Page 325 of Reign

“He sends men near one of my buildings. I remind him I know where his buildings are. It’s become a tradition.”

Rafael gives a quiet laugh. “A healthy relationship.”

“The healthiest one I had before Elena.”

“That’s depressing.”

“It should be.”

I lock the tablet in front of me.

“I’m taking Dario and Miguel back with me.”

His eyebrows lift. “We have five new men, and you’re taking two?”

“You can keep the other three. Send them to me when they’re ready.”

“How gracious.”

“I’m taking six of the seasoned men too.”

“For what?”

“Elena needs more security.”

His expression shifts, barely.

“You’re worried about the Armenians?”

“That isn’t my fight.”

“It’s her family’s.”

“And if they decide to make it Elena’s, they’ll discover why that was a mistake.” I push my chair back. “I’m not waiting for someone to threaten her before I increase the detail. She’ll be secure because I decided she should be.”

Rafael rises with me.

“And you need me to stay here.”

“Yes. Take point on the warehouses and bring the other three recruits up to standard.”

“They’re not bad.”

“I didn’t hire them to be not bad.”

“I’ll handle it.” He collects his phone from the table. “When are you coming back?”

“I don’t know.”

“You own half of the county here.”

“I also have Lucero Tower Two, Obsidian, and several businesses that need my attention in the city there.”

“And a woman who wants a garden.”

He studies me for a second. “You’re establishing yourself there.”

“I was already established.”