Page 17 of Pervade Montego Bay

“He didn’t want to go, did he? That’s why he ran from you back in London.”

I nodded. “After we arrived home from our time here in Jamaica, we spent a week in London, where I tried to persuade him we’d still be working together.”

She flinched, realizing my intention. “You’re not sending me away.”

“Prague. There’s an orchestra that will take you—”

“No.”

“Your first choice didn’t work out, and this is a great opportunity.”

“You’re not doing this.”

“Doing what?”

“Getting rid of me.”

“I’m giving you another chance at your dream.”

She pointed a finger. “You’re going to extremes to get him back. Fucking me on your dining room table. Bringing me out here on your boat. Trying to make him jealous so he’ll come back and walk right into your trap. You love him. Even if you don’t love me at least don’t deny your feelings for him.”

“My work is all-consuming.”

“Listen to yourself.”

“This is not about me,” I snapped.

“It is. You won’t allow yourself to love us.” She swam away, kicking her fins furiously through the water.

I called after her. “Where are you going?”

She was swimming in the direction of the beach.

Resting my forehead against the hull, I cursed myself for not telling her the truth…for not dealing with my feelings of vulnerability, scorching in its rawness.

Tell her how you feel.

Say it…

That I love her beyond words. That I love Xavier just as much. As simple and yet as complicated as that.

“Emily,” I called out to her. “I’m sending you awaywithXavier.”

The sound of the returning jet ski drowned out my words.

I was sending her somewhere they’d be safe. They’d be together at last and the damage would be undone.

The teenager was speeding recklessly through the water, not accounting for swimmers, or even sea life.

Fuck.

He was zooming dangerously close to her.

“Emily,” I yelled. “Watch out!”

The damn kid nearly hit her.

Swimming after her, I replayed the cruel and unreasonable things I’d said to her. She’d been caught up in the complex lives of two very different men and she didn’t deserve this. I should have told her how I felt and explained why going to Prague was the safest arrangement for them both.