Page 159 of Pervade London
Ballad’s eyelids became heavy as though affected by his words. “I look forward to it. Keep me abreast of your movements.” James looked at me. “Emily, no straying from the Academy. You go in and then come home.”
“I don’t want to be followed,” I said.
“That’s a shame, Em. Have fun.”
James seemed to be considering what else to say, but then spun around and left.
“What’s wrong?” I asked Xavier quietly.
He was staring at the spot where James had stood seconds before. “He spies on me. I spy on him.”
My face blanched. “Why?”
“We’ve got each other’s back.”
“And?”
Xavier broke into a smile. “We’re just watching out for each other. That’s all.”
“Is everything all right between you?”
Xavier raked his fingers through his hair. “What did he say to you in the House of Commons?”
“Why?”
“You were rattled when you got in the car, yesterday.”
“He controls the government. It’s mind-blowing. He didn’t want me to talk about it in the open. He got all controlling and bossy.”
He waved that off. “Before that?”
I swallowed, not liking the bitter aftertaste of the coffee. “He gave this long speech about how…”
“Say it.”
“He might find me of use?” I said softly.
“Those were his words?”
“Yes.”
Xavier rubbed his eyes in frustration.
“Do you regret this?” I asked.
“No. It’s just…there are always consequences with him.”
“That’s what he told me.”
“He hasn’t shown you how possessive he can be. Not even close.”
“He’s like that with you?”
He shook his head. “I’ve done worse.”
Was he referring to running from James and living with me? From the way Xavier shook himself out of his daydream, I felt this was the only conclusion. But James had hunted down Xavier until he was back under his command, so they were both guilty for their freefall into chaos.
“Your relationship with him is complicated,” I whispered.
