Page 67 of Pervade London
And precariously erotic.
“I get it,” I said. “You have friends in high places.”
When his grip tightened it sent a thrill through me.
“You’re partly right,” he said huskily.
“You influence his decisions?” I peered over my shoulder at him. “How?”
James let go of my wrist. Gripping the back of the chair, he spun me around to face him. “What do you want above all, Emily?”
“What do you mean?”
“I know you want to join the orchestra. Well, you’re one step closer. What other aspirations do you have?”
“You know what I want.”
“A house in Belgravia? Give me a day and you’ll be walking through your new home in the most luxurious neighborhood in London. Money? I can have millions in gold bars placed in that safety deposit box you opened today at Lloyds. If you’re thinking grander, I’m listening.”
I felt a stab of anger at the humiliation I’d endured at the bank because of him. His knowing smile told me he’d followed my line of thought.
Blinking up at him I asked, “Did you help the Prime Minster get elected?”
James cupped my face with his hands. “He had a vision, Em.”
No.Surely, he wasn’t this influential…this powerful.
And my life was in his hands.
I closed my eyes. “James.”
Tilting my head, I leaned into his palm and drew his thumb into my mouth. I suckled, nipping the tip and moving my head suggestively to deep throat it while holding his gaze.
“It’s important you know,” he said darkly, “I can outthink you. Outmaneuver you. And out manipulate you. Flirting is endearing. But it won’t work.” He pulled his thumb from my mouth and gripped my throat. “I own the man who sits here. I made him. I keep him in power. I can remove him.”
His words resonated in the stillness.
It was a profound revelation that I wished I’d not heard. My throat began to ache and whether he intended it or not, I became aroused in response to his aggression. A shudder of pleasure shot up my spine and emanated to my limbs at his show of dominance.
“Interesting,” he said.
Raising my chin higher, I gave him a look that told him I didn’t care if he threatened my life. I wasn’t going to change my mind about Xander.
I pulled away. “You can’t hurt me any more than you already have.”
“The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.”
He wouldn’t.
His threat to ruin my musical career made my blood chill like ice. “You’re the devil.”
“I own the devil.”
“What are you going to do?”
He studied me with a calm expression. “Everyone has a price.”
“You know what mine is.”
