Page 120 of Pervade London
The thought of him never taking me hard again filled me with dread. If he could read me as well as I believed, he knew this, too. He’d welcomed my submission, allowing him to lead us to this place he controlled. Like he controlled everything.
“I’ll show you around.”
The room lit up as sensors detected our movements.
We stepped into another study, its walls covered with photos of Officers in the Royal Navy. Each frame held a picture of military men in a line-up, dressed in their fine uniforms. Something told me if I searched their faces, I’d see his.
Neatly stacked files rested upon a simple desk, with a sleek computer monitor rounding out the modern feel. The computer was unplugged, and now I knew why. He didn’t want an AI system hooked up in here.
Strolling over to one of the photos, I read the inscription above it that revealed this formal shot was of a line-up of submarine captains, James being one of them. He looked younger, but that firm jaw and his dashing aura made him easy to spot. And God, if he didn’t look hot in uniform…
“You worked on submarines?”
His smile reflected a time in his life he’d enjoyed.
“You were the captain of one?” I said, impressed.
He gestured. “This way.”
The thought of him mastering one of those impressive vessels made my flesh tingle with pride for him. Or maybe it was the way my arm brushed over his as we entered through the doorway, too close to avoid each other.
James led me to his bedroom.
A grey and white themed decor complemented the low bed with its high-backed headboard.
His real bed…
From the way he kept his distance, I could tell he had no intention of taking me on it. Not yet, anyway.
I couldn’t resist strolling into his walk-in wardrobe for more clues. James followed me in and I flashed him a wry smile, running my hand along a row of bespoke suits. In the center was a chest stacked with expensive-looking shoes.
“Why did you leave the Navy?” I asked.
“I switched careers.”
“You joined Pervade?”
He gave me a reluctant smile.
I pulled out a drawer and peered in at a fine selection of watches. Farther down were more drawers filled with elegant ties.
“What’s in there?” I pointed to a steel door.
“My doomsday collection.”
“Supplies? Are you serious?”
“You’ll never know.”
“Until you let me in there.”
“IfI let you in.” His words sounded seductive.
“When the world falls apart, I’ll come here.”
“I’m afraid it’s already fallen apart.”
“And whose fault is that?” I teased.
