Page 309 of Black Reign

“Xavier Blackwell.”

“Yes.”

“I was asleep.”

“I noticed.”

“I wake up, walk down a hallway, and discover you're arranging our marriage as a corporate countermeasure.”

“When you say it like that, it sounds impersonal.”

She stares at me.

“It was not meant to sound better.”

I almost smile.

She does not.

Right.

Probably inappropriate.

Sabine tightens the robe around herself.

“You cannot simply announce that you're marrying me.”

“Technically, I just did.”

“Xavier.”

“I know.”

“No. I don't think you do.”

She points toward the black conference screen.

“Your father thinks I am some sort of honey trap.”

“He's wrong.”

“He wants me interrogated.”

“Not happening.”

“He thinks I seduced you.”

I say nothing.

Her eyes narrow.

“Why are you looking like that?”

“Because technically⁠—”

“Do not.”

I close my mouth.