Page 140 of Black Reign

A dark pink lipstick print marks the rim of the crystal.

Perfect.

Deliberate.

Beside it lies a single red rose.

Not one of the wedding roses.

Those are white.

This one is blood red.

My entire focus narrows.

Drew appears beside me.

“What?”

I don't answer.

He follows my gaze.

“Oh.”

His voice changes.

Then:

“Ohhh.”

“Don't.”

“She was here.”

I reach for the glass.

Stop before touching the rim.

Lipstick.

Saliva.

DNA.

For the first time in years, Vesper has deliberately left me something biological.

My pulse kicks harder.

Too easy.

Which means she wants me to take it.

That realization should make me cautious.

It doesn't stop me.

A folded piece of cream stationery rests beneath the base of the Scotch.