Page 331 of Reign

I wait.

He looks toward the ceiling for a moment, choosing what he’s willing to give me.

That annoys me too, but at least he’s preparing to speak instead of dismissing me.

“Salvador Velasco is the head of a Mexican cartel,” he says. “He and I have been at odds for several years.”

“At odds sounds very diplomatic.”

“That’s because we’re attempting to keep it diplomatic.”

I narrow my eyes.

He brushes his thumb over my temple. “His men have been appearing near one of my warehouses. They haven’t approached anyone or interfered with business. They want us to notice them and react.”

“And you’re not going to?”

“No.”

I can hear how carefully he’s arranging every sentence. He’s giving me the version that belongs in a newspaper after all the interesting parts have been removed.

Still, he’s telling me.

That matters.

“Have they attacked your men before?”

“No one is going to attack you.”

“I didn’t ask about me.” I trace another shape over his chest. “Have they attacked your men? Is that why you keep having meetings?”

His gaze stays on my face.

“They haven’t attacked anyone. They’re antagonizing us and hoping we’ll throw the first punch.”

“Will you?”

“No. Salvador knows better than to move against me directly, and I know better than to underestimate him. We’ll watch his men until they become bored or foolish.”

“And you have another meeting tomorrow?”

“I have documents to sign and responsibilities to transfer. Rafa is staying here when we leave.”

My finger stops.

“We’re leaving?”

“Eventually.”

The happiness I’ve been floating in all day sinks slightly.

“When?”

“I haven’t decided.”

“Oh.”

Luciano’s hand moves beneath my chin, tipping my face toward his.