Page 126 of Pervade Montego Bay
I wanted to hear the authentic accent of a man who’d changed all those years ago. Perhaps this had even been the catalyst that had caused him to construct the wall that would hide and protect his true self.
“Mo’ Bay is true paradise, mon!” James said in a thick Jamaican accent. “We got the sun and the rum! The moon and the food! But most of all in this beautiful island we call home…we gotyou!” He gave me a wink, then turned to Xavier. “Andyou!”
Xavier laughed with joy, replying with his best Jamaican accent, “Andyou, mon!”
James grinned, reverting to his English accent. “Not bad.”
“It sounds like poetry,” I breathed.
James kissed my nose.
I loved these men so much it made my heart swell with exhilaration. Overwhelmed with these emotions swirling through me, I reached out and placed my hand over theirs, and we interlocked our fingers.
James smiled against my cheek. “Stay.”
Emily
Wearing one of Xavier’s white shirts and nothing else, I padded barefoot over the hardwood floors, walking through the house looking for James or Xavier. I may have had one glass of champagne too many last night. We’d spent the evening celebratingus, while rolling between the sheets and then drinking bubbly well into the night.
My body ached deliciously, my sex still thrumming. My face flushed when I thought of what those men had done to me.
So much love.
The kitchen was empty, though I gave a silent hallelujah when I saw coffee brewing and smelled the rich, inviting aroma. I found the biggest mug in the cupboard and filled it, adding a drop of milk. This bucket of caffeine would shake off my sleepiness.
Continuing my search through the house, I admired the prints of marine life hanging on the walls. I’d seen similar photos in Louis’ darkroom, and I had to wonder if these had been photographed by him. If so, it revealed a friendship that went way back.
Sipping my drink, I leaned on James’ office door and peered in at Xavier who was sitting behind the desk and working away on the computer.
He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and his blond hair was styled in that careless, sophisticated way that looked adorable.
Xavier smiled to let me know he was aware of my presence—he was fixated on the screen as he typed away.
Finally, he looked over at me. “Here’s the love of my life.”
I pushed off the doorframe and came in. “What are you working on?”
“It’s confidential.” He winked.
I rounded the desk. “Oh, intrigue.”
Xavier leaned back so I could sit on his lap. Balancing my mug with both hands, I nuzzled into his neck and breathed in his soft scent. He was cleanly shaven and as I pressed my lips against his skin, I inhaled his fresh aftershave. My body thrummed with being this close to him. He felt like home.
I reached over to the desk and set my mug on a coaster. “Here, you have this one.”
He picked it up and took a sip. “Nothing tops Jamaican coffee.”
I peeked at the computer screen. There was a series of digits and codes and I was amazed anyone could interpret them.
“I’m analyzing data.”
“No wonder you don’t mind me looking.” Then on a hunch I asked, “Are you researching Trevor?”
He mulled over his answer.
“Why do you think he’s interested in Louis?” I pulled away a little to read his expression.
“Louis is pretty much a recluse.”
