Page 233 of Black Reign

No clutter.

No photographs.

Nothing that reveals more than Xavier wants revealed.

Just like him.

The security is almost invisible.

Almost.

A discreet camera above the elevator.

Another reflected in the glass.

A door with no visible handle.

A man at the far end of the hall who disappears the second Xavier gives him a look.

I glance around.

“How many people have access to this place?”

“Currently?”

“Yes.”

“Four.”

I look at him.

“Your father?”

“No.”

That answer comes too quickly to be accidental.

Something in my chest loosens.

Xavier notices.

Naturally.

He doesn't comment.

Instead, he leads me toward the living room.

There is already a fire laid but not lit.

He releases my hand.

I immediately miss it.

Annoying.

“Sit.”

“Still bossy.”