Page 282 of Black Reign

The robe rides slightly up my legs, and I tug it back down.

His eyes follow the movement.

Slowly.

Heat unfurls beneath my skin.

He notices everything.

That gaze travels over me like a touch before his hands ever move.

“You're staring again.”

“Yes.”

“You don't even pretend anymore.”

“I spent years imagining you. I'm finished pretending I'm not curious.”

My breath catches.

He sits on the edge of the bed.

His fingers move into my hair.

Not the disguise.

Not synthetic strands.

Me.

He lifts one damp curl and lets it slide between his fingers.

“So soft.”

My stomach turns over.

“Xavier.”

He bends.

The first kiss lands beneath my ear.

Barely there.

My eyes close.

Another follows.

Lower.

His lips move slowly along the side of my neck, warm against skin still sensitive from the shower.

One.

Two.

Three.