Page 390 of Reign

“Where are you going? I thought Obsidian’s grand opening was postponed because we ran away to Florida.”

“It was. I’m going to Lucero Tower.”

“So this is secret cartel business?”

A laugh leaves me. “Actually, no.”

“That sounded suspicious.”

“I have something to handle at Lucero. I’ll be back in less than an hour.”

Her excitement dims slightly.

I step closer and take her face between my hands.

“Rodrigo and the others are staying. You’ll have more men watching you garden than most people have guarding a head of state.”

“I don’t need an army.”

“I do.”

Her eyes search mine.

“I’ll be back, princesa. I promise.”

“Less than an hour?”

“Less than an hour.”

I kiss her slowly, tasting the smile that returns to her mouth.

When I release her, she lifts one dirty glove as though she intends to touch me, notices the soil, and lowers it again.

“Go,” she says. “You’re delaying my garden.”

“Your garden?”

“My cuttings are in it.”

“Of course.”

She turns and hurries through the open doors.

I watch until she reaches the terrace and immediately begins redirecting three men who have failed to understand her vision.

My glittering girl.

I leave her surrounded by flowers and guards.

The package is waiting in the center of my desk at Lucero Tower.

Small. Black. Unmarked.

Exactly as requested.

I lock the office door before opening it.

A narrow gold band rests inside the box. Dark red resin fills the channel running through its center, polished until it catches the light like glass.