Page 257 of Black Reign

“No.”

My heart stumbles.

His face lowers slightly.

Not enough to kiss me.

Enough to make the possibility real.

“Xavier.”

“What?”

“I don't know if this is a good idea.”

“It isn't.”

I should laugh.

Instead I catch his lapel.

Just to steady myself.

That's what I tell myself.

His gaze drops to my hand gripping his jacket.

Then back to my mouth.

Something in him gives.

He closes the last inch.

His lips touch mine.

Soft.

Careful.

Barely pressure at all.

A kiss over the balm.

Almost nothing.

And absolutely everything.

My eyes close.

He pulls back half an inch.

That's all.

Enough that I can feel his breath against my mouth.

Neither of us speaks.

Then I fist his lapel tighter and pull him back.