Page 226 of Black Reign

“I was bleeding.”

“Still recognized it.”

“Very romantic.”

“I wasn't trying to be romantic.”

“Clearly.”

I almost kiss her.

Everything in me wants to.

My thumb rests beneath her lip.

Her gaze drops to my mouth.

The air changes.

Then she flinches.

Barely.

Pain.

Reality returns.

Not here.

Not like this.

I drop my hand.

Her disappointment is so fast she probably thinks I miss it.

I don't.

I miss nothing about her anymore.

“Car,” I tell my team.

“Ready.”

I guide her toward the exit.

My hand stays at her back.

She doesn't pull away.

Outside, rain is falling.

London cold.

Streetlights cutting through mist.

My father calls again the second we reach the vehicle.

Sabine sees the name flash across my watch.