Million Dollar Devil (Million Dollar #1)(47)

I end up calling him less than an hour later. “Have you cashed the check yet?” I ask when he picks up the line.

“No, but I will. When I’ve made sure I’ve delivered what you want.” His sexy, gruff voice melts me.

“So I can give you back your envelope.”

There’s a silence.

“I peeked at it,” I admit.

“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me.”

“Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad. You’re a curious little kitten.” I can hear the smirk in his voice, and my stomach warms.

“Well . . . it’s a beautiful photo,” I admit. “And I’ve been watching your videos. And . . . you’re a brave guy.”

“Or stupid. Take your pick.”

I laugh and chidingly say, “You don’t mean that.”

I hear a low sigh as if he’s shifted positions. “I’m lucky. Still got Charlie.”

I nod. “And me,” I add, then realize what I said and clear my throat. “Anyway. Cash the check, James. And I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Heiress?”

“Yes?”

“Dream with me.”





LUCK: WHEN PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY

Jimmy

At four p.m. on Monday, I’m at the drugstore—getting prepared. I couldn’t sleep, went to bed with a hard-on Saturday AND Sunday. Woke up with a hard-on—TWICE too. This woman is driving me crazy.

After so much work to get Lizzy all lathered up and wanting me, the last thing I want is to not be prepared.

But fuck me. Who knew choosing condoms would be worse than choosing a tie? I stand in front of multiple shelves lined with all shapes, brands, and prices. I never really took the time to evaluate all the options. But those ribbed ones they pimp for her pleasure? Well, her pleasure’s a priority. Obviously, I’m tempted.

I’m definitely on the wrong side of town, I think, watching as a prim and proper lady passes me for the fourth time.

Seems these people pay for choices. I search for the Hotman brand and grin when I spot it. Of course it’s one of the cheapest, but reliability is important.

Here comes the lady again.

I can’t resist the opportunity to tease her. Poor thing looks like she needs to get laid.

“Can I help you make a selection?”

She pales as she holds her head higher.

I shake the Hotman box. “I like these. They’re comfortable, easy to slip on, easy to use. Dependable for those long-lasting rides.” I toss them in her buggy and grab another box. “Trust me. He’ll like ’em.”

She never says a word. Horrified, she turns on her heel and wheels away. I try not to laugh because she reminds me of Lizzy, and I smile a little.

I’m checking out when my phone rings. “Maria?”

“Yeah. It’s me. Jimmy, you need to come home.”



I’ve never been this pissed off or scared shitless before.

The cab sped through Midtown and raced for my house, but I still had just enough time to dream up a dozen scenarios.

As soon as it stops before my place, I shove him a twenty and bound out of the car, up the front steps, and straight into our cottage-style house. “Where is he?”

Maria points to the bathroom.

“How bad is it?”

“He was jumped.”

My heart sinks, and I fly down the hall but bump into the locked bathroom door. “Charlie?” I knock. “Open up.”

“I’m fine, Jimmy.”

He doesn’t sound like it. His sniffles fill the air, and my stomach tightens.

“What happened?”

He swings the door open, and I can’t stand the sight of his battered face, split lip. What the fuck? He’s barely a teenager. My blood is boiling now. It’s too much to handle, but I know he fears telling me about it, so I try to make light of the situation. “How’s the other guy look?”

He scoffs and pushes by me. “I didn’t get the first swing!”

Oh, and that just pisses me off. I spend another minute or two finding out the details, then march through the house again. Before I leave, I grab a few crumpled bills from a tin in the kitchen cabinet, then look at Maria and say, “If I’m not back in two hours, get him out of here.”

She nods. “Be careful, Jimmy.”

I send a text to Lizzy so she’s not expecting me and then head to Tim’s Bar. Thanks to Luke, I already know the gang is there. They’re trash-talking Charlie, a little thirteen-year-old, and don’t even see me enter from behind.

Luke nods. I throw down some cash to cover the forthcoming damages. Then, I turn to the guys who are old enough to drink and too old to be taking down a boy not yet fourteen.

“Which one of you pathetic men want your spanking first?”





HOME

Jimmy

Charlie wants to know what I did to those fuckers the moment I walk in.

Simply tell him, “I gave them a couple spanks. In their damn fool faces.”

I grin, and Charlie, though he worries he’ll lose me one day, nods and exhales.

I want him to forget this whole damn day ever happened.

Need to feed the kid.

Plump up those scrawny bones so he doesn’t invite assholes to rough him up so easily anymore.