Page 95 of Black Reign

Identity is cheap online when you know what you’re doing.

Vesper knows exactly what she’s doing.

Maybe that’s the real reason I’m nervous.

I’m not afraid she won’t be attractive.

I’m afraid she will be.

I’m afraid I’ll recognize the mind before I recognize the woman.

That years of carefully contained fascination will suddenly acquire a voice, a scent, expressions I can read, and a physical presence I can’t shut down by closing NULL.

“Xavier.”

Kane has come up beside me.

I didn’t hear him.

Unacceptable.

“You all right?”

“Yes.”

He looks toward the road.

“She might not come.”

“I’m aware.”

“You want her to.”

Not a question.

I adjust the cuff of my shirt.

“Apparently.”

Kane smiles.

“You’re screwed.”

“You’re getting married in three hours.”

“Exactly. I know what screwed looks like.”

“That analogy failed somewhere in the middle.”

He laughs.

Then his expression changes.

Softer.

He looks toward the upper floor of the mansion where Hannah is getting ready.

“You’ll know.”