The Pervade Duet

by Fewings, Vanessa

  Nothing was going to soothe my disappointment at failing to get into the London Symphony Orchestra. It made my heart ache each time I thought of it. Still, my gift was mine to cherish and tonight there’d be a chance to heal my pride—for a little while, anyway.

  I ran my hand over the cover, knowing this piano had a history. Adoration had kept this instrument pristine.

  Louis walked toward me with exuberance, his face lit up with excitement for tonight.

  I smiled at him. “I love your Steinway.”

  He opened the cover, revealing the elegant keys. “My most cherished possession.”

  “I can’t wait to hear you play.”

  “The feeling is mutual, Emily.” He turned and shook hands with a couple he seemed to know well, engaging them in lively conversation.

  I was also excited to play for Xavier so he could hear how amazing my new violin sounded. He always came through for me. Even though I’d saved James’ life by bashing my Strad over Ivor’s head on the yacht, the loss of the instrument was a terrible blow. But Xavier had stepped up again and replaced it. Even after I had betrayed him by playing at the concert he’d not wanted me to attend. I vowed to prove to him I could change and grow from that experience.

  Closing my eyes, I felt the comfort of the warm breeze caressing my face and lifting my hair. The Caribbean already felt like home, with its natural beauty and famous beaches. It was a strange thought from a girl who loved living in London. This contrast to the city was a welcome change.

  A few early guests were carrying boxes of toys into the house to donate to the orphanage. I loved being part of something so special. Across the lawn, a steel band were setting up. The musicians were laughing and showing off their island spirit.

  Not far off, crashing waves provided a distinctive backdrop to this glamorous setting. The sunset cast spectacular shades of reds and oranges across the horizon. More guests were trickling in and finding their tables with their assigned seats.

  “You look exquisite,” said Louis, turning his attention back on me.

  “Thank you.” I tried not to blush. “Your home is lovely, Louis.”

  “You haven’t seen the inside yet.” He beamed at me. “You’ll need therapy afterwards.”

  “Why?”

  “Don’t think badly of me.”

  I sat down on the piano seat. “Why would I do that?”

  “I had no say in the décor.”

  “Oh, why not?”

  He pointed to the stage. “You can play before or after me. It’s all very relaxed here. It’s how we are on this island.”

  Narrowing my eyes on him, I wondered why he’d dodged the question. “Why did you have no choice in the décor?”

  “I wasn’t asked. Simple as that. I’m grateful for this place. Trust me, it could be worse.”

  I nonchalantly changed the subject. “How long have you known James?”

  “A long time.”

  “How did you two meet?”

  “We were introduced years ago.”

  That was as vague an answer as one would expect from an acquaintance of James. “So you must be good friends?”

  He nodded. “Just as you are, apparently.”

  I focused on the black and white keys, placing my fingers on them reverently and ignoring his insinuation. I needed to remember not to look at James like he was a sex god. Not when we had company, anyway.

  “Do you play?” he asked.

  My fingertips traced the keys. “I wish.”

  “Obviously you have musical talent.”

  “Did you know Victoria, James’ wife?”

  “Yes, she was lovely. The accident was tragic.”

  “Accident?”

  “Yes, the car accident.”

  I blinked at him realizing he may not know the details of what happened. “Did he and Victoria have a baby?”

  Louis stayed silent, staring across the lawn.

  Oh, my God, he’d not denied it.

  Following his line of sight, I looked at the young man making a beeline toward us. He was in his late twenties. In contrast to the other guests, he was wearing a white shirt and creased slacks, with a beige jacket flung over his shoulder. He studied us with troubled eyes.

  “Hey, Louis.” He rested a hand on the piano.

  Louis pushed to his feet and stood in front of me, almost protectively.

  “How’s things?” asked the man.

  Louis shot him a suspicious look. “How did you get in?”

  “Through the gate.” He leaned around Louis and offered me his hand.

  Not wanting to make a scene, I gave him a polite handshake.

  “Trevor’s a journalist.” Louis’ expression held a warning for me.

  I felt a nervous fluttering in the pit of my stomach.

  “Are you going to introduce us?” asked Trevor.

  Louis shook his head.

  Trevor smirked. “How about we clear the air?”

  Louis looked annoyed. “Go interview someone else. I’m not interested.”

  “Okay, but I do have a question for you,” said Trevor.

  “I have guests arriving. I need to greet them.”

  Trevor looked smug. “How are you paying for all this with no bank account?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Your account at the National Commercial Bank was shut down fifteen years ago,” Trevor added.

  “I moved it,” snapped Louis.

  “There’s no record of you having an account in any bank in the Caribbean. Your funds must be coming in via an off-shore account.”

  Louis glared at him.

  The snide man didn’t let up. “Just doing my job.”

  “Actually, Trevor, I’m really rather boring.”

  “There’s a story here, Louis.” He glanced at the mansion and its lavish setting.

  “Will you excuse me, please?” Louis gave me a warning glance and hurried toward the house.

  Trevor turned his attention on me. “Didn’t catch your name?”

  “Excuse me.” Scurrying after Louis, I resisted the urge to look back.

  Having a journalist trying to learn more about me would piss off James, since all paths led back to him. I’d have to tell him about this man, but right now James seemed to be avoiding me.

  Seeing Louis distressed caused my stomach to churn. I wondered why Trevor was so interested in him. Maybe in the safety of his home, Louis would feel comfortable enough to share the truth with me.

  I entered the house and a guard gave me a nod, letting me proceed into the cordoned off area that guests weren’t allowed to access. Looking around, I tried to locate James or Xavier.

  My thoughts carried me back to the previous night when I’d bound James and Xavier’s wrists with neckties. My palms buzzed with the memory of how glorious their cocks had felt in my grip. The chill of the air-conditioning helped cool my heated flesh.

  Not wearing panties now seemed like a dumb idea. Just standing near James made my pussy wet, and Xavier’s touch verged on erotic even when he was merely caressing my back with affection. Both these men energized me whenever I was near them. I’d never written music before, but inspiration for a remarkable new composition stirred within my brain. This is what they did to me.

  Ahead of me, I saw Louis turn the corner.

  I hurried to catch him. He disappeared through a doorway and began to descend a spiral stone staircase. I removed my heels so I could walk faster, and followed him down the steps.

  Even though I’d only wandered down one hallway, it was fair to say this was the most opulent home I’d ever visited. Even James’ castle in England was modest compared to all this grandeur. White marble and gold embellishments were everywhere.

  Nudging another door open, I peered into a vast kitchen that was decked out with modern appliances.

  Louis was standing by the sink and he was holding a tumbler filled with a golden liquid, ice clinking in his glass. His hands were shaking.

  Tentatively, I ente
red the room. “Are you okay?”

  He was startled, but then broke into a warm smile. “Hey, Emily.”

  “He’s a bit of a wanker.” I made it a joke.

  “Trevor? Yes, he is.”

  “How horrible to have someone sniffing around your life.”

  He lifted his glass. “Want one?”

  “What are you drinking?”

  “Rum.”

  “Yes, please.”

  He walked over to a cupboard and pulled out a bottle. “Only a tipple, though, since you’re playing later.”

  “And boy do I need my violin fix.”

  “Where did you train?”

  “Royal Academy of Music.” I accepted the glass he carried over to me. “Thank you.”

  “What a great place to learn the violin.”

  I took a sip and it burned my throat a little. “I just graduated.”

  “Congratulations.” He raised his tumbler in celebration. “Quite the accomplishment.”

  “How about you?”

  He leaned his elbows on the central island. “I learned here.”

  “In a music academy?”

  “No, in this house.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  His back straightened.

  “What do you do?”

  “I play piano, mostly.”

  “People hire you at parties and stuff?”

  It made him smile. “No, I don’t need the money. I play for pleasure.”

  Louis had inherited his money just like James.

  “Why is Trevor interested in you?”

  “I’m a deeply private man. That tends to make people curious. Human nature, I suppose.”

  “James is the same. He’s very private.”

  “How did you meet?”

  “Through Xavier.”

  “And how did you meet Xavier?”

  “Bumped into him in London. Hit it off right away.”

  “And started dating?”

  I nodded and took a sip of my drink.

  “You have a crush on James, don’t you?”

  I nearly choked on the rum.

  “One of my faults is that I’m extremely frank. Can’t help it. My nanny was the same, so I take after her.”

  “What about your parents?”

  “Not really in the picture.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Emily, the way you look at James is endearing. But I think Xavier may have noticed. I just thought you should know. We’re good friends and I care about him. I care about them both.”

  I’d never leaned toward mistruth and I didn’t want to start now. “I’m very fond of James.”

  “Hope I didn’t offend you.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  I downed my drink and waited for the burn to soften. “Did James and Victoria…have a baby?”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Just…a feeling.”

  “Why don’t you ask him?”

  “It’s a sensitive question. I thought you might know.”

  He looked away. “That would be very sad if it were true.”

  “Why?”

  “Because he never talks about a child.”

  Maybe, just maybe, that was why James had returned to this island. Perhaps his son was being kept in a safe place here, being kept a secret. That letter I’d found had inferred as much. I wondered if the person who’d signed it as ETS was the boy’s grandmother.

  Louis’ demeanor changed and he stared at me as though he was trying to figure me out. “Do you know what James does?”

  “I know a little, yes.”

  “What…exactly?”

  The hairs prickled on my forearms. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “We all have secrets, Emily.”

  “Do you?”

  “I’m an avid photographer,” he said. “Would you like to see?”

  Relieved at the change of subject, I nodded enthusiastically. “I would.”

  “I’ll give you a tour on the way.”

  I set my empty glass down and picked up my high heels. “I promise not to judge the décor.”

  “Do you like art? I have some interesting pieces.”

  “Yes, I like it very much.”

  He sounded enthused. “I have quite the collection of European silver.”

  “Oh, lovely.”

  “I fucking hate it.”

  He made me giggle. “Then why do you have it?”

  “Bad luck, I suppose.” He pointed at the shoes I was carrying. “Are your feet hurting?”

  “These high heels are extreme.”

  “As long as it’s not reluctance to walk on Italian marble. It won’t scratch. Trust me, I used to skateboard over it.”

  “Your family didn’t mind?”

  “They don’t visit.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He reached out. “Shoes.”

  I handed them to him.

  “You’ve spent too long with men who’ve forgotten what chivalry is.”

  “They’re pretty chivalrous.”

  It was impossible not to be amused. Louis was charmingly eccentric. He also held himself with a refined elegance that hinted there was more to him than met the eye. It would be fun getting to know him.

  “We have an impressive library.” He nudged a door open and motioned for me to go on ahead. “I’ll show you later, if you like.”

  “I love libraries.”

  “How do you feel now that you’ve had some rum?”

  “Warm.”

  “Not too sleepy?”

  “No, a little buzzed.”

  “There’s so much to see on this island. So much wildlife. I spend my days capturing them with my lens and immortalizing them in photos.”

  We strolled in a new direction down a chilly corridor. Goosebumps broke out on my arms. Glancing behind me, I tried to remember the way back.

  My fingers reached out to trace the ripples of gold in the marble wall, glistening beneath the dim lighting. “How long have you lived here?”

  “Most of my life. I was born in England. Moved here when I was a boy.”

  I still felt the heat in my throat from the rum. “Why did you move here?”

  “You ask a lot of questions. I’ll be calling you Trevor soon.” He winked.

  “Where are we going?” I winked back. “I’m allowed to ask that, right?”

  “My darkroom.”

  Xavier

  Strolling around the lawn, I scanned the faces of the many guests in attendance looking for Emily, all the while trying to ignore the agonizing hole where my heart should be. James had eviscerated it yet again.

  Sharing his pain would be unbearable if I didn’t know I’d be seeing Emily soon and wrapping my arms around her. She’d soothe my agony. I hoped my love would soothe hers. She’d be devastated to learn that James was pulling away from us. I’d believed that last night had meant something more to him.

  I was angry with myself for failing to persuade him we were all deserving of a relationship. He’d closed down again, refusing to take that final step into loving us. He was a brilliant and charismatic man and that was why walking away was so hard. He’d always own a piece of my heart.

  Mindful of the guests surrounding me, I tried to hide the fact that I was close to losing it.

  These were good people—the best Jamaica had to offer. It was an eclectic crowd from different cultures who emanated a passion for life. Their love and respect for others made it feel like a privilege to be amongst them. These were the men and women who had donated to Louis’ great cause, helping the orphans on the island live in a safe environment and have a future they could be excited about. The fact that James helped him run the school proved yet again he had a gentle side.

  There were already guests dancing to the Caribbean music, the steel drums bringing an energizing vibe to the party, along with the cocktails that were liberally flowing.

 
Emily would be easy to find in her eye-catching low-cut red dress. Our visit earlier to the Shoppes at Rose Hall had been where we’d found the stunning gown. For Emily it had been love at first sight.

  Only one person other than her was able to distract me to the extent I could quiet my mind, and that was James. His doubt was excruciating.

  A wave of concern hit me—there was no sign of Louis, either.

  I headed back toward the house.

  “Looking for someone?” asked a man with a creased cream jacket.

  My gut clenched in alarm. He looked like trouble. He wasn’t staff and he’d not respected the dress code.

  “If you’re looking for our host he went inside.” His shady eyes wandered over me.

  “Thank you.” I gave him a cordial smile.

  This was an invitation only event. We had security, so either he was supposed to be here and hadn’t gotten the dress code memo, or we had a serious problem.

  “I’m Trevor, by the way.”

  “Sorry, just got a text.” I whipped out my phone and pretended to type a reply. Instead, I discreetly took his photo. “Never a day off,” I threw in.

  “What do you do?”

  “Shipping.”

  “Are you a friend of Louis?” he asked.

  “Yes.” I answered truthfully, in case he’d noticed me staying here last week.

  His scruffy hair and creased clothing hinted at a career that had him sitting in cars for long lengths of time—a journalist or private investigator, maybe?

  “I’m looking for the loo,” I said.

  “If you see Louis tell him I’m happy to wait.”

  “For what?”

  “To talk to him.”

  “Everything okay?”

  His snide smile revealed crooked teeth.

  I let out a steadying breath, realizing this was not the first time he’d bothered Louis. James would be rattled to hear this man was sniffing around the house. Louis had a series of rules to abide by, which was to keep off the press’ radar.

  Trevor sidled up to me. “Looks like Louis has a girlfriend.”

  “Girlfriend?”

  “Pretty. Red dress.” He nodded to the house. “She followed him in there.”