Page 156 of Pervade London
“As are yours,” James quipped.
“I would say you’re looking awfully dapper today, but I’m sure you’re aware.”
“Did you get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning?” asked James.
“Why?”
“No reason.”
Xavier grinned. “Do your Jamaican accent for Emily.”
“Playing games so early?”
“You love games…”
“Did you live in Jamaica?” I asked.
James ignored me.
“You’re both so serious this morning.” Xavier bit his lip. “What brought this on?”
James nodded at his phone. “How’s the weather?”
Xavier looked at the screen. “The usual.”
“Do I need an umbrella?”
Xavier gave a shrug.
James leaned back. “I miss my London Times.”
“Read it on your phone.”
“Not the same.”
Xavier’s gaze rose to meet mine briefly before once more landing on James.
“What happened this morning between you both?” he asked.
My cheeks burned as I watched them parley.
James studied him. “Any more coffee left?”
“Come here,” Xavier said to me.
My chair scraped the floor as I stood. “I’m looking forward to going into the Academy today.”
Xavier grabbed my mug from me and placed it near the sink. Then his large hands gripped my shoulders and he pushed me back against the counter. He peered into my eyes to assess my reaction.
“What?” I whispered.
“I’m trying to work out what happened this morning.”
James set his mug down. “She needs to get ready for school.”
Xavier’s steely glare fixed on me. “Something scared you.”
I swallowed hard.
