Page 27 of Reign

“A few options that would be good for Cosa Nostra and good for you.”

I laugh because the alternative is screaming. “For me?”

“Yes, Elena. For you.”

“That’s sweet. Really. I love when men decide what’s good for me. It’s one of my favorite family traditions.”

His eyes narrow. “Watch it.”

“No, you watch it.” My hands curl into fists at my sides. “I don’t want to get married. I want to finish school. I want an internship. I want a life that doesn’t come with a contract and a stranger waiting at the end of it.”

“And you can have all of that.”

“How generous.”

“I’ll make sure it’s in the agreement.”

My heart pounds so hard it makes me dizzy.

He isn’t asking. He’s already decided, dressing it up as something reasonable. Men like my brother put diamonds on a cage and call it kindness.

“You’re locking me down,” I say.

His expression doesn’t change, but guilt flickers in his eyes. “Elena—”

“There it is.” A laugh breaks halfway out of me. “Santo’s married. You’re married. Adriana almost died. Vasilisa almost died. Everyone has responsibilities now. Weak spots. And suddenly I’m the loose end.”

“You’re not a loose end.”

“No? Then what am I?”

“My sister.”

“Then act like it.”

“I am.” His jaw tightens. “This is me acting like it. You think I want to send you away? You think I want to trust another man with you?”

“I think you want one less problem.”

His face goes still.

“This is our world,” he says. “Adriana did it for her family. Vasilisa did it for hers. You’ll do it for ours.”

“The fuck I will.”

“Elena.”

“No.” I step closer to his desk. “Don’t say my name like that. Don’t use that voice on me like I’m being difficult because I don’t want to be handed over to some man with a last name you can use.”

“I’m giving you this semester,” he says, and the calm in his voice makes me want to throw something at his head. “You’ll finish it. We’ll see where your credits can transfer. I’ll make sure school is protected in the contract.”

“The contract,” I repeat.

He doesn’t flinch.

“I have a few names,” he says. “Killian Byrne is one.”

My stomach drops. “He lives in Vancouver.”