Page 333 of Black Reign

“Protection.”

Still unconvinced.

“Legal positioning.”

Now she looks stupid.

I exhale.

“Shut up.”

Then I go downstairs.

Xavier waits outside.

He has changed too.

Dark trousers.

White shirt open at the throat.

No jacket.

No tie.

Sleeves rolled once.

For perhaps the first time since I learned his identity, he doesn't look like the heir to Blackwell.

He looks like the man behind the screen.

Then he sees me.

And stops.

Completely.

That look again.

The one that makes butterflies explode beneath my ribs.

His eyes move from my bare feet to the dress, over my curls, then finally to my face.

They stay there.

I become suddenly conscious of everything.

My hands.

My breathing.

The wind against my dress.

“Say something.”

He does not.

“Xavier.”