After they'd dropped off Joseph at Kate's apartment, Xavier glanced at Peyton in the backseat as his driver wove them through the dark city streets. She hadn't said much thus far, and her contemplative, lost expression was poking holes in his chest.

He took his mask off and tossed it aside, glad to be rid of the thing. "Come over here."

She turned her head and blinked as if she didn't understand.

Concerned, he leaned over and wrapped an arm around her waist, ...