“I need my own reassurances.” Even as he says the words, I sense Sebastian is only trying to provoke the chancellor.

“Then you’ll get your damn reassurances,” Liam snaps. “Tomorrow, during the examination, you’ll all have the chance to confirm her virginity and test her willingness. Satisfied?”

Sebastian smirks. “For now.” He settles into his chair with a vibe of smugness that pokes at my indignation.

I’m barely present, my mind spinning in righteous anger at the man whose aqua gaze is still burning a hole through my armor.

A chair scrapes the floor, and a voice startles me to attention. “Let’s get back to the introductions, shall we? I’m Miles, House of Virgo.”

Then the next stands. “Pax, House of Libra.”

One by one, the remaining members of the Brotherhood arise and announce their names and zodiac signs…as if I’ll remember them all after the argument that just took place.

As if I can concentrate on anything but the festering hatred of the man sitting six seats to my left.

Determined to do just that, I force my gaze on each man as he stands, studiously ignoring the lion and his display of contempt.

“Ford, House of Scorpio.”

“Tatum, House of Sagittarius.”

The houses of Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces close out the round of introductions.

Oliver.

Hugo.

Sullivan.

Twelve gorgeous men, dressed in everything from expensive Armani to Levi denim, and at this overbearing roundtable of testosterone and power, only one other thing besides the zodiac unites them.

Me.

5

“Time to arise! The sun is shining, and it’s a warm day.” Movement draws my eyes open, and I find Selma parting the floor-length drapes, allowing the light of day to spill into the room. I hide my face in the soft pillow with a groan.

“Did you not sleep well?” she asks.

“Not really.” What an understatement. After Liam escorted me to my suite last night, pressing his lips to my forehead in a brief kiss goodnight, I tossed and turned for hours, my mind galloping ahead with memories of my first day on Zodiac Island.

Liam’s confident control.

Sebastian’s casual cruelty.

“Chancellor Castle is expecting you on the main balcony in twenty minutes.”

I veer up in bed too fast, making my head woozy from the rush of blood. Selma enters the adjacent closet that’s bigger than most people’s bedrooms, and I spy my clothing hanging on racks and taking up the space on the shelves. She slides several hangers to the side, apparently searching for something specific.

“Where are my ladies? They usually help me dress.”

“The chancellor wishes not to be disturbed today. He gave them the day off from their duties.”

I slide out of bed and frown, not liking his high-handedness. Selma exits the wardrobe room, clutching a white negligee that leaves little to the imagination. That scrap of material definitely didn’t come with me to the island.