Page 85 of Pervade London
“We’ve not been intimate since I came back.”
I swallowed back tears. “Tell me about him.”
“Not a good idea.”
I looked around to make my point. “He’s aristocracy.”
“Obviously.”
“Is that where he gets his power?”
“Yes and no.”
“Elaborate.” I needed to understand the man whose wits I had to go one on one with.
“History robbed him of his title.”
“What title?”
Xavier looked surprised. “King.”
“Of England?”
“Great Britain and the sovereign of fifteen countries.” He lowered an accusatory stare on me. “Did you even pay attention in school?”
“Did you ever consider the danger you were putting me in?”
“Yes, that’s why I walked away from you on the London Underground. I tried to lose you. You persisted. And then you let me fuck you up against a brick wall in a tunnel. I was surprised you stuck around.”
I slapped him.
“I deserved that,” he admitted. “I didn’t mean it. This is hard on me, too.”
I shook my head. “Why do you insist on pushing me away?”
“Because I’m not the man you think I am.”
“Who are you then?”
“My ability…is unusual.” He brushed a hand over his cheek. “Once people hear what it is, they’re scared of me.”
“I love you.”
“I don’t want to argue.”
“I’m sorry.” I fell against him and crushed my body to his.
“Do you hate me for Ballad?”
“I didn’t know you were into men.”
“Him…it’s him.”
Breaking his stare, I understood more than I wanted him to know. James had this magnetic way about him, an enticing suaveness and dark sophistication. His stark beauty affected all those around him…his regal features carried a social influence that saw him getting his way.
“When did he last kiss you?” I had to know.
“The night before you and I first met at Piccadilly.”
