Page 239 of Reign

Throne looks at it.

Then at the glowing bracelet.

Then at me.

He chuckles but doesn’t take it. “Nice to have you here, little one.”

Elena lowers her hand slowly. Her eyes narrow a fraction, like she doesn’t know whether she’s been insulted, protected, or both.

Smart girl.

Throne smirks. “Why don’t you give me a spin?”

Elena’s weight shifts.

I pull her closer against my side. “You have a functioning imagination, Kingston. Use it.”

Elena turns her face toward me.

Throne laughs quietly.

Asshole.

He has that look—lazy amusement sharpened by understanding.

He knows.

Maybe he knew the second he saw Elena’s bracelet and my hand against her back. Maybe I’ve been a fool to think any of this still resembles training.

His gaze drops pointedly to my grip on her waist.

Then returns to my face.

“Careful, Diablo,” he says softly. “You’re holding her like she already belongs to you.”

Elena goes still beside me.

I could loosen my hand.

I don’t.

My thumb moves once over her waist, and Throne’s smile deepens.

If he wanted an answer, there it is.

He steps back and lifts his glass toward the viewing area. “Show’s about to start.”

I hold his stare for another second before looking down at Elena.

Her eyes are already on me, wide and far too curious.

Far too aware.

“Come,” I tell her.

She lets me guide her forward, but Throne’s observation follows us with every step.

Like she already belongs to you.