Page 44 of Reign

“What the hell did you think could ever happen between you and Luciano Castillo?” he asks.

My pulse trips at Luciano’s name.

Stupid and pathetic.

I lift my chin anyway. “I don’t know, Santo. It was a conversation. But you’re over here playing conversation police, and for what?”

“You don’t know him.”

“I know he’s Adriana’s brother.”

“That is not the defense you think it is.”

I laugh, sharp and humorless. “Right. Because we’re such a wholesome family.”

His grip tightens for half a second before he releases me like touching me costs him.

“Go back to the table with Riot,” he says.

My face heats.

Anger flashes, but what am I supposed to do? Fight him? Scream in the middle of the reception?

And for what?

Because Luciano left.

Because Santo made me feel like a stupid little girl who wandered too close to the wrong man and needed to be dragged back to safety.

I glance toward the crowd where Luciano disappeared, but he’s gone.

Completely gone.

Something twists in my chest.

Santo steps closer, blocking my view. “Stay where you belong, Elena.”

The words hit harder than his hand ever could.

For a moment, I just stare at him.

Then I smile.

Small. Cold. Ugly.

“There you are,” I say softly.

His eyes narrow. “What?”

“The real you. The one who believes like everyone else I’m only allowed to exist in the places men like you put me.”

Something flickers across his face.

Guilt, maybe.

I hope it tastes terrible.

I pull my wrist fully against my chest, even though he already let go. “Don’t worry, Santo. I’ll go sit where I belong, just like your wife.”