Page 269 of Black Reign

“Xavier Blackwell.”

“Ah.”

“The name.”

His amusement fades.

I run my fingers over the battered cover.

“I already cared about Ghost before I knew who he was.”

He says nothing.

“That was the problem. Ghost was…” I search for the right word. “Separate.”

“Safe.”

I look at him.

“Yes.”

He understands without explanation.

“Then I saw you at the wedding.”

“Nearly assaulting Sergei.”

“I grabbed his jacket.”

“You looked homicidal.”

“He was enjoying himself.”

“He was paid very well.”

“I assumed.”

I smile.

Then it fades again.

“I watched you, and suddenly everything I had put into different boxes became one person. Ghost. Blackwell. The man I trusted. The family I blamed.”

Xavier leans forward, forearms on his thighs.

“I didn't know your father.”

“I know.”

“You believe me?”

“I believe Ghost.”

His jaw shifts.

“And Xavier?”

I look at him.