Page 289 of Reign

“Indirectly.”

“That’s somehow even more arrogant.”

He chuckles.

“This must be cartel central then.”

Luciano releases a quiet breath. “Elena.”

“What?” I gesture toward another man stationed beside a door. “I’ve seen more guards in this building than I have at your house. Are you setting up headquarters?”

His mouth twitches. “Would I tell you if I were?”

“That isn’t a no.”

“No, it isn’t.”

His hand presses lightly against my back, urging me forward.

I remember sitting in his home office while he took vague calls from his home office. Locations became the property. Men became our people. Problems became situations being handled.

Apparently proper nouns are a security risk.

“You’re never going to let me in, are you?”

Luciano glances down at me. “Let you into what?”

“The cartel.”

“There’s nothing you need to be let into.”

“Of course. The dainty lady shouldn’t concern herself with violence or criminal activity.”

“You’ve never been dainty a day in your life.”

My jaw drops. “I’m extremely dainty!”

“Of course.”

He smirks. “Now close that mouth, princesa, before I put it to better use.”

His phone rings before I can retort.

He checks the screen, and whatever he sees erases the trace of amusement from his face.

“I need to take this.”

“Is it cartel business?”

He gives me a look.

“That means yes.”

Luciano turns toward the guard behind us. “Stay with her.”

Wonderful.

My own personal shadow inclines his head.