Page 231 of Black Reign

“Kidnapped.”

“You already used that argument.”

“It remains effective.”

I should fight him.

I don't.

That's becoming alarming.

We enter a private elevator.

There is no button panel.

Xavier touches something near the wall, and the doors close.

His arm slides around my waist.

Not possessive.

Supportive.

Which is somehow worse.

Because the moment his palm settles against my side, every nerve in my body wakes up.

I can feel the heat of him through my clothes.

His coat smells like him.

The same scent I stole from the collar at the wedding.

Cedar.

Clean wool.

Something darker I can't name.

I had held that jacket against my face for maybe three seconds.

Four.

Enough to torment him.

Now I'm wearing it while his arm is wrapped around me.

Life has a terrible sense of humor.

I look at our reflection in the elevator doors.

And almost don't recognize myself.

No wig.

No contacts.

Hair tangled around my shoulders.