Page 311 of Black Reign

Her shoulders begin to shake.

I move toward her.

“What?”

She covers her mouth.

And laughs.

Not politely.

Not delicately.

Full laughter that bends her forward until one hand braces against the desk.

I stare.

“I'm glad this is entertaining.”

She looks up, eyes watering.

“I was kidnapped yesterday.”

“Yes.”

“I discovered my anonymous internet obsession is Xavier Blackwell.”

“Yes.”

“He rescued me.”

“Yes.”

“We kissed.”

My attention drops to her mouth.

“Yes.”

“I slept in his bed.”

“Also yes.”

“And now his father wants me imprisoned while he wants to marry me.”

“Interrogated. Not imprisoned.”

She stares.

“Important distinction.”

“Apparently not.”

She starts laughing again.

I wait.

Eventually it fades.