Page 352 of Black Reign

“Unfortunately.”

I look up at him.

“What if being with me destroys something you built?”

His expression doesn't move.

“Then I decide whether it deserved to survive.”

My breath catches.

“Xavier.”

“I married you, Sabine.”

His hand lifts.

Knuckles brush my cheek.

“I understood there might be consequences.”

“You married me because it was practical.”

One dark brow rises.

“Did that ceremony feel practical to you?”

No.

Nothing about the way he looked at me beneath those trees felt practical.

I don't answer.

His thumb traces my lower lip.

“There she is.”

“Who?”

“The woman who goes quiet when she knows I'm right.”

“I dislike her.”

“I don't.”

His mouth touches mine.

Softly.

One kiss.

Then another.

Not urgent.

Not yet.

I curl my fingers into the front of his shirt.