Page 239 of Black Reign

Because I know how to fight enemies.

I have absolutely no idea what to do with tenderness.

Xavier returns and sits beside me.

Not too close.

Close enough.

I lift the tea.

Perfect amount of honey.

Naturally.

He watches me take the first sip.

“Well?”

“You're irritatingly competent.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn't entirely a compliment.”

“I accepted it as one.”

His mouth curves slightly.

My stomach turns over.

There.

That smile.

Barely there.

I've imagined Ghost smiling hundreds of times.

Never correctly.

Xavier's isn't wide.

It happens mostly in his eyes.

A secret smile.

One that makes me want to earn another.

Dangerous.

I look into my tea.

“Why aren't you asking me questions?”

Silence.

I glance up.