Page 94 of Pervade London
Rage filled every cell of my body as my hate soared for this man. “Kiss me first.” I held his gaze triumphantly.
James shot a frustrated look at Xavier.
Xavier gave a shrug.
James studied me for a few moments. Then he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine, not lifting the sword but keeping it there as an ever-present threat. His tongue was a savage, forceful persuader, battling mine. I found his kiss different than Xavier’s—it was arrogant and controlling, and full of rage. It stung my cut deliciously in an arousing, terrible way.
He pulled back. “Time’s up.”
I pressed my lips together to soften the burn and soothe the cut. “I’ve already told you the truth.”
James wore an incredulous expression as he stared down at me.
Then he rested the sword on the table and his hand moved to my chest to hold me still. “Speak.”
“There’s nothing to say.” I pleaded with my eyes.
James stepped back and stood straight. “Look behind you.”
Warily, I glanced at Xavier and then followed his line of sight, turning my head to see a violin resting on a corner cabinet—my Stradivarius.
I sprang up, but James moved too swiftly, making it down the side of the table before me and reaching for my violin. He held it by the neck, lifting it above his head so I couldn’t grab it from him.
“Give it to me.” I leaped for it.
“There’s about to be one less Strad in the world.”
I struggled to reach it. “Xander, you gave it to me. It’s mine. Tell him.”
“His name’s Xavier,” said James dryly.
My efforts were futile against his towering height. “Please.”
“How much is this thing worth?” James looked thoughtful. “Couple of million?”
“You wouldn’t.” Drenched in terror, I froze before him.
James admired it. “Not to mention the craftsmanship.”
Sweat snaked down my spine. “James, please, I’ll do anything!”
He closed his eyes in fake appreciation. “The music this instrument makes is like no other.”
“No, don’t.”
James grasped the neck with both hands and swung it toward the wall.
I inhaled sharply at the sight of my beloved instrument being flung toward the stone at lightning speed, stopping just short of obliteration.
“She said she believed me.” I drew in a deep breath. “The inspector told me to get her evidence. She’d seen something like this before—people disappearing from cameras. She said you were untouchable without it.”
James held the violin poised an inch from the wall. “That it?”
“Yes, I promise.” I reached out for the violin.
James handed it to me.
I stepped back with the instrument clutched to my chest like it was a lifeline, my heart still hammering and my flesh clammy.
