Page 24 of Reign

“He told me you guys were sent here to kill him.” It’s a statement, not a question.

“We were,” I confirm, “But we aren’t interested in spilling more blood. Especially the blood of someone we have no issue with. Cas may kill to save our lives, but he’s no longer the hired assassin he once was. We just want answers. Likewhywe were sent andwhydo Mateo and Nikita want each other dead after all this time?”

Joelle is wearing a beautiful, light blue blouse with bell sleeves that look like graceful wings every time she lifts her glass to her mouth.

“I don’t understand everything, but I do have information that may help you connect the dots and decide to workwithmy brother instead of against him.” She pauses dramatically. I silently wonder if anything she tells me will be enough to shock me anymore. I’m seriously doubting it until she starts talking again. “Do you know how Victoria and Max ended up together?”

Not where I thought this conversation was going. Although I know Mateo has accused Nikita of stealing his money, and even after learning that it was Max, he still seems peripheral to the story.

“I don’t, but I’ve wondered. She doesn’t seem to like him and he doesn’t quite, um, seem like an equal match for her, if you know what I mean.”

She barks out a laugh before covering her mouth with her hand almost like she’s reminding herself to be quiet. “I know what you mean. They’re together because Max bought her.” She stops talking to let that sink in.

It doesn’t, so I shake my head and blink my eyes, as if that’ll help.

“I’m sorry,what?”

“You heard me correctly. Maxboughther.”

My whole world drops out from under me…again. You’d think I’d be used to the sensation by now, but I’m not. Thankfully, the ringing in my ears abates as I gulp the mimosa Joelle thrust into my hands as the color drained from my face.

When my breathing evens out, I’m reminded of something Max said last night in the bathroom once Nikita and Cas had come in after us.We both know my wife is in love with another man.

"That’s why Victoria is in love with someone else. She’s never been in love with Max. She just doesn’t have any way out.” I feel like a kid again playingWhere In the World Is Carmen Sandiego, trying to piece together all the players from across the fucking globe and what moves they’ve made in the past and where they’re going next.

Joelle huffs out a bitter sound. “Yeah, she’s in love with another man alright…my brother.”

“And that’s a bad thing?”

“Look, I admire Victoria. She’s as strong as they come. I would have offed myself a long time ago if I had to live with Max. They guy is a fucking creep and he used to smack Vic around pretty good. Niki put an end to that and Victoria’s been smitten ever since. The only problem is that because Niki and Max need each other, and because Victoria’s in the middle, she thinks she has some kind of power over them both. She plays both sides of the coin so-to-speak and one day it’s going to get her killed. Not to mention, she’s a bitch and she uses my brother like her own personal sex doll.”

My reaction to this statement shocks me as a possessive grunt escapes uninvited from my throat.

Joelle catches it and smirks. “It appears someone else has a feeling or two for my brother. He’s good at saving the damsel in distress even if he isn’t dressed in armor on the back of a white horse.”

“I feel nothing for your brother, no offense. I’m tired of men thinking I need them to protect me.”

The noise truly wasn’t over Nikita. It was because I know entitled power play Victoria seems to have going on and my past with Willem taught me that I’m not a fan of it, even if it is survival instinct on Victoria’s part.

Joelle’s parting shot on the matter reaches deep and releases a whole new wave of guilt. “Maybe it’s less about them thinking youneedthem to help you and more about themwantingto help you, Isabel,” she says kindly, somehow speaking about both Niki and Cas without realizing it.

“Maybe” is all I offer in response.

Twelve

Casper/Dominic/Casandro

I’M OUT BACK DOING LAPS in the pool trying to blow off steam when Camila comes out with a glass of what looks like iced tea and sits in one of the loungers watching me.

Her long legs are stretched out in front of her and she looks relaxed as she crosses her ankles and gives me a sweet smile. I hate to admit that there’s less tension between us with Isabel out of the house.

My brain switches through her names like different personalities. I’m mad as hell at Isabel and her defiant attitude. I’m more patient with Libby. My kiteboarding, ocean-loving Libby.

But right now, I take a second and focus on Camila. Pausing at the edge of the pool closest to her, I prop my forearms on the concrete pool deck just before the tile starts. I feel less on guard around Camila now that she and Isabel seem to be finding a steady state…even if Isabel and I arenot.

“Do you miss home?” I ask, realizing I haven’t had an actual conversation with her since before leaving Venezuela.

“Not even a little. It was as much a prison for me as it was for Isabel.” She shrugs a shoulder and scratches her forearm like she’s looking for something to do to keep her hands busy. “Thank you for letting me come along. I know it hasn’t been easy.”

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