Page 128 of Black Reign

Sergei has arrived.

Even from here, I know exactly when Drew sees the gold teeth.

His entire body folds with laughter.

A smile pulls at my mouth.

Worth every euro.

Xavier does not laugh.

He closes the distance and grabs Sergei by the lapels.

My smile disappears.

That is not Ghost.

Ghost is controlled.

Ghost is funny.

Ghost would⁠—

No.

Ghost would absolutely lose his temper if someone breached his security.

Wouldn't he?

Drew catches Xavier's arm.

Vale moves closer.

Kane watches.

The whole group is exactly where I wanted them.

I slip farther along the terrace and switch trays with another worker.

My heartbeat is beginning to bother me.

Xavier?

No.

Absolutely not.

I tell myself that until Drew says something I can't hear.

Then Xavier's head snaps toward him.

Drew puts his hand over his heart.

A familiar gesture.

I saw it through the distant lens from France when Ghost's friends were joking in NULL.

No.