“I don’t want you to worry about that now.” He holds me by the chin. “A lot can happen between now and then. You could fall in love with someone who isn’t me.”

A contemptuous blue gaze invades my mind, unwelcome and unwanted.

“You’re the one I want.”

“I’m the one you’re comfortable with. You haven’t had the chance to get to know my brothers.”

I narrow my eyes. “Are you having second thoughts about winning the auction?”

“No.” His thumb plays on my lower lip. “But if I’m not who you want by the time the auction arrives, then I won’t compete to win.”

“Am I not worth fighting for?”

“You are, my sweet girl.” He pulls away and sits at the edge of the bed. “But your happiness is worth more to me than winning.”

I sit up, tugging the sheet to the top of my breasts, suddenly unsure and shy. He didn’t take my virginity last night, but he might as well have. He stole a piece of my soul I’ll never get back. “I want it to be you, Liam.”

“If you still feel that way eleven months from now, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure it’s me.” He stands and takes a step forward, keeping his back to me. “I need to shower and dress. You should do the same. Heath will be here in an hour.”

He disappears into the bathroom and shuts the door, and it’s like a wall coming down between us all over again.

11

Dressed in a black chiffon skirt and a sleeveless top, I perch on the lounge in the main sitting room. By all appearances, I’m prepared to face the day, makeup flawless and hair silky smooth. Anyone sending a cursory glance my way would think I was ready for this meeting with the man who will reign over me in the coming weeks.

But I’m not.

“Stop your fidgeting, my sweet girl.” Liam gently scolds me from his chair.

Only then do I realize the rhythmic bounce of my foot, one crossed over the other. I cease the nervous movement just as Selma appears in the archway.

“Chancellor, Mr. Bordeaux is here to see you.”

Liam nods. “Send him in.”

She steps out of view, and the man I remember from the dinner and medical exam takes her place. He’s taller than Sebastian, but a few inches shy of Liam’s six-foot frame. His expensive black suit, meticulously pressed, doesn’t have a wrinkle in sight. There’s an undeniable seriousness about him…and a coldness that makes me shiver.

His hazel eyes zero in on me. “My queen.”

I dip my head. “I’m unsure of how I should address you.”

“Mr. Bordeaux will do.” He waltzes into the sitting room and settles next to me on the lounge.