Page 111 of Reign

“It’s gold glitter on black.”

“One speck.”

“It’s still visible.”

“If you’re looking closely enough.”

Her fork taps the plate. “I wasn’t looking closely.”

“Of course not.”

Her nose crinkles.

I enjoy that little reaction far too much to rescue her with an explanation she hasn’t asked for. Her irritation has already told me what I wanted to know.

She was waiting for me.

She cares.

Now I have a question for her.

“Do you prefer Elena or Lena?”

Her fork stills above her plate.

Her eyes widen before offended comprehension transforms her face. Color rushes into her cheeks, and that tiny crinkle deepens across her nose.

Mortified. Furious. So fucking pretty that I take my time appreciating the effect.

She lowers her fork and swallows.

“Excuse me?”

“Lena,” I say. “You used it on your questionnaire.”

The color spreads down her throat.

Anger rushes in to defend her from embarrassment. I allow it. Elena is far more talkative when she’s annoyed.

“So you don’t have people who read the questionnaires,” she says. “You read them yourself.”

“It’s my business.”

She scoffs. “You’re trying to embarrass me.”

“Yes.”

Her lips part.

I lean back in my chair. “Is it working?”

For a moment, she looks prepared to throw something at me.

She sets her fork down. “No.”

A beautiful lie.

“Then answer the question.”