The moment their father appeared at the door, James knew for a fact that Eric wasn’t happy. He knew also that, soon, the youngest brother would bring up the subject of their father’s future young bride and demand details. Of course, James had no idea why Eric was so riled up about something this trivial. After all, their father was very popular with the opposite sex, regardless of age, and for him to tie the knot again, with a twenty-five-year-old woman at that, wasn’t all that surprising.

Currently, they were drinking, nibbling, and chatting about various topics—social and business. They even talked about Herbert Weston and the Mexican Mafia, which didn’t much interest James. To him, what was done was done. Of course, what really interested James was Mia.

Fuck! He wanted to kiss her and make passionate love to her, but alas, he obviously couldn’t do that until everyone left.

It was around midnight when Eric finally brought up the much-anticipated subject. Of course, James was quite surprised his brother waited that long before the question burst out of his mouth, considering how impatient he usually was.

“Well? Aren’t you going to tell us what the hell you’ve been up to in Japan?” Eric asked. “And what about this future bride of yours?”

Liam’s eyes twinkled. “You’re impatient, as usual, Eric,” he said. “You’ll meet them tomorrow.”

Scott raised his brows in curiosity. “Them? You’ve brought them here?”

Liam nodded. “Alice and Yuki,” he said. You’ll meet with them tomorrow at lunch. Come to the main house.”

Eric frowned darkly while Scott whistled.

James said, “They’re staying with you?”

Liam chuckled merrily. “Of course. They wouldn’t be safe anywhere else.”

That got James’s attention. He knew it. Something fishy was definitely going on where their father and the future young bride was concerned.

“So they’re not safe anywhere else?” Scott asked, his eyes glinting with undeniable shrewdness. “You’re not telling us the whole story, Dad.”

As he leaned back against the couch, Liam said easily, “Like I said, come over to the main house tomorrow and you’ll find out.”

William said, “That sounds interesting, Liam. But unfortunately, Savannah and I are going back to Vegas tomorrow morning. James will have to tell me the whole story next time.”

“Same here,” Matt said. “Though, I’m intrigued.”

Liam chuckled. “And so you should be, because it’s a very interesting situation.”

James thought it was odd his father was giving them bits and pieces here and there, which was so unlike the man. He was usually blunt and straight to the point, a trait of almost every Maxwell.

By the time Liam departed, Eric still wasn’t satisfied with their father’s information and looked more than frustrated.

As the brothers were readying to leave, James said, “Don’t do anything stupid tonight, Eric. You’ll get your answer soon enough.”

Eric raked his fingers through his hair. “How the fuck did you know I was going to—”

“Go to Dad’s house and interrogate his future bride?” Scott said, chuckling with amusement. “You’re so easy to read, Eric.” He turned to James. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he stays put.” He turned to Eric again. “So I’m sleeping over at your apartment tonight.”

Eric rolled his eyes. “Fine. At least you’ll keep me company until morning.”

Scott slapped his brother’s shoulder. “Let’s go.” He turned to James. “Good night, bro.”

After the brothers were gone, as well as William, Matt, and Andy, and the house was once again quiet, James headed up to shower. When he was done, he felt a lot more refreshed. Before going to bed, he decided to pop into Aria’s room to check on the girls.

He smiled when he saw Aria cuddled in Mia’s arms and, of course, Savannah not too far away. They were sleeping on the futon Liam had brought for Aria from Japan. He thought about sneaking in and giving both Aria and Mia a goodnight kiss but decided against it. He didn’t want to wake them, after all.

A moment later, he headed back to his bedroom and climbed into his cold, empty bed.

Fuck! He wanted Mia in bed with him, but of course he’d have to wait until tomorrow to have her beside him. Damn, he wanted to make hot, passionate love to her. Fuck, he couldn’t wait.

When James woke at his usual time at dawn, it was to find Mia sitting on the side of his bed, watching him. He grinned in surprise, a twinkle in his eyes.

“Good morning,” he said. “You’re up early.”

Mia didn’t answer him. Instead, she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. “Good morning, James,” she said softly. “I’ve missed you.”

He chuckled. “You missed me, eh?” He stroked her cheek fondly. “Are Aria and Savannah still asleep?”

She nodded. “Yes.” She licked her lips seductively. “I’ve had enough sleep, and now I want to be with you.”

Despite the fact that he was supposed to be up and doing his daily exercise, working his ass off at the gym, he threw that idea out of his mind. Today, he’d exercise with Mia in his bed.

He flipped the sheet back and said invitingly, “Come in.”

Mia eagerly obeyed and ended up snuggling in his arms. He was hotly kissing her about her nape when she asked, “What about your gym?”

He said between kisses, “I’m doing it right now.”

She chuckled and then leaned in to kiss him some more.