Page 88 of Pervade London
James closed his eyes and seemed to be steadying himself. “We’ll discuss it later.”
“Something happened?”
“Later,” snapped James.
“You forced my hand with Em.”
“You think this helps her?”
“The alternative?”
“She’s to be questioned here then?” James didn’t hide his disapproval. “By me. This is what you want?”
“If that’s what it takes, yes.”
“Your order was simple. Clear. Unfuckable.” Ballad’s eyes narrowed on him. “Protocols are there for a reason.”
“There’s always another way. You taught me that.”
“Want to join us, Xander? See the consequences of your actions?”
Icicles surged through my veins.
“Ms. Rampling.” James pivoted to face me. “If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear.”
My legs wobbled beneath me. “What’s happening?”
“Who did you speak with about us?” asked James.
Oh, shit.I’d mentioned him to Xavier’s mum. “No one.”
James gestured for me to follow. “Sure about that?”
“Where are you taking me?”
“We’re going to explore how willing you are to obey.”
“I’m not hiding anything,” I said.
Ballad reached out for my hand and took it, squeezing with a firm grip as he wove his fingers through mine. “You’ve been up to no good, Em. Let’s crack that secret open.”
Outraged, I said, “I know his real name.”
“Yeah, might not want to piss me off any more than I already am,” James warned.
My eyes adjusted to the room.
No, not just a room…a dark chamber with torture devices—like the ones on display in the London Tower. This was James reminding me of his threat against my life.
Still, he couldn’t know what I’d done. Unless he’d gone to Lloyds bank and checked out my safety deposit box. And I had the only key.
“Nice place you’ve got here,” I said with false bravado.
“We’ve kept many of the rooms the same to preserve our history,” James told me with a cold smile.
Walking past Xavier, I headed for the door. “Show me what else you’ve got in the way of medieval paraphernalia. Love those tapestries. How do you ever leave this place?”
“Emily.” James shrugged out of his jacket. “Shut the door.”
