Page 193 of Reign

Her breath catches.

That reaction goes directly through me.

I stroke my thumb along her jaw, and she leans into my hand before pride catches up with her.

She starts to pull away.

My fingers tighten lightly beneath her chin. “Stay.”

Her brows draw together. “What?”

“I like the way you lean into me.” I hold her gaze. “Do it again.”

Slowly, glaring as though the softness is somehow my fault, she presses her cheek into my palm.

My chest tightens.

“Beautiful.”

Her lashes lower.

I let myself enjoy her for another second.

Then I unbutton my shirt, shrug it off, and toss it over the chair before crossing to the drawer beside my bed.

The purple silk restraints wait inside.

When I lift them, Elena’s eyes widen.

“Purple!”

“You sound surprised.”

“That’s my favorite color.”

“Obviously. I ordered them for you.”

“You know my favorite color?”

“I pay attention, princesa.”

The smile that breaks across her face is worth every minute I spent choosing them.

I hold out my hand. “Come here.”

She takes it, and I bring her onto the bed.

I set the restraints beside her, then arrange her in the center of the mattress, smoothing her dress higher along her thighs.

Her skin is so soft.

Her eyes follow my hands, anticipation bright in them.

I wrap the first length of silk around her wrist.

“Color?”

“Green.”