Page 225 of Black Reign

“You said you needed me.”

“I didn't know if you'd⁠—”

“Don't.”

Her eyes widen.

“Don't ever finish that sentence.”

She goes still.

“I would've crossed farther than London.”

Something passes across her face.

Fear.

Relief.

Maybe the same thing I'm feeling.

“You didn't even know who I was.”

“Yes, I did.”

“You knew Vesper.”

“I know you.”

“You know code and messages.”

“I know when you're lying. I know when you're pretending not to be hurt. I know you get meaner when you're scared and funnier when you're lonely.”

Her lips part.

“I know you disappear when something matters too much. I know you hate needing anyone. I know you read messages twice before answering when the truth makes you uncomfortable.”

Her eyes shine.

No.

I can't handle tears.

Not hers.

“And I knew your mouth,” I add quietly. “Immediately.”

That stops them.

“What?”

“I told you. Three planets away.”

She gives me the strangest look.

“That is ridiculous.”

“Accurate.”