The car stopped smoothly in the garage, and James unbuckled his seatbelt, hopping out and striding over to the passenger side to open the door.
Mirabella glanced at him. As soon as her feet touched the ground, before she could fully step out, she was pulled tightly against his chest.
The door behind her clicked shut, and in an instant, an overwhelming presence pushed her back, her spine pressing against the cold car door.
James's sharp, handsome features loomed large in her eyes. She blinked, trying to speak, "You..."
But he leaned in before she could finish, sealing her lips with his. Warm breath mingled between them.
Mirabella's mind exploded, as if something had ignited and then burst into flames. Her hands, resting against the car, felt cool, but it did nothing to quell the heat.
His arm around her waist tightened, giving her no room to move. She tilted her head back, trying to escape the intense kiss.
But before she could react, James's free hand cradled the back of her head, leaving her no escape.
The garage's motion-sensing lights had long turned off. It felt like ages before James's arms loosened slightly, though he still held her close. His forehead rested lightly against hers, his eyes a dark, intense shade, even though she couldn’t see them in the dark.
After a moment, James cupped her face and whispered, "If you can, try to stay out of trouble. It's not about fear, but knowing that one person’s power is limited in a deceitful world."
If she had been defenseless today, the outcome would've been unimaginable.
Mirabella opened her mouth to respond, but he kissed her again, softer this time, from her lips to the tip of her nose, and finally her forehead, wrapping her in his embrace.
Curtis's voice came through, "James, the money has just been transferred to Ms. Mirabella's bank account. Let her know."
James looked up at Mirabella, catching the sparkle in her eyes, and his lips curved slightly. He hummed in acknowledgment, "Got it."
Curtis mentioned a few things about the evening plans before hanging up.
Mirabella cleared her throat and looked up at James, trying to act natural, "I have to go now. Nick wants me home right away."
As she spoke, she waved her phone in the air.
James looked at her with a half-smile, amused.
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