Page 324 of Reign

Salvador Velasco wants us irritated. Curious. Nervous enough to make the first move so he can claim whatever follows was retaliation.

“They’re trying to bait us,” I say.

“That’s our read.”

“Then we don’t react.”

The man nods.

“Double the detail at the warehouse anyway. Four-hour rotations. No one leaves alone, and no one follows Velasco’s men when they drive away.”

Rafael shifts beside me.

“Especially while Elena is here,” I add.

His eyes slide toward me.

“Don’t, Rafa.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were about to.”

His lips press together.

Across the table, every other man keeps his attention fixed on the tablets in front of him. Rafael is the only one in this room who has known me long enough to forget he should be afraid of me.

Or perhaps he remembers and simply doesn’t care.

“Anything else?” I ask.

“No, boss.”

“Keep the house detail updated on every vehicle connected to Velasco. I want to know before one of them gets within five miles of the property.”

Several heads nod at once.

“Go.”

Chairs move back. The room clears quickly, no one lingering to continue a conversation that has already ended.

Rafael remains in his seat.

He waits until the door closes behind the last man.

“You think Salvador’s going to make a move?”

“No.”

“Then why double the men?”

“Because I’m not gambling Elena’s safety on my opinion of Salvador’s mood.”

Rafael leans back. “He’s been threatening you for years.”

“And I’ve been threatening him.”

“Neither of you ever does anything.”