Page 264 of Black Reign

The amusement disappears from his face.

Not because he dislikes what I said.

Because it affects him.

I can see that now.

That may be the most dangerous new ability I’ve acquired.

Ghost could hide behind punctuation.

Xavier has eyes.

And I am starting to read them.

He reaches beneath the table and takes my hand.

No announcement.

No question.

Just his fingers threading slowly through mine.

My breath catches.

“Eat,” he says.

I look down at our joined hands.

“You’re holding my spoon hand.”

“Use the other.”

“That is inconvenient.”

“I’ve waited years. Adapt.”

My heart trips.

I use the other hand.

For several minutes, we eat like that.

His thumb moves across my knuckles absently.

Once.

Again.

Every tiny stroke creates a trail of awareness up my arm.

Physical connection shouldn't feel this enormous.

People hold hands every day.

Teenagers do it while walking through shopping centers.

But Ghost has never touched me.