Rather than wade through a suffocating crowd to search for John, she had escaped to the comfort and safety of his office. Or the scene of the crime. As she ran her fingers along the newly cleaned desk surface, she remembered how frightened and desperate she must have sounded the last time she was here. His questions and probing had been harmless, yet she evaded him so messily. Victoria closed her eyes, remembering the pulse of energy surrounding him as he’d approached her for a kiss. He had wanted to take her in his arms and she had pushed him away.

“Here to turn yourself in,” said a low voice from behind her.

Her head jerked up and her hand recoiled from his desk. Victoria slowly turned around and beheld a sight that was even more alarming than a clean desk.

Zorro stood at the threshold.

Her jaw fell open as she let her gaze wander over him. John’s lean figure was dressed in all black, from his riding boots to the loose-fitting shirt that opened at the collar to reveal a deep V of tanned skin and sandy chest hair. His black cape fell to the side to reveal a saber and whip hanging from his belt. His face was impassive and stony as he stared at her from under the wide-brimmed hat.

Victoria felt like she’d pass out at yet another party. This time it would be from the sheer masculine beauty of a masked avenger. She groped for the desk behind her to steady herself. She wanted him to cross the room in three easy strides and crush her with a passionate kiss until she forgot her original purpose for visiting.

Instead, John stepped forward only to close the door behind him. He stood against it and, from the safety of his black mask, waited with the same placid expression, his gloved hands folded across his chest. Victoria didn’t feel safe behind her mask.

“Hello, John,” she breathed.

“Professor Reese.”

Emotionless and straightforward. She’d asked for it. “I made a mistake.”

The corner of his mouth quirked as his jaw tightened, but he made no reply.

Victoria was forced to continue. “I had the book all along.”

John inclined his head a fraction. “I told you as much.”

“It was at my parents’ house,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I forgot that I took it with me on my last visit and I must have left it on the nightstand. I think my mom must have put it on the shelf when she cleaned the room.”

He nodded.