Page 248 of Black Reign

Ghost was real to me.

But he couldn't sit beside me.

Couldn't hold my hand.

Couldn't make tea.

Couldn't wrap a coat around my shoulders when I was cold.

Until tonight.

I look down at our hands.

Mine rests between us on the sofa.

His beside it.

An inch apart.

I move my little finger.

Barely.

Touch his.

Xavier goes completely still.

Then his hand turns.

He doesn't grab.

Doesn't pull.

Simply opens his palm.

An invitation.

My heart beats painfully.

This is a terrible idea.

Possibly the worst I've ever had.

I slide my hand into his.

His fingers close around mine.

Warm.

Firm.

Real.

I stare into the fire.

“We can't do this.”

“No.”