Daddy James

1 - Trumpets Blow

Chapter 1 - Trumpets Blow.

Sunlight streamed through the expansive windows, casting a golden glow over the sleek, modern furniture. Amidst this bastion of corporate luxury, James stood, the very picture of a triumphant king surveying his domain. His tall, imposing figure was outlined against the panoramic view of the city skyline, his posture exuding the relaxed confidence of a man who knew he was at the pinnacle of his game.

With a practiced hand, he ran his fingers through his hair, the strands obediently falling back into a style that was effortlessly chic. The corners of his mouth curled into a grin, not just any grin, but one that spoke of secrets and strategies, of battles won and adversaries bested. It was the smile of a man who had meticulously laid plans and was now on the brink of reaping the rewards.

The ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to echo the rhythm of his heart — steady, unyielding, and full of anticipation. He glanced at his wristwatch, a sleek piece that gleamed with the promise of unfailing precision. It was almost time. Time for the return of his queen, Sarah, the linchpin in his grand design. Today marked the end of her high school journey and the beginning of a new chapter that he had carefully orchestrated.

As he pivoted on his heel, the leather of his high-backed chair groaned softly, a testament to the many hours spent plotting and planning. His hand reached for the keys to his car, the metal cool and smooth against his skin. But before he could make his exit, a knock at the door halted him in his tracks. An interruption now? His brow furrowed in annoyance.

"What's the problem?" His voice, when he spoke, was laced with impatience, a sharp contrast to the calm demeanor he had just been reveling in.

On the other side of the door stood Judy, his secretary, her expression one of apprehension. "S-Sir, Mr. Gore is here for the meeting," she stammered, her gaze fixed firmly on the intricate patterns of the carpet, as if willing herself to disappear into its depths.

James' fists clenched at his sides, a storm brewing in his steel-blue eyes. "I thought I clearly told you to cancel all the meetings scheduled for today after one P.M.!" The words were a growl, a barely contained fury that sent shivers down Judy's spine.

She flinched, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to defend herself. "But sir, he said it's an important meeting and a deal needs to be finalized as soon as possible..."

James' response was curt, a dismissive flick of his wrist that spoke volumes. "I don't give a damn about his deal." His tone was ice-cold, sending Judy scurrying backward, her heart pounding.

Yet, he flashed her a smile, a weapon in his arsenal that he wielded with precision. It was a smile that could disarm, charm, and manipulate, a reminder of the dual nature of the man who stood before her — capable of terrifying fury and disarming charm in equal measure. "Just go and get rid of him, tell him whatever you need to."

Judy lowered her gaze, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She was the epitome of vulnerability, standing before the man whose charm was as notorious as his wealth. "And what are your plans for tonight, Sir?" she ventured, her voice a mix of hope and trepidation. There was no mistaking the yearning in her tone, a clear testament to how deeply she had fallen for the allure of his deceiving smile.

James, ever the embodiment of masculine grace and predatory instinct, closed the distance between them with deliberate steps. His movements were smooth, controlled, a dance of power and seduction. He reached out, his fingers encircling her chin with a firmness that made her heart skip a beat. Lifting her face to meet his gaze, he established a connection, electric and undeniable.

With his other hand, he traced a path down her spine, pulling her closer until her body was pressed against his. The contact was a shock of reality against her skin—his chest, hard and unyielding, crushed against her softness in a gesture that was both possessive and dismissive. "No plans with you, darling," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate directly in her soul.