#Chapter 26 - Terms and Negotiations

The nerves in my stomach jittered and fluttered as though it was filled with a dozen butterflies when I saw the expression on James’ face. The man was perfectly stunned by my request to spend the night here. Initially, his brows raised in surprise before curling with heated suggestion. The corner of his mouth pulled upward into a devious smirk, causing several thousands of goosebumps to rake over my body. My breath caught in my lungs while his eyes grew hooded. “My, my Mrs. Derek,” he growled with arousal. “What did you have in mind?” My face flushed with unbearable heat from the overwhelming wave of embarrassment that tunneled through me. I tensed up and pressed both my hands against his chest. “I...I–wait, what??” I stammered. “No, I didn’t...James, my offer was solely based on just ‘sleep’.” James’ expression slightly dulled with disappointment. He playfully pinched my sides, causing me to jolt and shift on his lap. “Are you sure?” he hummed. “I’m fairly positive that