Page 32 of Black Reign

“You're drunk.”

“I contain multitudes.”

Vale rolls his eyes. “She married you dumbass. Get over it.”

“I am. I just have triggers okay?”

“She stood you up?” Vale redirects.

“Yes.”

Kane grins.

“I like her.”

“That's because it wasn't you.”

“Bookworm made me work.”

“You deserved it.”

“Probably.”

Jalen gestures. “What happened?”

“She disappeared from our channel for several days. Eventually came back.”

“And you just kept talking?” Leo asks.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Good question.

Because she's brilliant.

Because she makes me laugh.

Because she can take half an argument and hand it back sharpened.

Because somewhere along the way seeing VESPER ONLINE became the most interesting part of certain nights.

Because she has never asked what I'm worth.

Because silence feels different when she's the one absent from it.

I say none of that.

“She's interesting.”

Five men groan.

Drew throws up his hands.

“Interesting?”

“What?”