Page 127 of Pervade Montego Bay

“That’s hardly a crime.”

“No, but the fact he makes a habit of avoiding the public attracts attention.”

“Louis isn’t dangerous, is he?”

“Not in the traditional sense,” he mumbled.

“What does that mean?” Then I realized. “He’s like you. He has a special talent for things like this?” I pointed to the iMac. “What’s his superpower?”

Xavier shrugged.

“Does he work?”

“He spends his time on philanthropic pursuits that he’s passionate about.”

“Has Louis done something bad in the past?”

“No, never.”

Then why did I have a feeling they were hiding him away.

“Maybe Louis is keeping something from you.” I waited for Xavier to respond.

He reached for the mug and gulped half of its contents down. “I don’t think so.”

I planted another kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for making sure I got to play my violin.”

“I’ll never get over how gifted you are, Em.” He pressed his lips to mine and kissed me tenderly.

“I only wish I understoodyourgift,” I joked, kissing him back. “Will it be too distracting for you if I sit here for the next few hours?”

“No, it’s a perk.”

I glanced at the screen. “You’re so clever.”

“Cursed is what I am.”

“What you do can help people.”

“I think what you do is far more profound. You take people’s minds off their lives. You stir passion with your music.”

I sighed. “I think I’ll just teach violin. That would make me happy.”

“Right. How well do I know you?”

“Freakishly well.”

He nodded with a smirk.

This was Xavier reassuring me he’d find a way for me to perform on a grander scale—perhaps even see my dream of joining an orchestra realized. My priorities had changed, though, and that meant letting go of a career in music. I was never destined to fulfill that dream. My heart was still wrangling with letting it go, but I didn’t want him to know that. I’d already blown our relationship up once by making a bad choice.

It’ll take time.

I stifled a yawn. “Where’s James?”

“He’s out with Louis. They’re dropping off the donated toys at the orphanage.”

I sat up. “Orphanage? I thought it was a school?”