Page 490 of Black Reign

I laugh.

Preston sounds younger suddenly.

Less cocky.

Which tells me far more than anything else.

This isn't some random girl.

“Oh,” I say.

Silence.

Xavier looks at me.

“What?”

I smile.

“He likes her.”

Preston immediately says, “I didn't say that.”

“You didn't have to.”

Pierre swivels toward the phone.

“You said she was annoying.”

“Thank you, Pierre.”

“And pretty.”

“Pierre.”

“And she hates you.”

I press my lips together.

Xavier looks at the ceiling.

This family.

Preston sighs.

“Can somebody mute the kid?”

Pierre gasps.

“I encrypted your chat.”

“And I appreciate you.”

“No more equity.”

“Fine. Two percent.”

“Five.”