Page 111 of Pervade Montego Bay
“He thinks I should keep a low profile,” I added.
“You’ve been so excited to play.”
“Yes, but I’d rather keep you and James off that journalist’s radar.”
“Em, I’m sorry.”
I’d learned my lesson aboard Diana Zane’s yacht. “You’re more important to me than any concert.” I’d rather die than risk losing him ever again.
His eyes softened with emotion as he mulled over my words.
“Listen.” I reached for his hand. “You will always be put first in my life. I can never go through losing you again.”
“Emily,” his voice cracked with emotion.
“I love you so much, Xavier.”
He looked away, his eyes glistening with tears.
I squeezed his hand. “I’d do anything for you. You know that. I never forgave myself for what happened in London.”
“Playing the violin is the equivalent of breathing for you. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t do everything in my power to help you perform?”
“If you throw Trevor out it will only make him more suspicious,” I reasoned.
“I know.” He waggled his eyebrows playfully.
Xavier
My girl was going to play her violin tonight. No one was going to stand in the way of her doing what she was born to do. I’d learned the hard way how important performing was to her when she’d risked everything to play aboard Diana Zane’s yacht.
I’d almost lost her because I’d not respected her need to be heard. She’d dedicated so many years to her passion. Not allowing her to use her talent was cruel—even if James had forbidden her to play in order to keep us all safe.
Louis joined us at our table. He invited a waiter over, who cracked open a bottle of champagne for us. We raised our glasses and toasted his performance. Guests approached our table to congratulate him on a great concert. He was patient and graciously chatted with all of them.
Now, it was Em’s turn to shine.
Leaving her with Louis at the table, I headed over to stand behind the bar so I could focus. Pulling out my phone, I quickly got to work.
There came that familiar rush I always felt when I used my gift to hack into a person’s device and dive deep into their life. The intel came up fast—Trevor was a staff writer with theWashington Post. Somehow, he’d uncovered a small thread in Louis’ life and was pulling on it, hoping to unravel a bigger secret.
According to the exchange of texts in Trevor’s phone, he’d bribed one of the musicians to let him in. How do you get a reporter off your tail? You make him feel like he’s getting closer to the story he’s chasing.
I hacked into the phone belonging to the musician Trevor had bribed. Trevor had paid his way in with cash. I’d deal with the musician later—or James would. That unfortunate employee had signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Pretending to text from the same drummer’s phone, I informed Trevor there was an exclusive number of guests who were invited to join Louis on his private yacht this evening. Just a select few in an intimate jaunt around Montego Bay. These lucky VIPs were going to get to mingle exclusively with their enigmatic host.
Arranging the yacht excursion took a little longer.
Standing barefoot on the sandy beach, I watched Trevor stroll down to the dock. He boarded the yacht, along with thirty or so other guests. Trevor would no doubt be eager to get closer to the man he was hoping to feature in his investigate piece.
I stood there until the yacht sailed away.
Even from here, I could see Trevor pushing through the crowd of party guests looking for Louis.
After I dusted the sand off my feet, I pulled on my socks and shoes and ambled back to the party. Louis was shaking his head with amusement when I reached our table. He’d remained in the house until Trevor was on his way out to sea.
I widened my arms, showing I’d gotten rid of our problem. “Boom.”
