Page 247 of Black Reign

Alive.

His fingers flex once against his knee.

My eyes catch the movement.

Those hands typed every word.

Every message.

Every tease.

Every quiet still here.

My chest tightens.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“Why did you really invite me to the wedding?”

He looks toward the fire.

For the first time all evening, Xavier hesitates.

Then he looks back.

“Because everybody I love was going to be there.”

My heart stops.

He seems to realize what he said.

But he doesn't take it back.

“Leo. Vale. Drew. Kane. The women they somehow convinced to tolerate them.” His mouth curves. “Everyone.”

“And?”

His eyes hold mine.

“And I wanted you there.”

The room becomes very quiet.

“Why?”

His gaze moves over my face once more.

“Because I was tired of you being the only important person in my life who wasn't real.”

I can't breathe.

Not because the words are romantic.

Because I understand them.

I know exactly what it is to carry someone everywhere and nowhere at once.