Page 108 of Pervade Montego Bay

I scurried from room to room, looking for anything that would support my theory. The guard at the bottom of the staircase gave me a nod of permission, allowing me to proceed upstairs. Having such heavy security was another clue they were keeping something important here.

I checked out one luxurious bedroom after another, everything tidy and neat. I had hoped there would be a child’s bedroom somewhere up here.

Opening one of the bedroom closets, I found clothing that probably belonged to Louis. A nice collection of suits and T-shirts and casual clothes all lined up neatly. A rush of guilt swept over me that I was snooping in his personal space.

Louis had dropped his wristwatch near the bedside table. I couldn’t bear to think of it being damaged, even though picking it up would give away what I’d been up to. I reached for it anyway. On the back of the watch was an engraving of a family crest. I’d seen James’ crest back at his castle, but it was different from this. This style was simple, with a knight’s helmet and what looked like dragon heads inside the shield—which hinted that Louis had connections to aristocracy. He certainly carried himself that way.

Heading out, I hurried along the hallway, excitement building in my chest that I might find a child asleep in one of the rooms.Hisprecious boy.

“What are you doing up here?” Louis’ voice called from along the balcony.

I tried to hide my guilt. “Looking for James. Have you seen him?”

“He’s outside.”

“Right, thank you.”

“You need to be careful, Emily.” He shook his head. “Don’t cross him.”

“What do you mean?”

“James wouldn’t want you up here.”

“Why?”

He stared past my shoulder and his eyes widened with concern.

I turned and saw James reach the top of the staircase, his disapproving glare on me. A surge of fear gave me a jolt of adrenaline, and I rushed away from him in the opposite direction.

I sprinted precariously on my high heels, turning a corner and trying the first door on my left. With my heart hammering, I dashed inside and turned the key, locking it.

The sparse bedroom had a chaise lounge in the corner and a walled bookcase with stacks of children’s books lining the shelves.

Oh, my God.

Could this be his child’s bedroom? Had the small bed been removed for tonight?

James pounded on the door. “Emily.”

With my hand over my mouth, I stood still, hoping he hadn’t heard me. His footsteps trailed away, and I exhaled in relief. James would probably go to any lengths to keep this room a secret and I’d chosen this one to hide in.

I’d wait a few minutes, then go back downstairs and rejoin the party. Pretend I hadn’t seen anything. I’d try to avoid James by dancing and mingling and getting very, very drunk.

I liked this plan. It meant I could avoid his wrath.

I heard a noise and looked behind me. The walled bookcase slowly moved forward, revealing a passage.

Oh, fuck.

James stepped into the room with me.

Emily

The bookcase closed behind James and he strode quickly towards me, backing me up against the wall.

“Why are you in here?”

He pressed me against his firm chest so closely that I felt his body heat, causing my breathing to turn ragged. This was the way my body always responded to this man—with a rush of arousal that made my legs weaken.