Page 204 of Black Reign

Three words.

No interrogation.

No hesitation.

Something inside me cracks.

“You shouldn't.”

“I know when you're lying.”

Despite everything, I almost smile.

“No, you don't.”

His hand slides into my hair.

Real hair.

My hair.

He studies it for a second, almost as if he's been waiting years to confirm the color.

“Caramel.”

I blink.

“What?”

“I knew it.”

“You absolutely did not.”

“The blonde was ridiculous.”

A laugh breaks out of me.

Wrong place.

Wrong time.

I don't care.

His mouth almost moves too.

Then his attention catches on my eyes again.

He stares.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Xavier.”

“Cornflower.”

My heart stops.