Page 34 of Pervade London
“Okay, that’s it,” snapped Xander. “We’re both leaving.”
“We’re not done.” James’ pleasant expression belied the tone of his voice.
My stare hopped from one man to the other and I couldn’t work out who was more intense…Xander with his antsy attitude or James with his laser-sharp stare, which had landed back on me.
“I’m thrilled to finally meet you, Em,” he said. “You’ve been kept hidden away.”
Xander’s hand shot up to me in a warning not to say anymore.
James’ gaze swept over me appraisingly. “Would you like to join us for drinks?”
I flashed a wary glance in the opposite direction. “Kitty’s waiting.”
“Tomorrow,” said Xander. “I’ll come back and meet you here tomorrow, James.”
“I want to believe you,” he replied darkly.
I could feel the tension between them, which left me confused.
James caught it. “Xander’s quite protective of you.”
A sudden fear made my stomach feel queasy.Protective?
“That’s what you do for friends,” snapped Xander. “You do everything you can to make them happy.”
“She’s melted that steely heart of yours.” James straightened to his full height. “I approve.”
Xander leaned back casually against the wall. “Remember, I have what you want.” His eyes spoke the rest.
“And you need to remember your oath, Xander.”
“I am seriously considering coming back.”
“This would please me.IfI believed it.”
Xander’s nod carried the weight of his sincerity. “Assure me that there won’t be any consequences.”
His dangerous friend gave a nod of approval. “Good, then it’s agreed. I’ll deal with the details.”
“You didn’t answer me,” said Xander quietly.
Something vicious passed between them, a connection so deep they could share a thought.
James zeroed in on me. “Again, it was a pleasure to meet you, Emily.”
“Likewise,” I fibbed.
James strolled back the way he’d come.
“Promise me!” Xander called after him.
“I’ll consider it,” James said without looking back.
Seeing Xander emotionally tortured made my chest tighten.
“Who is he?” I whispered.
His attention stayed on James until he was out of sight, then he pressed me back against the wall. “Emily, I need you to go to The Biltmore. Book a room for us. Wait for me—”
