Page 131 of Pervade Montego Bay

I watched James to see if there was any recognition in his eyes or if he showed any affection towards a specific child. James’ gaze found mine, his look of curiosity lingering.

Was he onto me?

Louis joined me at the back of the hall. “They’re adorable, aren’t they?”

“They are. You do such great work.”

“I don’t do it alone. We have an awesome team.”

“I assume the manor is named after James’ late wife?”

“Victoria, yes. This place only exists because of James.”

“You two must have known each other a long time.”

“Yes, his father introduced us.” He pointed to a young girl who was showing James her ballerina doll. “Now that’s cute.”

James had knelt so he could chat with her eye-to-eye about her new doll dressed in pink. My chest tightened at the sight of his gentleness. The way his eyebrows were raised inquisitively as she spoke to him, the way he made her feel safe.

It made my ovaries explode.

It also stirred my intrigue.

Louis nudged my arm. “If you stay in Montego Bay you could teach violin here.”

“I could?” I asked, turning to look at him.

“Why not?”

“I would love that,” I said. “Do you teach music here?”

He gave a nod. “We want them to have the best education and the greatest chance of success in life.”

“You’re a hero, Louis.”

“If you’re looking for a hero, Emily, look to James. He’s made all of this possible.”

“Where do all of the children come from?”

“I’m afraid many are abandoned by their parents due to poverty, or illness, or even death.”

Their brave faces were full of hope. It wrenched my heart to know they’d suffered the loss of their families. I wanted to wrap my arms around all of them and give them the love they deserved.

“I need to lock the back of the truck.” Louis started to walk away.

“I’ll do it.” I held out my hand. “Stay here. Enjoy this.”

He handed me the keys to the truck and I made my way back to the building’s entrance. When I reached the truck, I carefully closed its back door and then pulled the padlock through the catch to lock it.

I returned inside, and jolted to a stop when I saw Trevor walking toward the great hall. When he heard the door close, he glanced back and saw me.

“Hey,” he said, scurrying over. “You were at Louis’ party?”

I tried to get by him, but he blocked my way. “Excuse me.”

“Can I tell you something?” He smirked. “You might want to hear this.”

There was too much at stake for me to risk interacting with this man. Drawing attention could lead to him digging around in James’ private business. That could lead to him sniffing around Pervade.