Page 32 of Reign

I move for the door, but he catches my elbow before I can reach it.

“I’m sorry. I’m still protecting you tonight,” he says quietly.

I stare at the door.

“Even from yourself,” he adds.

My throat burns.

I yank my arm free. “Try to keep up, Riot.”

Then I open the door and step into the hallway, the red silk swishing around my legs like it’s mocking me.

Riot follows two steps behind.

Right where he belongs.

Chapter 7

Elena

The ceremony goes fine. Better than fine. No one bleeds, ruins their makeup, or shoots anyone—which, considering the family gathered under one roof, feels miraculous.

Even getting ready with Adriana is almost pleasant. Her younger sister, Valentina, starts a war over a dress, but Adriana looks happy enough that I can’t resent either of them for it.

Now, sitting at the reception with champagne cooling between my fingers and Riot quiet beside me, I keep thinking about siblings.

About Angelo ruining my life.

Riot sits close enough to intervene if necessary, far enough not to crowd me. He’s been careful with that distance since we left the suite. Careful in a way that makes guilt pick at the edge of my mood—which is deeply inconvenient, because I was enjoying being angry.

I glance at him. “You’re very quiet.”

His gaze stays on the room. “You told me to shut up.”

My mouth tightens.

Fair.

“I didn’t mean forever.”

“No?”

“Don’t get excited. This isn’t an apology.”

Amusement barely touches his face. “Of course not.”

I take a sip of champagne and look away before he can see that the almost-smile helped. “I’m just saying you can speak if there’s a threat, a fire, or someone tries to make me dance to a song longer than three minutes.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And if I fall into the cake.”

“That one I might let happen.”

I cut him a look.

His eyes soften, and I hate that I’m relieved by it.