Page 130 of Pervade Montego Bay

The chauffeur who’d driven me here gave a wave that he was ready to leave. I waved back with thanks, then turned to look at the truck parked outside. It was stacked high with boxes. A small number of staff were retrieving them out of the back and carrying them in through the arched stone doorway.

Like all things related to James, this was an impressive example of his influence. This sprawling place was perfect for keeping a child hidden. The building looked like it had been plucked out of Oxford University and placed here. Perhaps the fact his child was growing up within such a grand estate lessened his guilt. Still, that boy needed to be near his father.

But I supposed ensuring his safety was more important.

James strolled out from beneath the archway at the entrance and walked toward the truck. Seeing him volunteer pulled at my heartstrings—even though his unshaven appearance and dark looks intensified his dangerous edge.

I felt partly responsible for keeping him up all night. That memory sent a shudder through me. Seeing him in those sexy ripped jeans and tight black shirt was doing things to my body. He moved with a regal elegance as he lifted a box and handed it to another volunteer.

Then he saw me…

I hurried toward him. “Did Xavier tell you I was coming?”

“Hey, Emily,” Louis called over, having just walked out of the building. “Thank you for being here. Grab a box.”

James seemed to shake himself out of a daze.

“It’s okay, right?” I asked him.

“Of course.”

I tried to read his expression, to see if there was caution in his demeanor…the kind a protective father might have.

We both waited for Louis to carry his box back through the doorway before speaking again.

“I want to make myself useful,” I explained.

James cupped my face. “You see the problem.” He pulled his hands away. “When I’m this close not touching you is impossible.”

His words made my body thrum.

“Last night,” I began.

“Not here.”

“I was only going to say it was amazing.”

He smiled. “You have very kissable lips. And other parts of you are as well.”

A few more volunteers hurried toward us and we stepped back.

I threw off a salute. “Just tell me what to do, Commander.”

It made his grin widen. “Careful calling me that, or I’ll be sending you over an assault course. Though instead of obstacles like walls and trenches it’ll be my body you have to climb over.”

“Sign me up.” I winked.

I set to work, helping carry in the boxes.

Soon, the truck was empty and all the boxes had been placed along the wooden tables in the great hall. Inside, the architecture was just as impressive. The place had a Harry Potter theme going with its Hogwarts-style dark wood, cathedral-like arches and portraits hanging on the walls. The large window at the end stretched from floor to ceiling.

Standing back, we watched the children being led into the hall in an orderly fashion. Their ages ranged from five-year-olds to kids in their teens. A multicultural mix of sweet faces, all eager to see what gifts had been delivered.

“We’ve unleashed mayhem,” said Louis. “My favorite day of the year.”

“I never get tired of this.” James beamed at the children.

A collective roar of joy echoed around us as boxes were opened and toys were handed out. The kids ran around with their gifts, some showing them off to their teachers, others scurrying into corners to play with them. It was a controlled chaos of the happiest kind.