Apparently, I’m a glutton for punishment. Holding my breath, I peek around the edge of the doorframe, and the depraved sight before my eyes knocks the air from my lungs. Breath escapes me in a silent whoosh.

A woman is spread out on a lounge, her deep burgundy locks flowing over creamy, bare breasts. It’s the pose that has me in a trance. Her legs are bent, splayed in repose, the shaven lips of her womanhood on proud display. She’s without shame or modesty, and something about her confidence calls to me.

Sebastian has his back to me as he transfers the likeness of her onto his canvas, and I can’t help but study the broadness of his shoulders, or the way his dark blond hair sticks up in dishevelment.

He’s the polar opposite of Liam.

Brazen where the chancellor is reserved.

Carefree instead of controlled.

Unrestrained sexy compared to Liam’s more classic dark looks.

Sebastian’s low-slung jeans steal my attention as his brush hits the canvas with confident strokes. The man paints as well as he fills out a pair of jeans.

“Bash,” the woman says, and when I turn my attention back to her, I find her deep brown eyes on me. She points in my direction, and Sebastian turns around before I can duck into the hall.

The instant his blue eyes meet mine, I’m frozen, caught red-handed, cheeks hot with embarrassment. A lifetime seems to pass in the lock of our gazes. My pulse speeds up. His brows narrow. I run the tip of my tongue along the seam of my mouth, and when his attention stalls on my lips, I can’t help but tuck the bottom one between my teeth.

He frowns, sets down the paintbrush, and that’s when I spring into motion, darting down the hall as fast as my jittery legs will carry me.

But footsteps chase me, accompanied by deep and harsh breaths. A large, warm hand clamps around my bicep and yanks me to a stop. I turn slowly, every tortuous beat of my heart sounding-off in my ears as I face the accusation in his brilliant stare.

“Did you get a good eyeful?”

“I-I didn’t mean—”

“Didn’t mean to spy on me?” he cuts in, invading my personal space. He’s not as tall as Liam, but his presence is overbearing enough. As I try to retreat, his fingers dig into my arm, making escape impossible.

“I wasn’t spying.”

“Does Liam know you’re down here?”

“Yes.” Though I’m sure the chancellor wouldn’t be happy to find us in our current position—his hand gripping my bicep as my bosom heaves against his chest.

The furrow between Sebastian’s brows deepens. “I’m surprised he let his little pet roam free.”

“He requested my presence in the library.”

“This wing is off-limits to you. It’s reserved for my public studio.”