Page 321 of Reign

“Oh.”

Footsteps approach, accompanied by a second, quieter voice. Valentina enters first with her phone in one hand.

She sees me on Luciano’s lap.

Her eyes widen.

I’m off him before I think about it.

Luciano looks annoyed by that, but stands with me, sliding his arm around my waist before I can put any space between us.

The woman behind Valentina walks into the kitchen carrying a white bakery box.

Her dark hair falls in glossy waves over her shoulders, gold glints at her ears and wrists, and her heels are sharp enough to announce every step. I see Adriana in her eyes, Valentina around her mouth, and Luciano in the way she enters as though every room has been waiting for her.

I remember her from the wedding.

Luciano’s mother.

She hands the box to Valentina long enough to reach up and kiss her son’s cheek.

“Hola, mijo.”

“Mamá.”

Her attention moves to me.

Then to Luciano’s arm around my waist.

Her eyebrows lift.

“You never bring women here.”

“I know.”

“Not one, Luciano.”

“I’m aware.”

She looks at me again, studying my face more closely.

Then her eyes widen.

“Espera. ¿Esa es la hermana de Angelo?”

Luciano sighs. “Sí, Mamá.”

One hand flies to her chest.

“Ay, gracias a Dios.”

I blink. “Why are we thanking God for my brother?”

“Mamá,” Luciano warns.

She ignores him.

Grabbing me by the shoulders, she pulls me into a hug. She smells warm and expensive.