Page 297 of Reign

The answer is immediate inside me.

I keep it from reaching my face.

“Has Nowak agreed?”

“It’s nearly settled.”

“So he hasn’t.”

“I said it’s nearly done.”

“A man either agreed to marry your sister or he didn’t.”

Angelo’s jaw tightens.

He’s bluffing.

Discussions may have begun. Casimir’s name may have occupied a place on Angelo’s plans.

But he hasn’t agreed.

Good.

“Elena knows marriages are arranged in our world,” Angelo says.

“Knowing they happen isn’t the same as consenting to one.”

“You’re suddenly very concerned with consent.”

I smile without warmth.

“Careful, Amato. You’re close to pretending your marriage began with it.”

His expression turns cold.

He wanted to make this personal.

I can accommodate him.

“Elena won’t marry Nowak,” I say.

“You don’t decide that.”

“Neither do you.”

“I’m protecting her future.”

“By offering it to a man before asking whether she wants him?”

“Nowak is disciplined. He’s powerful. He can keep her safe.”

“So can I.”

The words settle between us.

Angelo goes still.

The part neither of us want to say aloud.