Page 123 of Black Reign

“I’m good at this.”

“No one has ever said that.”

He claps my back and walks beside me.

Behind us, Sergei calls out.

“What about me?”

Drew turns.

“Open bar is that way.”

Sergei looks toward the terrace.

“Excellent wedding.”

We continue toward the ceremony.

Music begins.

Guests settle into their chairs.

My gaze wants to scan every face.

I don't let it.

Drew notices anyway.

“Act normal.”

“I am acting normal.”

“You’re checking reflections in champagne glasses.”

I stop.

He laughs.

“Wild.”

I sit beside him.

Let Vesper watch.

Let her believe Sergei and the photograph did nothing.

My pulse says otherwise.

My mind is cataloging every woman within sight.

Every posture.

Every head of caramel hair.

Every face turned away.

The bridal music starts.