Page 87 of Pervade London
He looked full of regret. “I wish I could have been there.”
Outside the window I heard the sound of blades slicing through the air—a helicopter was landing close by.
I felt a chill of terror. “What have you done?”
“I don’t expect you to understand my reasoning.”
A cold sweat snaked down my back. “Is that him?”
“The only way to survive this is for him to fall for you like I did.”
“What?”
“Win him over, Em.”
I shoved him away. “I hate him.”
“Fighting him is dangerous.”
“I will not have that man anywhere near me.”
“It’s not your decision.”
“Well, it’s definitely not yours.”
“You asked why I brought you here.”
“You’ll get me killed,” I stuttered.
“Em, listen to me—”
I bolted out and down the hallway, veering left, recalling every piece of décor that served as a landmark—all the way to the front door.
The handle refused to turn.
I spun round and jolted at the sight of James strolling toward us through the east hallway, his long coat flapping behind him. He came into the foyer looking even more vicious.
From the west hallway, Xavier appeared at a run and stopped abruptly when he saw him.
James glared at him. “I failed to make it to the dinner, Xander. Apparently, someone hijacked my helicopter.”
“Ah.”
“Want to tell me why that seemed like a good idea?” he seethed.
“I brought her here.”
“I can see that.” James stepped closer. “I had a flight to catch.”
“You shouldn’t be meeting with Iv—” He caught himself before saying the man’s name. “Send someone else.”
“He didn’t know I was coming. Or so I thought.” James ripped at his bowtie to undo it. “It should have been me.”
“Bad idea.”
“Did I ask for your opinion?”
“Not this time, no.” Xavier ambled over to him. “What happened?”
