Page 64 of Pervade Montego Bay
“He’s been seriously injured. He has a concussion.”
A jolt of uncertainty hit me. “How’s his memory?”
She shrugged. “Seems intact.”
“His mood?”
“Why don’t you go say hello.”
I wanted to, but seeing a look of rejection in his eyes was something I wasn’t ready for.
“Don’t disappear again, Xavier.”
I turned away, reluctant to share that my feelings for her burned as brightly as they always had. My love for her could never be diminished. I’d cross oceans to make sure she was safe. To make sure she was happy.
And I’d do the same forhim,too.
James stood in the doorway, the bandage around his head revealing what he’d gone through. It made me feel a rush of sympathy for him, and more than a little regret that I’d not been here to protect him.
Emily still had her back to the door. She hadn’t seen him standing there yet.
Her soulful eyes stared into mine. “Do you still love me, Xavier?”
Emily
Iheld my breath. The world around me was a whirl of confusion as I waited for Xavier to answer.
It was an easy question.
Was he still in love with me?
I’d regretted the words as soon as I’d spoken them. If the answer wasno,and Xavier no longer felt anything for me, my heart couldn’t take it. I’d been longing to see him since we’d been parted in London—believing we’d be together again as though it were fated to come true.
“He loves you very much, Emily.” James’ voice came from behind me.
I exhaled slowly and turned around to look at him. “You shouldn’t be up, James.”
He looked over at Xavier. “Hey.”
“How’s your head?” asked Xavier.
James forced a smile. “Feels better than my pride.”
Xavier swapped a wary glance with me. “James is right, Emily. I’ll always love you. But I’m afraid of what you think of me now.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped.
“Do you still love me?” he asked, his voice strained.
“Of course I do!”
Relief flashed in his eyes. “Em.”
We rushed into each other’s arms.
I hugged him close, feeling the strength of his embrace. “Say it again.”
“I love you, Emily. I never want us to be separated again.”
