Page 7 of Pervade Montego Bay

“You chose music over him.”

“I’ve dedicated my life to the violin.”

“But you didn’t take up my offer to join the orchestra.”

“I wanted to make it on my own.”

I shrugged. “In the end it came down to money.”

Emily’s rightful position had been given to a less talented student because the girl’s father had coughed up a generous donation—all in the name of art.

Pain was evident in her expression. “I’m just as talented as Salme.”

“If only that was how the world works.”

“I’ve always made it on my own.”

“Emily, you’re naive.”

“You told me I was merely a distraction for Xavier.”

“A pleasant distraction. Facts are important.”

She swayed slightly and it made my chest tighten with remorse. Jesus, this could be the final act that destroyed me. Then again, it coated my darkness with self-hate that could be useful. I deserved the misery because I didn’t believe love was in my destiny—and I was using her faith in it to destroy her love for me.

Her eyes filled with tears and she clutched her palm to her chest to prove the cruelty of my words had seeped into her soul. The dagger I’d sent hurtling into her heart might stay wedged there forever.

This was good.

I needed her to hate me…needed her on her fucking knees willing to do anything to draw my rogue operative out of hiding. Despite Xavier pulling back, he’d still be spellbound with this beguiling violinist. They’d lived together for six months before I’d torn them apart. He’d never get over her. And he really shouldn’t have to.

No one could do what Xavier could and if we didn’t get him back the consequences were unthinkable. His ability to translate artificial intelligence into a language we could work with was unmatched. His remarkable skill at communicating with wayward AI was unparalleled. If I hadn’t seen his talent first hand, I wouldn’t have believed it. His kind of brilliance was rare. Xavier was irreplaceable.

“Is stirring his jealousy the only way?” she asked softly.

“Not only jealousy, Em. We’re talking about his desire for balance and certainty…his hunger for more of what only I can deliver.”

She looked smug. “You’re not enough to lure him back here.”

“And evidently neither are you.”

She closed her eyes for a moment. “Don’t.”

“I’ve been wrangling with this truth a lot longer.”

“He could find love anywhere.”

“You know that’s not true.”

“What if he never forgives me?”

“It’s my forgiveness you must earn.”

“I’m sorry. Tell Xavier I’m sorry, too.”

I turned away because it should be me apologizing. What I was doing was abhorrent. My cock ached in contradiction—my body yearned for the impossible. She was going to give herself to me willingly. I was going to earn her hate.

“I can leave at any time?” she asked quietly.