Page 158 of Pervade London
“We had a moment,” admitted James.
Xavier slid into a devilish grin. “Has she melted your black heart, Ballad?”
“And your point is?” snapped James.
“Wish I could have been there,” said Xavier with a wry smile. “I wouldn’t have let you spill a drop.”
James finished off his coffee and set the mug down. “Em, what time do you need the car?”
“Eight, please.”
James nodded. “I’ll tell the driver to be ready.” He looked at Xavier. “Give Emily her new phone. Our numbers are in it, Em. Call anytime. For anything.”
I felt a great rush of relief that I was getting a phone.
“Whenever you’re ready.” James raised a finger in the air as he walked toward the door.
“I’m not going in,” Xavier called after him.
He paused but didn’t turn.
“I want a day off,” added Xavier.
“Very well. Plans?”
“Haven’t decided.”
James looked back at him over his shoulder. “Escort Emily in and then go do something fun.”
“Don’t patronize me.”
James pivoted to face him. “Want to talk about it?”
Xavier’s stare snapped to his phone and at that moment I realized he was reacting to something he’d seen on there.
“Get your fucking AI off my back,” said Ballad.
Xavier gave him a thin smile. “I’ll meet you later to brief you on what I know.”
“And what’s that?”
“What you’re plotting, Ballad.” Xavier smirked. “You need me to sign off on it.”
“Actually, I don’t.” James flashed him a smug smile. “You left your queen exposed. You know better.”
“Thought we agreed there’d be no games.”
“Good, then. Glad we go that cleared up.”
“Wait.” Xavier walked over to the kitchen table and reached for James’ mug. He carried it over to the counter and poured fresh coffee into it, then closed the gap between them and handed it back.
James wrapped his fingers around the mug. “If this is a peace offering, it’s accepted.”
“It is.”
“Much better attitude.”
“See you later then.”
