I’m in full flight mode, the trip from his floor to mine passing in a frenzied blur. Part of me fears they’re coming after me.

Sebastian or Liam. Or both.

Barging into the House of Gemini, I make my way toward my suite. Adrenaline rushes through my veins, and I shed my coat and drape it over a Victorian chair on my way to the ottoman at the end of the bed. My legs refuse to support me any longer, and I crumble.

My erratic breaths charge the air. Sweat lingers on my skin from the mad dash to privacy. My breasts heave in the bodice of the teddy.

I want the scant evidence off my body, shoved in the bottom of the dresser where it should have stayed. This failed attempt at seduction rails through me with equal amounts of shame and frustration, because I’m too much of a trembly mess to make it to my feet long enough to remove the offending garment.

Five minutes haven’t passed when I detect the sound of a door opening. I don’t hear it shut, but the footsteps that follow tell me someone is inside Landon’s home, and it sounds like they’re nearing my private quarters.

Another noticeable turn of a door handle confirms my suspicion, and as those footfalls make their way toward my bedroom, where I left the door partially open, I fear I know who it is.

A jean-clad silhouette looms in the doorway, outlined in a halo of light from the lamp in the sitting room. Shadows and heightened emotions settle over my bedroom.

He holds up a pair of stilettos. “You forgot these.”

I can’t speak as he takes a step into the room where I sleep. I wouldn’t know what to say if I tried.

“I had to threaten Liam with a charge of impropriety to keep him from coming in after me.” He drops the shoes by the door. “You’ve got the chancellor wrapped, princess.”

Finally, I find my voice. “How did you get in?”

“Walked in, the same way you did when you barged into my meeting.”

I’m usually better at locking the main door, especially since I’m here alone. Landon doesn’t keep permanent staff on hand, preferring to employ a weekly housekeeper instead. Which means it’s just me at night…on a floor sandwiched between too many men with hidden agendas.

“I’m sorry about tonight.” With a gulp, I find his eyes in the darkness—a blue luminescence from the moonlight spilling through the windows. “I wanted to be brave.”

“Bullshit. You wanted to avoid going down on me around other people.” He closes the distance between us, only stopping when he’s inches away from brushing my knees. “You don’t think I’ve seen you duck in and out of your studio these past few days?”

My eyes widen. “Why didn’t you say something?”