His hand tightens in my hair, and with a final jerk between my tonsils, he goes still. “Swallow,” he groans as his hot release spurts into my throat. I choke a little as it slides down. Afterward, he pulls out, and the space between us is oddly quiet. I’m frozen, my brain struggling to catch up with what just happened.

Because Chancellor Liam Castle just came in my mouth, and I don’t know how I should feel about it.

Irate?

Empowered?

Turned on?

Repulsed?

All I am is discombobulated. Eyes burning, I let go of my nipples and wipe the musky dampness of him from my lips.

“Did I satisfy you, Chancellor?” The bite in my tone is front and center, brave and bold.

Instead of taking issue with my attitude, he seems amused, mouth curving into a rogue grin as he pulls me to my feet. “Do you hear me complaining?”

“No,” I whisper, cheeks aflame as I lower my gaze to his throat.

He lifts my chin. “Did you enjoy pleasuring me?”

“No!” The denial is too quick. He knows it. I know it.

That grin of his brightens. “Tell the truth, Novalee.”

I nibble on my lower lip, hesitating. “It wasn’t horrible.”

He laughs. “Your honesty is refreshing.”

“Do you generally inspire dishonesty in people, Chancellor?”

“It’s Liam.” His tone softens. “The woman I plan to marry will call me by my name. Is that understood?”

“Yes…Liam.”

“That’s better.” His hands are still on me, a thumb brushing the pad of my abused lips, the slide of his fingers in my hair. Now that he’s started touching me, he can’t seem to stop.

And I can’t find the strength to dislike it.

“To answer your question…” He lets a heavy beat pass. “People know better than to lie to me.”

I don’t know if he means it as a warning, but I take it as one.

Liam Castle is not someone you lie to.

He’s not someone you disobey.

And he’s definitely not someone you fall in love with.

“So tell me, Novalee Van Buren. Did you enjoy the taste of my cock?”

Cock.

Another word I’m familiar with, though there’s an undercurrent of wrong stringing those letters together. It’s bolder and filthier than erection or penis.

It’s raw and filthy and…sexy.

“I…I don’t know. It’s the first time I ever tasted a man.”

“It certainly won’t be the last.” Liam retrieves my clothing from the floor. “Selma will show you to your quarters.”

“My quarters?” I shrug into my top and button the front.

“Yes, you’ll have your own set of rooms on the penthouse floor. We’ll share meals together, of course.” After I’m once again decent, he takes my hand and pulls me toward the door of the library. “Did you not expect to have your own quarters?”