Page 45 of Pervade Montego Bay

Twisting my right arm, I let him see I didn’t need it. “Just a sprain.” I walked down the porch steps and joined him. “This is a great place.”

“I think so.”

I knelt to retrieve a bottle of water and lifted it in way of politeness.

“Yes, that’s yours.” He threw in a brilliant smile.

He had no idea what that did to me—nor would he ever. I knew his type. The alpha arrogance inside that would never allow him to lower his standards to dabble with someone like me. A proud military history to prove he possessed an off-the-scale level of machismo.

Though we’d had our moments… I’d watched him consider what kissing me would be like. Then came his subtle knee-jerk reaction of self-chastisement for daring to go there.

“I thought we’d play.” He pointed to the rackets. “If you feel up to it.”

“Great rehab,” I countered.

He nodded and then looked off toward the ocean.

For some reason, the way he’d turned his back on me hurt like hell—like he suddenly regretted having me here.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll pass on the game.” I headed back up the steps and walked into the mansion, quickly making my way to the front entrance. I wasn’t sure where I was going—I just needed some space to think more clearly. Ballad’s dominating presence had messed with my head.

This crush on him was a curse.

I yanked open the front door. A hand came around my right side and slammed it shut in my face.

James pressed his body to mine, trapping me between him and the door. “What was that?” he growled. “You walked away from me with an attitude?”

I spun round and leaned back—he was too damn close. His face wore a dangerous expression and his intelligent eyes stared intensely into mine.

“I know what this is, Ballad.”

“What exactly do you think this is other thangeneroushospitality?”

I gave him an accusatory glare. “Once I’ve told you what you want to know you’ll hand me back to them.”

“Them?”

“MI6.”

His focus moved down to my lips.

James caught himself and stepped back in a rush. “That’s not the plan.”

“Forgive me if I’m low on trust.”

“So us working together to find out who ruined our lives is no longer on the agenda, then?”

I chewed my lip as I tried to decide if this idea would even work. Once I gave him what he wanted, why would I even matter?

He looked frustrated. “I wrongly assumed that you wanted your problem resolved. Apparently, you’re a genius. How about engaging that big brain to make yourself useful?”

“Who told you that about me?”

“Someone back at MI6.”

“I’m afraid you’re just like all the others…”

“I have no idea what the hell that means.” James took several steps back. “If you want to leave, leave.” He turned and headed up the staircase.