When I leave this house and his care, Judge will go back to the life he knows. He will spend his days at work, serving his purpose for The Society, and his nights will be spent in the comfort of a warm body that isn’t mine.

In my time here, I’ve grasped at every justification for my jealousy and the unwarranted possession I feel toward him. He was my first, but I’m not his, and I certainly won’t be his last. He wants a life free from complications, and I can’t forget that, even in the face of his temporary control. This flame of passing desire will inevitably burn out for him, and we will part ways.

I know there’s no guarantee I’ll go unscathed. Truthfully, I know I won’t. I’ve already given him more of me than I’ve ever given anyone else. I’ve made the mistake of letting him in and letting my guard down. But if I’m to survive this, I have to separate the two. I have to learn how to give him my body without giving him my heart.

“We need to talk about your little performance at the party,” he says.

I toss my thong to the floor and leave my heels on, turning to face him. His eyes burn a slow path down my naked body, the vein in his neck pulsing with the betrayal of his need. I move toward him slowly, and he eyes me with suspicion as I unbutton his suit jacket and slide my palms inside over his chest.

“Haven’t you heard?” I tip my chin up to peer into his eyes. “I’m in want of a husband.”

He stiffens, but I don’t acknowledge it as I push his coat back over his broad shoulders and divest him of it entirely.

“I figure there really shouldn’t be any wasted opportunities,” I add, my fingers moving over the buttons of his vest, slipping them through the holes. “I’m not getting any younger, and the longer this ruse goes on, the more people will start to question it.”

“You mean the way they question it when you willingly tell them it’s official.” He arches a dark brow at me.

“That was just to goad Vivien.” I shrug. “She can’t stand the idea of it.”

“Yes, and she likes to gossip.” He studies me sharply as I help him from his vest and move onto his button-down shirt.

“Don’t worry.” I stare straight at his chest, proud of how empty my voice is as I give him my assurances. “It’s always the woman’s reputation that falls into question. Yours will go unscathed, as a Sovereign Son.”

“Mercedes.” His voice is quieted as he tries to still my hand, but I shove his away and keep working to undress him.