Page 45 of Reign

“Elena—” His expression shifts. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“No.” I step back. “You already gave the order.”

Then I turn before he can say anything else, because if I stand there one more second, I might do something pathetic.

Like cry.

And I refuse to give my brother the satisfaction of seeing that.

I make it three steps.

Maybe four.

Then I see him.

Luciano.

He moves through the edge of the reception, one hand slipping into the pocket of his trousers as he cuts past a waiter with champagne flutes. The crowd opens for him without realizing it. Or maybe they realize it perfectly and simply know better than to make him wait.

He’s heading toward the hall.

Toward the bathrooms.

My pulse kicks once.

I should go back to the table.

I should sit beside Riot, drink my champagne, and pretend Santo didn’t just embarrass me in front of the most interesting man at this wedding.

I should stay where I belong.

The thought turns sharp in my chest.

Because that’s what they all want, isn’t it? Elena in the pretty chair. Elena in the pretty dress. Elena smiling while the men in her life decide the borders of her world and call it protection.

I’ve spent years guarding my virginity like it belonged to this family. Saving it for what? So Papa wouldn’t punish me? So my brothers could trade me at a higher value?

No.

If anyone decides what happens to my body, it will be me.

I glance back once. Santo is still watching me, but someone steps between us, some cousin or associate or guest with enough nerve to interrupt him. His attention shifts for half a second.

That’s all I need.

I turn on my heel and follow Luciano.

Casually, at least, that’s what I tell myself. But my heart is beating too fast, and my palms are too warm, and every step away from the reception feels like I’m stepping out of the place everyone put me and into the one thing I was apparently forbidden to touch.

The music fades behind me as I enter the hall.

Gold light gives way to softer sconces along cream walls. My heels click against the floor, each sound too loud, too certain.

Luciano is in the hallway almost to the men’s bathroom.

Be bold, Elena.

I cut in front of him just as his hand reaches for the bathroom door.