Page 178 of Reign

Angelo’s gaze drops to the hand at her back. “I can have someone take her.”

“I brought her. I’ll take her home.”

Elena goes very still beside me.

Adriana’s eyes widen by a fraction.

Angelo catches it too.

The word registers a fraction too late.

“Home?”

“The hotel,” I say smoothly. “Her home for the moment.”

Adriana looks as though she might kill me herself.

Santo shifts his attention to Elena. “You don’t have to leave because he does.”

Her shoulders tighten.

This time, I turn toward her.

“Would you like to come with me?”

Her eyes meet mine. There is no hesitation. “Yes, please.”

The room goes quiet.

Santo’s expression changes, but only slightly.

It’s enough to entertain me.

“Good night, Angelo.” I nod at my sister. “Hermana.”

Then I look toward Santo and Vasilisa. “Thank you for dinner.”

My hand remains at Elena’s back as I guide her toward the foyer.

We make it halfway there before she speaks beneath her breath.

“You said home.”

“I said hotel.”

“You corrected yourself after.”

“I misspoke.”

“You don’t misspeak.”

“I guess I do around you.”

She giggles.

The sound is quiet and surprised, as though it escaped before she could decide whether I deserved it.

I decide I do.