CHAPTER FIVE

She rubbed James's arm placing a kiss to his cheek before making her way towards the table that the other women were occupying. 

"Hey María" James greeted me with a smile. At his words the whole group of women's heads snapped towards me each with a snarl on their faces. 

I rolled my eyes at them pouring myself a glass of apple juice 

"Let me guess you're my bodyguard for the meeting?" I said my voice sounded anything but amused.

James chuckled "Yes Mam" He smiled at me widely. "So who sent you this time?" I questioned with a voice laced of boredom. I don't know why I need a bodyguard. It's not like I leave this house. 

"Actually this time it was all four bosses" He confirmed taking a piece of my toast, taking a bite of it before handing it back to me. A small laugh passed my lips at the mischievous grin upon his face. This is one thing I like about James. He's not overly serious, he's always playful. I enjoyed his company. 

He nodded his head a playful smile upon his face. 

"I'll wait outside in the hall for you, If you need anything and I mean anything scream my name" He winked. 

I bit my lip to halt my laugh, Sending a glare his way. He quickly Raised his hands up in defence with a light chuckle

 "I'll be outside the door mam" He smiled, turning around and waltzing out the door.

The second  James had left, the group of women raised their voices my guess purposely so that I'd be able to hear every world they have to say about me. 

Nothing new. It's kinda sad they have to wait until my brothers men aren't around to hear. 

"What a bitch she knows that's your man" the one with curly red hair exclaimed. 

"Do you remember Nicolas? I heard she forced him to fuck her. She even got Lucien to beat him to an inch of his life" The blonde James had entered the kitchen gossiped. 

"she's a disgusting whore how could she do that? Nicolas was a sweet man" the girl with short black hair shot. 

Their words hurt. I knew they were talking about the last time I had spent time with Nicolas. 

I was annoyed, becoming agitated at their words. Hearing enough I stood form the breakfast bar, anger flowing through me in waves. 

"WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM." I let out My voice coming out louder than I had expected as I stormed my way towards them. 

"Do you not know who I am?" I spat trying to be as intimidating as I possibly could. My attempt obviously failed as I took in their unfazed  giggling in response. Laughing at me like I had said something amusing. 

The blonde that came in with James was about to say something but was interrupted by James who came rushing through the door looking between us with a look of confusion. 

"Wooww" He let out "Is there a problem here lady's" He questioned his eyes flicking between me and the other women. 

I looked back at him painting a false smile upon my lips. 

"No" I smoothed my skirt out. "Everything's fine James, come let's go! We have things to do and places to be" I told him. Taking a hold of his shirt I pulled him with as I exited the kitchen. 

I didn't miss the evil glares I received on our way out. I couldn't care, I was all too pissed at their conclusions of me and Nicolas. 

I stomped my feet in anger as I walked down the hall, I was hurt that they thought I did that to Nicolas on purpose, I would never. Tears filled my eyes threatening to spill. 

James took a hold of my arm pulling me back by my elbow, Pulling me around a corner and out of sight. 

"Are you okay" He asked looking worriedly into my eyes. 

I took the moment to observe him, He was handsome, not as handsome as Lucien but still handsome. 

I'm not going to lie, Most of the men in this place where. They all had a dangerous look and vibe  to them that somehow had me drawn  In.

James was dark skinned, With hazel coloured eyes and soft looking lips.

James placed one hand palm down against the wall behind me, Lifting his other hand to my face  slowly he wiped my tears from my eyes before they could fall.

I hated that he had seen this side of me. His gaze fell to my lips and before I could realize what he was thinking He pressed his lips to mine. 

I swiftly turned my head His lips falling from my own and landing upon my cheek.

I didn't want this. He has a girlfriend and in all honesty I didn't want to kiss anyone but Lucien.

James frowned, his eyebrows scrunching together as he scanned my face for a reason as to why I had denied his kiss.

 "Sorry i-i" He stuttered as he began to defend his actions. 

I cut him off before things got awkward

"Don't worry, let's just go to the meeting, yes?" I said calmly but if he could feel how rapidly my heart was beating right now he would be aware of how much his actions had affected me. 

James held the conference room door open for me, I entered James following close behind me. 

The room was huge, There were around fifty members already inside. The room could probably fit another hundred men in here. 

The tables and chairs were pushed to the side of the room as the men gathered around.