“Do I need to be worried that you’re taking me to the dungeon?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

The elevator starts to rise, and I shrug. “Well, we’re not going down, so I guess that answers my question.”

“We’re going to the top floor of this tower. It’s reserved for VIPs . . . celebrities, foreign dignitaries, politicians.”

“We don’t need that.” Apprehension coils in my chest. “We don’t want special treatment.”

Lincoln studies my face for several moments before he replies. “You deserve it, and you’re getting it. I’m not going to argue about it.”

I don’t give a shit that he doesn’t want to argue about it. I open my mouth to object, but he keeps going.

“Any employee or guest can access the other floors, but not this one. Access is very limited because we host people who require the utmost privacy, and McKinley is absolutely rigid with security. It’s the one place where I’m confident the press can’t get to you, which makes it the best place for you.”

I think of Jackie facing screaming reporters like I did. Oh Lord, if they got their microphones in Karma’s face . . .

The thought of what my cousin would say if given the chance is the deciding factor.

“Fine, but only because I don’t want my family to deal with the things I’ve had to.”

Lincoln’s mouth, already open no doubt to deliver another reason why I should agree, snaps shut.

I like seeing surprise on his face instead of feeling it on mine. Maybe keeping him off-balance should be my new goal, because it’s the best shot I have at a level playing field.

Why would I want a level playing field if I’m not giving him another chance?

“I’m sorry you had to deal with any of it.” Lincoln sounds sincere, and something that looks like protectiveness flickers to life in his hazel eyes. “If it’s within my power, I’ll make sure you never have to again.”

I want to believe him, but I remind myself that I’m no longer taking Lincoln at his word. I’m going to trust as little as he does. It may not be what Magnus meant when he said try something new, but it’s the only strategy I have right now.

My decision quells my rising tendrils of anxiety, and I paste a polite smile on my face. “I guess we’ll see.”

I pull my shoulders back just in time for the doors to slide open, and it takes everything I have not to gape.

If I thought the lobby, restaurant, and spa at The Gables were opulent, I hadn’t seen anything yet. This floor puts even the nicest hotels I’ve ever set foot in to shame. Even the fresh, crisp scent of the air is more exclusive than what I was used to in my old life.

I step out onto white marble floors shot with gold and silver, waxed to a shine so high that I can see my own reflection.