Page 13 of Pervade Montego Bay

I felt the flush of heat drain out of me with the realization James had grabbed that phone when he’d kissed me. Xavier would have heard me calling out Ballad’s name.

Instead of sitting up, I remained on my back on the table. My eyes followed the spinning fan above while my thoughts spun out of control.

Tears stung my eyes, blurring my vision.

Come for me, Xavier, my love.

James

Ultimate View,my forty-five-foot sailing vessel, was tethered to the end of the dock. Victoria had chosen the perfect name for our gorgeous yacht. The first day we’d sailed her out on the ocean we’d happily christened her by drinking the best champagne. There were so manyfond memories…

A rush of nettles tethered me back to reality, a familiar grief choking out my joy. The kind that tore at my soul to remind me Victoria would never again climb aboard her.

Don’t, Victoria…

Don’t cloud my thoughts with sentiment.

Moving on would be the worst kind of betrayal.

I glanced back and saw that Emily had caught up with me. She stood several feet behind me on the dock, seemingly unsure whether to proceed. She had every reason to be reluctant. Xavier wasn’t here and in his place was a royal bastard with bad intensions.

She looked dazzling in her sunhat, sundress, and strappy sandals. Strands of her brown hair were blowing over her misty eyes, and she pulled her sunglasses down to shield them.

An hour ago, I’d taken her hard on the dining room table, teasing her body with her violin bow. Though she’d experienced pleasure, our sex had been unsentimental. I’d refused to show her how I really felt.

God, I could be so fucking unromantic at times.

This trip out on the water was aimed at Xavier.

If his memory served him correctly, and Xavier’s curse was that it always did, he’d remember what had happened after I’d taken him hard on the dining room table.

Six months ago, we had stood on this very spot before boarding theUltimate View.He’d looked just as uncertain as Emily did now, with the same hope in his eyes that we could be more.

Spending time with him in Montego Bay had eased my grief for brief periods—as though he was able to hold back the tidal wave of pain. That was the only reason I’d relented to the intimacy he yearned for…

I’d yearned for it, too.

Holding my hand out, I coaxed Emily to join me and I helped her onto the yacht, pointing to where I wanted her to sit on the starboard side. I hoisted the sail and we were heading out onto the open crystal blue ocean within minutes.

The coolness of the salty breeze rushed over me as the late afternoon sun drenched us in warmth. There was nothing that came close to this feeling of freedom, the absolution of all responsibilities; though I wouldn’t be granting myself any precious leisure time. This was all business.

Glancing over at Emily, I asked, “Do you have sunblock on?”

She looked sheepish. “It’s in my bag.”

I secured the mainsheet to maintain the sail and moved toward her. “You don’t want to end up with sunburn.”

She gestured to the vast sail. “That’s impressive.”

“This yacht is as big as it gets with one for a crew.”

“Sorry I’m not much help. You can teach me. I’ve always wanted to learn how to sail.”

“We have to protect your hands.” I cupped them in mine.

Her fingers were delicate and I explored their elegance. The hands of this woman who would one day become famous. Her talent was that profound. Emily would no doubt inspire future violinists, too, just as the renowned Diana Zane had done.

“Let me in, James,” Emily whispered. “Talk to me.”