And that’s when I realize he’s not going to elaborate on his plans. Whatever his reasoning, he’s keeping it close to his chest.

“I won’t tell anyone,” I point out, a little hurt that he won’t let me in on the secret.

“I know you won’t. I trust you, but I won’t put you in a position where the knowledge can be used against you.”

“Used against me how?”

“I’m assuming you’ve been to the dungeon?”

I stiffen in my seat. “Yes.”

“If Heath catches wind that I have ulterior motives for selling, he might interrogate you for answers.” Worry pinches his mouth. “In fact, I shouldn’t have asked for these twenty minutes. The less you know the better.”

“You’re still protecting me.”

“Always, my sweet girl.”

“What’s so special about me?”

His gaze burns through me. “I fell for you the instant I saw you.”

“In the library,” I whisper, remembering that day and the complex emotions he inspired in me as the taste of him lingered on my tongue.

“No, the day my father secured your hand in marriage to the Brotherhood. You were a vision even at twelve.”

“You were intimidating but memorable.” I peek at him from under my lashes, worried he’ll see too much in my expression because he wasn’t the only boy that day to leave a lasting impression.

Even during my most intimate moments with Liam, Sebastian hovers between us, unbidden and unspoken. Someday the three of us will come to a head, and I can’t help but wonder if we’ll survive.

“How is Heath treating you?” he asks, breaking through the chaos in my head.

“He’s very…rigid.”

“Has he hurt you?”

“No, nothing too horrible.”

“Has he…?” With a hard swallow, Liam drags his hand through his copper hair. “Has he touched you yet?”

“No.” Biting my lip, I brush my thumb across the giant diamond ring Liam put on my finger last month. “He’s been gone all week, but he doesn’t seem interested in…that.”

Some of the tension drains from his features. “That’s not surprising. Some of us have theories.”

My brows furrow. “What do you mean?”

“It’s not for me to say.” With a glance at his watch, he rounds the table. “Just obey him and you’ll get through the rest of the month without too much trauma.”

“And what about next month, Liam?” Fear shakes the accusing words from my lips as I rise to face him on solid ground. “This doesn’t end when I leave the House of Taurus.”

His nearness heats my body without him laying a finger on me. “The House of Gemini will be easier. Landon is a decent guy.”