Page 518 of Reign

I’m about to ask when Valentina turns.

“Why am I here?”

All right.

“We’re skipping pleasantries?”

“I have places to be.”

“You’re at my wedding.”

“Exactly. I could be out there avoiding a hundred people instead of standing in your office.”

I walk toward my desk. “Sit.”

“No.”

I look at her.

She folds her arms. “I want to stand.”

“Fine.”

I take my seat.

Valentina stays exactly where she is.

Already defensive, and I haven’t said anything yet.

This should go well.

“I’ve been thinking about your future.”

Her expression immediately changes.

“That sounds ominous.”

“It isn’t.”

“That made it worse.”

I ignore that.

“The Armenian situation has reached this family more than once. Adriana’s marriage strengthened our relationship with Cosa Nostra, but we need more than one alliance.”

Irritation spreads across her features.

I continue before she can interrupt.

“I’m not talking about tomorrow. I’m not even talking about this year. But it’s time for me to start considering potential matches for you.”

Silence.

Then she laughs. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I’m not.”

“I’m not getting married.”