself thoroughly in the shower, I hopped into the tub filled with bubbles and scented oil, and I sighed pleasantly as I closed my eyes.

“Ahh…” I rested my head back against the edge of the tub, smiling in bliss.

I stayed in the bath for a little while, enjoying the moment, and just when I thought I had enough and was ready to get out, a few knocks came at the door.

“Yes?” I asked, knowing instantly it was James.

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