Page 78 of Reign

Color climbs her throat, fast and damning, and for a moment, she doesn’t look like a woman who can talk her way into the bathroom.

She looks caught.

Perhaps she’s remembering the bathroom.

Perhaps she suspects who read her questionnaire.

I find both possibilities equally entertaining.

Her face tries to recover. Chin lifting. Mouth closing. Shoulders straightening as if posture can drag dignity back into place.

It almost works.

“I wasn’t told she’d be going with anyone other than family,” Ryatt says.

I look at him.

“Technically,” I say, “we’re family.”

Elena blinks once, like she didn’t expect that answer to land in the middle of her panic.

Ryatt doesn’t blink at all.

Recognition settles in his eyes. “Castillo.”

“Ryatt.”

His jaw shifts.

Rafael steps back, finally understanding that his errand has changed without anyone bothering to notify him.

Ryatt stays where he is. “Don Amato didn’t tell me she was going with you.”

“Don Amato isn’t here.”

“No,” Ryatt says. “But his orders are.”

My gaze lowers briefly to the space between him and Elena.

Half a step.

That’s all Ryatt has placed between them, but the position is practiced. Protective without restricting her. Close enough to react without making her look hidden.

He’s doing his job well.

I still hate looking at him between us.

“Elena and I will ride together,” I say. “You can follow with Rafael.”

Ryatt’s expression doesn’t change. “She doesn’t go anywhere without me. Those are my orders.”

“No one asked you to leave. I’m giving you another vehicle.”

“Don Amato didn’t authorize that.”

“Call him.”

His attention sharpens. “I’m not leaving her.”