Page 368 of Black Reign

“I said whatever name was attached.”

His thumb presses against my ring.

“I didn't exclude mine.”

I look at our hands.

Blackwell and Beaumont.

Married hours ago.

Holding a secret that may destroy one family, vindicate another, or do something neither of us has imagined yet.

Outside the open study window, the stars shine over the field.

Papa's scripts.

Still running.

I lean into Xavier.

His arm comes around me immediately.

“What do we do with it?”

“Nothing tonight.”

I look up.

“You're serious?”

“Yes.”

“You aren't dying to open it?”

“Obviously.”

“Then why wait?”

His gaze travels over my face.

Then my wild hair.

Then the wedding dress I threw back on badly enough that one strap is twisted.

His mouth almost smiles.

“Because it's our wedding night.”

My heart stutters.

“And?”

“And whatever is inside that key has waited years.”

He takes it gently from my palm, wraps it again, and closes it inside the compartment.

“It can wait until morning.”