Page 362 of Reign

“It isn’t.”

“He’s going to put you in the deprivation hole.”

“You said that was in Santo’s house.”

“Angelo will bring you to Santo.”

“No one is putting me in the deprivation hole.”

“That sounds exactly like something a man says before being placed in a deprivation hole.”

I laugh again.

She looks entirely too satisfied with herself.

“When do you have to go?”

The question is casual.

Her eyes aren’t.

“Soon.”

“Oh.”

“I’m not leaving you alone.”

“I didn’t ask.”

“No. You only looked at the additional security three times and asked whether your brother intends to invade.”

Her nose crinkles.

“I don’t need to be supervised.”

“You’ll be working, you won’t notice them.”

She rolls her eyes. “I’m noticing them now.”

She points behind me.

Two of my men stand several feet away, having interpreted stay close to Elena more literally than necessary.

I look at them.

“Give us room.”

They move immediately.

Elena watches them disappear around the corner before looking back at me.

“You know I’m still aware they’re there.”

“I know. But you won’t have them standing over you while you work.”

“That’s slightly better.”

“I’ll get you set up in the office before I go.”