Page 274 of Black Reign

His hand moves along my back.

“I would've noticed you.”

“How quickly?”

His eyes drop to my mouth.

“Sabine, I recognized your lips while a man was holding a weapon on you.”

A smile breaks through.

“That is still an insane thing to say.”

“True.”

“How quickly?”

He looks over my face.

No disguise.

No contacts.

No protection.

“The second you walked into the room.”

My stomach flips.

“Arrogant.”

“I meant I would've noticed you. Not that you'd notice me.”

I stare.

“That may be the first humble thing you've ever said.”

“Don't tell anyone.”

“Your reputation?”

“Ruined.”

I kiss him.

This time I start it.

Slow.

No urgency.

My hand stays against his jaw while his curls around my waist.

His mouth is warm and careful for several seconds.

Then he deepens it slightly.

Not the desperation from earlier.