His PA was there in the lobby of his office, talking with the secretary. She already hated his PA. She was pretty and skinny and always looked her up and down like the popular girls used to do in high school. Mira hated feeling small, but it was the story of her life.
“I need to see Drake,” she said.
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No, but he’s expecting me.”
The PA gave her a disapproving glare and began to flip through a planner. “He has a full schedule today. So sorry.”
“Can you tell him Mira’s here?”
The PA picked up the phone, turning her back as she talked. Within seconds, the door to Drake’s office opened and there he stood. He was wearing a black suit, no tie this time, and the top few buttons of his shirt undone. It was seven o’clock, so he was probably finished with work for the day. She was surprised his office was still open at this hour.
“I’m here on time,” she said.
“You are. With an hour to spare.” He walked toward her. “But I do remember telling you that the debt grew by the hour. It’s been two days.” He pretended to count on his fingers, adding up her mounting debt.
“There’s nothing else I can give you. You’ve already asked for everything I have.”
“I’ll think of something.” He came over until he was right in front of her. “You ready to sign?”
“I have no choice. You know that.”
She handed him the business card she got from the banker. He glanced at it.
“You tried to get a bank loan?”
She ignored his question. “Why would they hand out the card of a loan shark, that’s what I want to know.”
“I’m a businessman, Mira. And I always get what I want. I have arrangements with most of the major banks in the city.”
“Of course, you do.”
He cupped her face. “I’m glad you’re ready to sign.”
****
Drake felt a sense of relief when he saw Mira standing in his office. He knew she’d be back, but the lingering doubt was now put to rest. Her blonde hair looked slightly damp, falling heavily down her back. Such innocent beauty. He’d had a torch burning for her since their school days. He should have acted sooner.
She stared up at him with those big blue eyes. Mira had turned into a gorgeous woman, and now she was all his. Without this debt, he knew she’d never have anything to do with him. A woman like her wasn’t impressed by wealth or power.
“Where do I sign?”
“Now you’re in a rush?”
She kept glancing over at his PA, so he turned around.
Glenda sat on the edge of his secretary’s desk. She was always trying to kiss his ass, but he had no interest in her romantically. He never mixed business and pleasure—except in Mira’s case.
“Drake, I’m doing this for my brother. Nothing more.”
“What about the part where you come willingly? Do you not remember that clause?”
She chewed on her bottom lip. “I’m here. That’s all that matters.” Again, she glared at Glenda behind his back. “Next time I’ll remember to make an appointment. I’m sure I’m not your only conquest.”
Was Mira jealous?
Interesting. She had to care in order to be jealous.
“I do business all day, every day, but I only have one conquest.” Then he raked his fingers into her hair and kissed her hard on the mouth. Her lips tasted like cherries. He wanted her to understand he wasn’t hiding anything, and she was going to be the only woman in his life.
Soon, she’d be ripe with his child.
He needed heirs, but the whole marriage and family paradigm wasn’t for him. This deal with Mira was as close as he could get to a real relationship. He wasn’t capable of offering more.
“Glenda, make sure we’re not disturbed.” He took Mira’s hand and led her to his office.
“What about your eight o’clock with Mr. Stein?” asked Glenda.
“Cancel it. Cancel everything. I’m done for the night.”
He closed the office door and circled Mira. She wore some kind of skirt suit in a deep shade of purple. Nothing she did could hide those full curves—big, round hips, juicy thighs, and tits to drown in.
“What’s your favorite color?” he asked.
She frowned. “Is that important?”
“Stop being difficult, Mira. It was just a question.”
“I don’t know. Pink.”
“And what do you do for a living?”
She crossed her arms. “You know what, Drake? I’m pretty sure you know everything about me. Let’s stop playing games, okay?”
“You work as an accountant in the back of a rundown Chinese restaurant. You barely make more than minimum wage, and you’re behind on your car payment.”
“Nice. Does that make you happy? You made it big and I’m at rock bottom. Have your laughs, Drake. You certainly didn’t hold back in school.” Her eyes filled with unshed tears. The shade of blue reminded him of the water in Turks and Caicos.