When I raise my eyes, I find Sebastian staring back. His eyes are the most alarming shade of blue I’ve ever seen—a brilliant azure. He’s brazen in the way he’s watching me.

I press my naked thighs together, clinging to my last thread of modesty. Because there’s no escaping his scrutiny. My skin flushes, chasing away the chill in my bones.

Next, I steal a glance at Liam, but his attention fixates on Sebastian, eyes dark and shooting daggers—a cocktail of jealous anger. The chair to the left of Sebastian remains empty. Instead, the doctor—from the house of Cancer—halts in front of me without preamble.

“Lie back,” he orders.

I do as I’m told, fitting my feet into the stirrups he pulls out, and a whisper of air caresses my inner thighs, bringing about a violent shudder. Driven by modesty and instinct, I bring my knees together.

“Knees apart. I can’t examine you otherwise.”

I hesitate too long, and he pries them open, putting me on display for half the room to ogle. I study the ceiling as shame burns my throat. No one’s ever looked at me down there, let alone touched me.

Not even the family doctor.

Not even Liam when he pressed his hand over mine during breakfast.

“Teresa, come over here, love,” the doctor orders a maid standing in my periphery. “The queen could use your hand.”

“Yes, Master Vance.”

I keep my gaze trained on the ceiling as footsteps scurry to my side. A warm hand enfolds mine, fingers squeezing in silent support.

“This won’t take long,” Vance says as he settles between my knees. At the first touch of his fingers spreading my nether lips, I grit my teeth. Teresa gives my hand another squeeze, sensing my discomfort, and I think we both hold our breath as the doctor gently pushes a finger inside me.

I wish I had a clock to watch, hands counting down each excruciating second, or even a speck on the ceiling to focus on as Vance violates my insides. But there’s no escaping this. I bite my lip as my feet tremble in the stirrups. The man is a doctor, and I’m aware that women go through this every day, but considering the circumstances, I feel utterly violated.

I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t even give my permission.

“Almost done,” Teresa says.

My head lolls to the side, and unbidden, I find Sebastian. His jaw is an unshaven line in a face cast from strength and sensuality. But those azure eyes…

They burn right through me. Or maybe they’re burning for me.

As we lock gazes, his nostrils flare. A tick goes off in his jaw. I wish I had a decoder for this man—this silent man whose stare somehow tells me more than words can give away.

There’s more to him than disdain and anger.

He. Wants. Me.