I stiffen in my seat. “Yes.”
“If Heath catches wind that I have ulterior motives for selling, he might interrogate you for answers.” Worry pinches his mouth. “In fact, I shouldn’t have asked for these twenty minutes. The less you know the better.”
“You’re still protecting me.”
“Always, my sweet girl.”
“What’s so special about me?”
His gaze burns through me. “I fell for you the instant I saw you.”
“In the library,” I whisper, remembering that day and the complex emotions he inspired in me as the taste of him lingered on my tongue.
“No, the day my father secured your hand in marriage to the Brotherhood. You were a vision even at twelve.”
“You were intimidating but memorable.” I peek at him from under my lashes, worried he’ll see too much in my expression because he wasn’t the only boy that day to leave a lasting impression.
Even during my most intimate moments with Liam, Sebastian hovers between us, unbidden and unspoken. Someday the three of us will come to a head, and I can’t help but wonder if we’ll survive.
“How is Heath treating you?” he asks, breaking through the chaos in my head.
“He’s very…rigid.”
“Has he hurt you?”
“No, nothing too horrible.”
“Has he…?” With a hard swallow, Liam drags his hand through his copper hair. “Has he touched you yet?”
“No.” I bite my lip. “He’s been gone all week, but he doesn’t seem interested in…that.”
Some of the tension drains from his features. “That’s not surprising. Some of us have theories.”
My brows furrow. “What do you mean?”
“It’s not for me to say.” With a glance at his watch, he rounds the table. “Just obey him and you’ll get through the rest of the month without too much trauma.”
“And what about next month, Liam?” Fear shakes the accusing words from my lips as I rise to face him on solid ground. “This doesn’t end when I leave the House of Taurus.”
His nearness heats my body without him laying a finger on me. “The House of Gemini will be easier. Landon is a decent guy.”
My instincts told me as much, but I’m relieved to hear him confirm it. “I miss you,” I say despite the ache in my throat. I tilt my head and meet his warm gaze. “So much, and it’s only been a week.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He leans forward, and his mouth teases the edge of mine. “I want you naked in my arms, those sexy legs wrapped around me in bed.”
“He didn’t say you couldn’t kiss me today,” I whisper, my exhales mixing with his.
“He didn’t give me permission either.” Shuttering his eyes, he takes a step back, and disappointment knifes through my gut. “I can’t risk it, Novalee. No matter how much I want to.”
I want to launch myself into his arms and beg him to never let me go. The urge is inescapable, and I suck in several deep breaths to quell it.
Because I understand his position. A few moments of bliss isn’t worth a lifetime of servitude with someone like Mr. Bordeaux.
“Can I ask a favor?” I say, clinging to a much needed change of subject.
“Of course.”
“Will you check on my ladies? Mr. Bordeaux won’t let me see them.”
“It’s already done. I checked on them the day after the dinner. Faye profusely apologized for her behavior that night.”
“So they’re okay?”
“Yes.” He studies me, eyes narrowed. “They’re worried about you, as am I.”
“I’m fine.”
He says nothing at first. “Would you tell me if you weren’t?”
“Yes…maybe.” I pause, swallowing hard. “I guess it would depend.”
“On what?”
“On whether telling you would be futile.”
Neither of us voice the elephant taking up half the space in the dining room.
Because Liam’s as powerless as I am in the House of Taurus.
Chapter Six
As a reward for my good behavior since he returned home a week ago, Mr. Bordeaux let me venture outside. Such a basic privilege, a simple joy I’d always taken for granted until I could do it no more. Walking along the edge of the cliffs, I close my eyes against the crisp breeze, hoping to find a hint of serenity.
Because I miss the sunshine and warmth of home. The endless azure skies and the fragrant comfort of plumeria.
I miss my home.
Zodiac Island is but a barren rock—a beautiful, majestic cliff overlooking the sea. Wind whips my hair around my head, arranging my braids with Mother Nature’s powerful hand. Springtime doesn’t exist in this place. The northern location means there’s nothing but dreary skies and a freezing windchill strong enough to ice over hell, and yet…I find something undeniably magical about this spot on the edge of the world.
I wish I hated it more. I wish I hated it less.
I wish time would go by faster. I’m only halfway into my month with Mr. Bordeaux, but the days pass at an agonizing pace. The only highlight of this day is that I’ll see Liam later for a game of chess. If not for the bitter chill, I’d stay outside the walls of the estate until my session with the chancellor, clinging to the heady sense of freedom. Instead, I return inside and take the elevator to Mr. Bordeaux’s floor in silent contemplation.