Page 240 of Black Reign

His expression has changed.

“Would you like me to?”

“No.”

“Then I'm not.”

“That simple?”

“Yes.”

“You have a dead Blackwell employee whose daughter turns out to be Vesper. Men kidnapped me asking about ARGUS. I've been inside your company systems. I've stolen information from you.”

“Yes.”

“And you made me tea.”

“You were kidnapped a few hours ago.”

“So?”

“So ARGUS will still exist tomorrow.”

I stare at him.

He reaches out.

Slowly enough that I could move away.

I don't.

His fingers catch one curl resting against my cheek.

He studies it almost absently.

Then brushes it back.

The pad of his finger grazes my cheekbone.

My skin erupts in chills.

He notices.

His hand pauses.

Our eyes meet.

“Cold again?”

Bastard.

“No.”

The smallest smile.

He knows.

I take another sip because suddenly my mouth is dry.