My instincts told me as much, but I’m relieved to hear him confirm it. “I miss you,” I say despite the ache in my throat. I tilt my head and meet his warm gaze. “So much, and it’s only been a week.”

“The feeling is mutual.” He leans forward, and his mouth teases the edge of mine. “I want you naked in my arms, those sexy legs wrapped around me in bed.”

“He didn’t say you couldn’t kiss me today,” I whisper, my exhales mixing with his.

“He didn’t give me permission either.” Shuttering his eyes, he takes a step back, and disappointment knifes through my gut. “I can’t risk it, Novalee. No matter how much I want to.”

I want to launch myself into his arms and beg him to never let me go. The urge is inescapable, and I suck in several deep breaths to quell it.

Because I understand his position. A few moments of bliss isn’t worth a lifetime of servitude with someone like Mr. Bordeaux.

“Can I ask a favor?” I say, clinging to a much needed change of subject.

“Of course.”

“Will you check on my ladies? Mr. Bordeaux won’t let me see them.”

“It’s already done. I checked on them the day after the dinner. Faye profusely apologized for her behavior that night.”

“So they’re okay?”

“Yes.” He studies me, eyes narrowed. “They’re worried about you, as am I.”

“I’m fine.”

He says nothing at first. “Would you tell me if you weren’t?”

“Yes…maybe.” I pause, swallowing hard. “I guess it would depend.”

“On what?”

“On whether telling you would be futile.”

Neither of us voice the elephant taking up half the space in the dining room.

Because Liam’s as powerless as I am in the House of Taurus.

6

As a reward for my good behavior since he returned home a week ago, Mr. Bordeaux let me venture outside. Such a basic privilege, a simple joy I’d always taken for granted until I could do it no more. Walking along the edge of the cliffs, I close my eyes against the crisp breeze, hoping to find a hint of serenity.

Because I miss the sunshine and warmth of home. The endless azure skies and the fragrant comfort of plumeria.

I miss my home.

Zodiac Island is but a barren rock—a beautiful, majestic cliff overlooking the sea. Wind whips my hair around my head, arranging my braids with Mother Nature’s powerful hand. Springtime doesn’t exist in this place. The northern location means there’s nothing but dreary skies and a freezing windchill strong enough to ice over hell, and yet…I find something undeniably magical about this spot on the edge of the world.

I wish I hated it more. I wish I hated it less.