Page 78 of Pervade Montego Bay
James rolled his eyes.
“You’re human,” I said. “Don’t forget that. You’re allowed to love again. Victoria would want you to be happy.”
“Easier said than done,” he whispered. “It’s Emily you want.”
“It’smeyou’re talking to, James.” I drew in a sharp breath. “You still want me. Nothing has changed.”
His demeanor was as fierce as it was defensive. “Let’s end this meeting for now.”
“This is not a meeting,” I snapped. “This is you and me standing in the fucking trenches and there’s no abandoning each other. Not now. Not ever.”
“What do you want from me?”
“I want you to admit what we have.”
“What wehad, Xavier. It was extraordinary, but now it’s over.”
“You need to see the pattern.”
“Pattern?”
“You brought me to this place years ago. You drew me into the center of your world. You did the same with Emily. You invited her here. You want to stay in this house, but you can’t bear to be alone.”
He turned away, unable to deny it.
“See the truth for what it is.”
His jaw twitched in annoyance, proving I’d touched a nerve.
“I need you to trust me,” I said.
“You may regret what you’re asking.”
“I doubt it.”
His stare snapped back to me. “Take Emily to the guest bedroom. I’ll join you.”
“Is this one of your games?”
“Do you want to play?”
“If you do one thing that makes it look like you’re trying to hurt us…to push us away…”
“Are you willing to take that risk?” He cupped my face and leaned in for a kiss. His mouth forced mine open and his tongue fought with mine. It was as erotic as it was cruel, a dark and seductive tease…and Ballad was so damn good at it.
I bit his lip.
James pulled back—then gave me one hell of a smile.
“I can outsmart you,” I said, breathing hard.
He relented with a nod of surrender. “I can’t cope with any more heartbreak, Xavier.”
“Have I ever let you down?”
“You left me once.” He gripped the back of my neck and dragged me in for another devastating kiss. “Oh, God,” he said into my mouth.
Relenting, I closed my eyes. If this could be construed as stealing a kiss, then so be it. My body had yearned for this closeness with him since my arrival.
