The silence after Gianna's scream wasn't peaceful. It was charged, electrified. Similar to the instant just prior to a lightning strike. I sensed it moving on my skin, unseen talons gliding over each nerve ending. Xavier remained still. Not a flinch.

However, his jaw was rigid, teeth gritted as if he was restraining something fierce. Next, he rotated.

Unhurried. Regulated. Risky.

His eyes locked with mine for a fleeting instant, profound and mysterious, before he looked away.

Gianna stood there, her scarlet gown soaked in blood, her mouth twisted in a blend of pain and pleasure.

"Did you miss me?" she reiterated, her voice now trembling.

Xavier said nothing. But...