Page 330 of Reign

I brush my thumb under her cheek, slow.

“Come. We’ll get cleaned up, and then we can prepare you for your consequence.”

“Luciano!”

I lift her into my arms.

She makes an offended sound and tightens the towel around herself.

“Put me down!”

“No.”

“You cannot punish me for calmly processing my emotions.”

“You ignored my calls.”

“I was making a point.”

“So am I.”

She continues arguing as I carry her into the house.

Chapter 48

Elena

The ceiling fan turns lazily above us, stirring cool air through the bedroom.

I’m naked beneath the sheet, tucked against Luciano’s side with my head on his chest, one thigh draped over his hips. His arm rests around me, his fingers moving slowly along my spine.

My ass still burns from my consequence, though the ointment he rubbed into my skin has left it cool and tingly.

It’s difficult to feel properly punished when the aftermath involves being carried to bed, thoroughly taken care of, and held like this.

I draw a circle over his chest with my fingertip.

“What was your meeting about?”

His hand pauses before continuing down my back.

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

I lift my head. “You know I hate that.”

He looks down at me and sighs.

“Hate what?”

“Being kept in the dark.” I rest my chin against his chest. “Everyone decides I don’t need to know things, and then I’m expected to smile and wait until whatever is happening is over.”

His free hand slides into my hair, fingers threading through the strands.

“I’m not asking you to smile.”

“That isn’t the point.”

“I know.”