Page 464 of Black Reign

Drew pounds again.

“IF YOU'RE HAVING SEX IN LEO'S STUDY, JADE SAYS SHE WILL KILL BOTH OF YOU.”

Sabine buries her face against my chest, laughing.

I look toward the door.

“WE'RE NOT.”

Drew pauses.

“THEN WHY ARE YOU HIDING?”

I look at my wife.

At the diamond bridge around her neck.

At the quantum workstation behind her.

At the woman who once existed as green text on a black screen and now stands inside my arms on Christmas night.

“Because I was enjoying the peace.”

Drew answers immediately.

“BORING.”

Sabine lifts her head.

“You love them.”

“No.”

“You do.”

“I tolerate them.”

“Ghost.”

I exhale.

“Fine.”

Her smile grows.

I kiss her forehead.

“They're family.”

Her expression softens.

I know what that word still does to her.

So I take her hand.

“Ready?”

She looks toward the door.