Page 272 of Black Reign

My eyes open.

He's looking at me the way he did when I walked out in the robe.

Like he found something.

Not a person.

Something rare.

Something he still can't quite believe is sitting within reach.

“What?” I whisper.

His fingers slide carefully into my curls.

“I imagined this.”

“My hair?”

“You.”

That word moves through me slowly.

“How?”

“Wrong.”

I smile.

“Good answer.”

“Never blonde.”

“Drew liked blonde.”

“Drew likes anything with a pulse and appropriate paperwork.”

I laugh.

Xavier's gaze softens.

Then his fingers move deeper into my hair.

His other hand settles at my waist.

This time when he draws me closer, I go willingly.

Our knees touch.

Then our thighs.

I shift until I'm facing him more fully.

His hand remains at my waist through the robe.

Warm.

Heavy.