Page 86 of Pervade Montego Bay

“Are you going to sue the fella?”

“Who?” Then I realized Louis was talking about the jet ski kid. “It was an accident.”

So far, everything Xavier had turned up about the teenager proved he was innocent of malice—as innocent as you can be after running over someone with your jet ski.

Louis moved closer to me, staring out at the view. “You’ve got yourself in a bit of a pickle. Want to talk about it?”

“In what regard?”

“The way you look at her, James.” He gave me a knowing glance. “The way she looks at you.”

“I’m deeply fond of Emily.”

“She feels comfortable enough with you to run around naked.”

“I’m easy-going.”

“Are you having an affair with her?”

“It’s not what you think—”

“Don’t hurt Xavier.”

“We’d never do anything to hurt each other. You know how close we are.”

“So why was he staying here and not with you? While Emily was with you?”

“How long was he here, Louis?”

“Ask him.”

Louis had always been protective of Xavier.

“Xavier’s happiness is more important than my own,” I told him.

What he didn’t know was that I was about to prove this beyond all measure. Soon, I would deliver the news I was stepping away from this ménage à trois. Xavier needed protecting from me.

I’d watch over them until my last breath. This was my burden to carry. My cross to bear was enduring a loveless life.

Louis patted my back. “Granny sends her love.”

That made me smile. “Send my regards to her.”

He smirked. “She wants me to keep an eye on you.”

“I’m flattered.” It was endearing.

“She wants to see you…move on,” he said. “Heal from all that stuff with Victoria.”

“I’m doing fine.” I was getting used to this lie.

“She adored your father.”

“The feeling was mutual.”

“James…”

I turned to face him.