Page 57 of Pervade Montego Bay
A lust for power shined brightly in his eyes.
“Consider me your tech guy,” I added.
His grin widened. “Maybe a new agency is in order. One that we control.”
“With influence that reaches around the entire world.”
“I’ll own the Prime Minister before the year is out.”
“With your connections to royalty, I’m sure you’ll get support from the Crown.”
He smirked. “They’ve always had a thing for colonies.”
“You’re serious about all of this?” I had to ask because what he was suggesting was control on a global scale.
“I’ve never been more certain about anything.”
This was what if felt like when James Ballad made a claim. Like you’d been burned up from the inside out and you were rising from the ashes. Like you had become something more because of your time with him.
“Do you want to be by my side, Xavier, as I take the world by storm?”
Fuck, yes.
I saw a pattern in our future…a sequence that spiraled into perfection. I sure as hell couldn’t go back to my old life because I’d burned all of my bridges by going rogue.
Moving forward with James was the only way to survive.
Emily
Present Day
“Thirsty…” James’ voice was husky.
A sob of relief escaped me as I reached out to squeeze his hand, careful to avoid his IV. The bandage around his head was proof of his injury.
He was conscious now and that was all that mattered. I felt like I’d been holding my breath for an eternity. They’d given him a private room, a place where the lights could be kept low and the room quiet.
“James,” I said softly.
His eyes fluttered open. “Where am I?” said James, barely above a whisper.
“Cornwall Hospital.” It was one of the best hospitals on the island, and he was lucky to be here. I don’t know what I’d have done without the kindness of the staff.
He reached to explore the bandage on his head and flinched. “What happened?”
“There was an accident. In the water.”
He took a few seconds to process that.
“You have sutures,” I said.
“How many?”
“Just a few.” I downplayed it. “I’ll let the nurse know you’re awake.”
I reached for the call button.
“Not yet.” James rested his hand on mine, becoming more alert. “Is Xavier okay? Is he back at the house?”
