Page 178 of Pervade London
Let the future you dreamed of become something different…filled with love.
Yet I knew the three of us had an expiration date. James had threatened me with it too many times.
So there you are.
We arrived at Covent Garden in less than thirty minutes. I loved the West End’s theatre district. I’d done pretty well when I’d busked here. The place was always bustling with tourists who meandered around its elegant piazza, with its market, teashops, restaurants, and luxury fashion stores making it one of the most popular shopping destinations.
And a great place to get lost in.
With strict instructions not to have Gary take his eyes off me, Xavier had upped the ante on my Svengali escape act.
But I knew Covent Garden—more specifically Chez Antoinette. I’d busked in the courtyard and snuck in there on my breaks to take a pee. It was easy to get lost in the shuffle in this thriving place. But there’d be no tasting their delicious meals today.
Gary took a spot in the corner with a good view of my table. Luck was on my side because we were early. I pretended to peruse the menu as I waited for Kitty, while trying to keep my limbs from trembling.
I let a few minutes pass before pointing at the loo so Gary would know that’s where I was heading. I brought my violin case and the bag along, too, all under the intense scrutiny of my bodyguard.
Around the corner, I rushed into the loo and changed into an elegant silver halter-neck evening gown and heels. I stuffed the other clothes in the bag and stashed it in the bin.
I made a beeline for the back of Chez Antoinette. With a quick glance toward the dining room to make sure I’d not been seen, I headed for the exit.
As soon as I stepped outside the restaurant, my bare flesh was stung by the chilly evening air.
Carrying my beloved violin case, I hurried away.
Abrisk breeze blew brunette strands across my face and caused my silver gown to cling to my body as I stood on the landing peering up at Renaldo Zane’s super-yacht,The Venetian.My grip tightened on the handle of my violin case when I saw her. She was leaning on the balustrade, staring out at the view.
Diana Lucia Zane looked elegant in her stunning chiffon gown with her hair up in a chignon. She was a musical goddess, this woman whose words had changed my life in so many ways—whose music owned my soul.
Growing up, I’d devoured interviews and articles about her, my imagination filling in what was not shared of her private life. I devoutly scoured the pages ofVogue,Elle, andVanity Fair, and all the other magazines, to see what fashions she favored and the exotic places she visited, getting rare glimpses of her. More than this, I loved hearing about the theatres she performed in and the musical pieces she adored. She’d married billionaire Renaldo Zane in her late forties.
Diana’s words to the little girl I used to be all those years ago had led me here tonight, an opportunity mixed with all the complexities of life.
Penn-Rhodes’ words repeated like a dark promise,“Diana will get to see you play.”
“Are you a musician?” a voice rose in the dark.
I looked up at the towering guard. “Yes.”
“The musicians are tuning up in the staffroom.” He gestured to the ramp. “I was about to secure the boat. Head up through the security check-point. Do you have your invite?”
I grimaced, my eyes telling himno.
He answered in kind with a look that said, “Then you’re not getting on.”
I glanced up at the balustrade. Diana was no longer there. It felt like a piece of my heart had been ripped away, my chance lost. Hearing her play live was a gift. Diana hearing me play was now a dream that would never be realized.
My stomach twisted in knots.
At least Xavier’s trust wouldn’t be quite as shattered if I didn’t make it on board. I’d lied to them both about meeting with Kitty. I’d left Gary to shoulder the blame. I’d been selfish, but I’d not asked for their political intrigue and strict rules.
Seeing the hurt in their eyes would crush me, I knew. Worry and guilt tightened my throat.
Not getting on the yacht was probably for the best—even if it meant the ruination of a lifelong dream.
“Emily?” Penn-Rhodes waved to me from the bridge. He scurried down the boardwalk.
“She’s with you?” asked the bodyguard.
