Page 83 of Pervade London
He carried over three plates he’d retrieved from a cupboard and set them down on the island. “You could live here for weeks and not need to leave.”
My flesh chilled. “How do you know this?”
“I’ve stayed here before.”
“I gathered that.”
“Don’t be pissy.”
“I’m a sitting target.”
“He would never hurt me like that. We have too much of a history.”
“Who is this man to you?”
Xavier refused to look at me, and, in that moment…I knew.
“Your friendship with Ballad is the only reason I’m still alive?”
He chose his words carefully. “He hides his kindness.”
“Let’s leave.”
“There’s nowhere you can go he won’t find you.”
“Do you really believe you can protect me?”
“Yes.”
“Just come out and say it.”
He went to say something and paused. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I’m in the middle of nowhere, Xander.”
“Xavier.”
“How do I even knowthat’syour real name?”
“It is.”
“What about when we got married. You’d have to tell me then.”
“I was going to deal with it.”
“I can’t stay.”
“Running is futile.” He reached for me. “Come here.”
I refused with a wave and my thoughts returned to my suspicions.
It had been the way Xavier deferred to James, the way they’d swapped glances, the way James had relented to his will and Xavier to his.
Xavier gripped the edge of the island. “I’ve got this.”
“What’s really going on here?”
“I will tell you this much…Ballad always gets what he wants.”
