Page 110 of Pervade Montego Bay

Hearing him talk dirty was like an aphrodisiac and my body thrummed with need.

“Denying you an orgasm seems like a fitting punishment for your trespassing offense,” he said quietly.

I turned my head away, too stunned and embarrassed to look at him.

He leaned in and whispered. “Go find Xavier. You belong to him.”

I did look at him, then, my lips trembling at his rejection.

His expression softened with sympathy. “He believes there should be no further intimacy. I imagine that also means between us, Emily.”

My breasts rose and fell in anguish.

I’d been seconds away from coming, thanks to his thrilling touch.

“Em, you and I need to keep our distance…”

Walking out would be like abandoning the lifeboat. Though even that was apparently sinking before my eyes.

I hurried to the door, turned the key, and pulled it open.

“Emily,” he said, stopping me from running out with his commanding tone.

Pausing in the doorway, I refused to look back at that devastatingly gorgeous man whose ghost of a touch lingered on my skin.

“I’m afraid you can’t play your violin,” he said. “You’ll draw attention. The journalist is still here.”

No, he couldn’t refuse me this.

“I’ll be just another musician,” I reasoned.

“Emily, you’re beautiful. You’re like the brightest fucking star in the galaxy.”

Turning, I leaned back against the door. “This is you pushing us away. You’re very convincing, James.”

“Tonight is all about Louis, Em. Let’s make this his best party ever.” James stood there looking dashing and resolute. “Xavier’s waiting.”

My feet carried me away from him as my heart fractured with the realization I’d never feel his touch again. Hurrying down the staircase, I retraced my steps outside.

Music and laughter hummed around me and everyone seemed to be having a fabulous time. Some of the guests were dancing while others enjoyed lively conversations in the company of friends. Navigating around the tables, I walked toward Louis who was playing the piano.

Xavier was sitting at a table nearby. His face brightened when he saw me. He rose to greet me and I fell into his arms, immediately feeling safe and loved.

Louis was striking the black and white keys with extraordinary talent, his fingertips effortlessly gilding over them. He was singing Bob Marley’s “Could You be Loved?”

My smiled widened when he looked over at us and he grinned back with magnetism. He was clearly in his element entertaining the audience, who were all just as enamored with his showmanship. His deep, seductive voice was incredible.

I snuggled against Xavier and he wrapped his arms around my shoulder and hugged me.

“I just saw James.” With a shake of my head I let him know it didn’t go well.

“How is he?” He handed me a glass of water.

I turned my face away, not wanting to see Xavier’s hurt expression. “James doesn’t think I should perform.”

I took a drink of the refreshing water, hoping to ease the lump of sadness in my throat.

Xavier leaned back in surprise.