Page 82 of Pervade London
I could hide out here for a while. Maybe this wasn’t so bad.
Crisscrossed jousting lances hung on the wall of a hallway that we strolled down as though we were on a tour and not two people being hunted. I tried not to think about the reality of our situation, choosing instead to admire the brass chandeliers that hinted at the centuries that had seen this place once lit by candle flame.
“How old is this place?” I asked.
“Sixteenth century.”
“You know your way around well enough.”
He led me into a modern kitchen that still had an ancient hearth with a large empty pot hanging within.
Xavier pointed to a bricked area. “They still make their own bread. It’s delicious.”
“When was the last time you were here?”
“Been a while.”
Over to our right was a long antique dining table, surrounded by several high-back chairs. He shrugged out of his suave black jacket and threw it over the back of one of them.
“How can you be so calm?” I snapped. “After what just happened?”
“I think better when I’m calm.”
“We need to devise a plan,” I said. “We need to think about leaving the country.”
“We should probably eat something first.”
I was still running on adrenaline. “Where’s the staff?”
Xavier unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves. “He releases them for the weekend.”
“Who owns this place?”
Xavier headed for the fridge.
“You brought me tohishome?” My heart rate took off and my legs wobbled at the rush of panic I felt.
“This is as safe as it gets.”
“Are you sure he won’t suspect us coming here?”
“How do eggs sound? Scrambled on toast? Your favorite.”
We’d just escaped Dr. Evil and fake name here wanted to play house. Xander…or Xavier…had always been quirky, but this was veering off toward madness.
He was keeping something from me.
Leaning on the central island, I watched him open the fridge and grab a wire basket filled with eggs, a jug of milk, and a tub of butter. He placed them on the central island. Then, he grabbed a pan from a cupboard.
“Xavier,” I began softly, “the pilot will tell him where he brought us.” My fingers gripped the edge of the island.
“We’re locked in.”
“He can’t get inside?”
He broke into a warm smile. “He listens to me.”
“Why have you bought me here?”
