Page 293 of Reign

Angelo’s voice comes through the phone again. “Seven o’clock, Elena. Be ready.”

I keep my eyes on Luciano.

“Whatever.”

Then I hang up.

Luciano approaches slowly. His gaze moves once across my face before settling on the phone in my hand.

“What happened?”

“Angelo found out I’m staying with you.”

“What did he say?”

“That Nico is picking me up at seven. Men are coming ahead of him to pack my things, and I’m supposed to stay at the penthouse until my apartment is ready.”

Luciano’s expression doesn’t change.

“No one is touching your things.”

The certainty in his voice loosens something inside me.

“He sounded pretty determined.”

“So am I.”

His gaze flicks toward the guard at the end of the hall.

The man straightens.

“Asegúrate de que nadie entre a la propiedad sin mi autorización.”

“Sí, jefe.”

He’s going to forbid Angelo’s men from stepping onto the property.

Luciano’s attention returns to me.

“I’ll handle Angelo.”

I study his face. “Are you going to be diplomatic?”

“No.”

“At least you’re honest.”

His hand settles at the base of my spine again, firm and familiar.

“Were you behaving while I was gone?”

“I discovered that you employ an alarming number of people who appear to be doing legitimate work.”

“I do.”

“Which only makes the cartel headquarters theory more convincing.”

“Elena.”