Page 388 of Reign

Luciano goes still.

“Oh, fuck.”

My eyes narrow. “What did you do?”

“I may have told her she could contact Valentina.”

“Valentina is not my assistant.”

“No,” he agrees. “But she answers her phone.”

“Does Valentina know she’s temporarily managing my fashion career?”

“Not yet.”

“Luciano.”

“No need to worry. We’ll hire you a real assistant.”

I continue staring at him.

He starts the SUV.

“Your first collaboration and your first staffing problem on the same day,” he says. “Very successful meeting.”

I clutch my portfolio against my chest.

“You are never allowed to speak to my peers without supervision again.”

“Noted, princesa.”

Chapter 54

Luciano

Ilove when Elena is happy.

The way her eyes light up. The smile that takes over her entire face when she forgets to restrain it.

She’s always my pretty girl, but she’s breathtaking when she glitters.

Today, Elena Amato is glittering.

She rushes through the foyer with both hands raised in front of her, gardening gloves already streaked with dirt.

“My cuttings are here.”

“I noticed.”

“I cannot believe you got them from Santo this quickly.”

“I didn’t. His wife did.”

“That still counts.”

She looks toward the open front doors. Beyond them, men are carrying pots and carefully wrapped sections of roses, hydrangeas, daisies, lilies, and several night-blooming plants toward the back of the house.

Elena practically vibrates with excitement.