Page 246 of Black Reign

“That's it?”

“Then you sleep.”

“Very exciting.”

“You were hoping for another kidnapping?”

“No.”

“Then work with me.”

I eat another piece of scone.

He watches until I do.

That should annoy me.

Instead butterflies scatter through my stomach.

Ridiculous.

I haven't had butterflies since I was seventeen.

I am a woman who infiltrates intelligence networks.

I have hidden from governments.

I have crossed borders under names that never existed.

Xavier Blackwell looks pleased because I ate half a scone, and apparently this is what destroys me.

The fire throws warm light across his face.

His tie is gone now.

Top button open.

Sleeves rolled once.

Less Blackwell heir.

More Ghost.

I let myself look.

Really look.

He's beautiful.

Not the polished photographs online.

Those don't capture him.

They flatten him.

In person there is something restless beneath all that control.

Something watchful.