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“I…Liam, no.”
He takes me by the chin, his fingers gentle. “You’re still mine as much as you are his, so the next time I tell you to remove your tempting little body from the vicinity of my cock, do not tell me no.”
My gaze falls to his chest. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re forgiven.” He presses his lips to mine, lingering with urgency. “Our time is up, my sweet girl. It’s time for me to escort you back to your quarters.”
Chapter Eight
Thankfully, my keeper is absent, locked away in his study on a conference call. Before dinner prep, I take a shower, turning up the water temperature as hot as I can stand, and wash the degradation of Mr. Bordeaux’s punishment off my skin. After dinner, I spend the rest of the evening alone in my room, curled up in front of the mullion window with a book about a shapeshifting dragon as the sun kisses the horizon.
Half past nine, a knock sounds on the door. I sit up, set my book aside, and call for Loren to come in because he’s the only one who gives me the courtesy of knocking. Mr. Bordeaux never announces his presence, choosing instead to barge in whenever he pleases and expecting me to fall to my knees, regardless of whether I’m decent.
“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Loren says after closing the door behind him. He takes a spot on the other end of my bed and stares out the window at the twilight mural streaking across the sky. “You were quiet during dinner.”
“I guess I’m still processing.” I shift on the mattress, drawing my feet underneath me, and take in the pensive slant of his mouth.
“What you saw today…” With a jittery sigh, he meets my gaze. “Does it change how you look at me?”
“What?” The word comes out sharp with surprise. “Why would it?”
“Because you barely said two words to me during dinner.”
“I was upset, Loren.” Tentatively, I place my hand on his arm. “Not at you, but at him. He threatened to cut out my tongue if I told anyone.”
His brows furrow over stormy eyes. “He’s very protective of me. And what you saw…it opens old wounds.”
“How so?”
“Did you know we went to college together?”
I shake my head.
“We became very close, and when my father found out, he went ballistic.” Hurt bathes his face at the memory. “He said he’d rather see me dead than with a man.”
“How did he find out?”
“The same way you did.”
My heart aches for him. “I’m so sorry, Loren.”
“My father couldn’t accept it. He threatened to disown me if I didn’t stay away from Master Bordeaux.” Crossing his arms, he lowers his head. “So I told him to cut me off, and Master Bordeaux took me in as his employee.”
“But he’s much more than that,” I say, softening my tone, “isn’t he?”
“Yes.”
Several seconds go by as I consider asking what’s on my mind. “Why does he want to keep your relationship a secret?”
“If his parents find out, they’ll make sure I disappear from his life.”
My eyes widen. “Disappear how?”
“Have me banished from the island. The legacy members of the Brotherhood are too powerful to go up against.”
“Does Mr. Bordeaux know you’re here confiding in me?”
“He sent me in to talk to you.”
“Isn’t he worried I’ll tell someone?” Though I have no plans to, since I want to keep my tongue. A huge part of me is certain Mr. Bordeaux will follow through on his threat if I dare speak of what I walked in on today.
“My banishment will accomplish nothing. It won’t negate his need for an heir. It’s in your best interest to keep this secret.”
His words sink in, weighing down my spirit because if the House of Taurus wins my hand in marriage, it won’t be a partnership.
I’ll be the third wheel in a secret affair, only worthy because of my uterus and my status as Mr. Bordeaux’s wife.
“Does anyone else know about the two of you?” I ask, remembering Liam’s comment about having theories.
“The chancellor might have his suspicions, but no one else has given thought to the possibility.” Clearing his throat, he rises, failing to hide a wince as he steps toward the door.
“Are you okay?” Concern has me on my feet.
“I’m fine.”
There’s that phrase again.
Liam’s words echo through my head, and I know Loren isn’t fine.
“What did he do to you?” I ask, following him to the door.
“Nothing I didn’t deserve.” He turns, expression brimming with self-loathing. “I’m the one who left the door open. If not for my mistake, you wouldn’t have seen what you did, and he wouldn’t have punished you for it.”
As he reaches for the doorknob, I grab his arm to stop him. “You deserve better than him.” As far as I can tell, banishment from Zodiac Island would be a blessing.
