Framing my face between his hands, he gives me a sad smile. “This is my home.” With a hard swallow, he lets a beat pass. “It’s my duty to carry out my family’s legacy. But I can offer you a promise,” he says, entwining our fingers. “I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we have a life together.”

“How can you be so confident?”

“I have faith.”

“I don’t know if I can make it through the next several months. I’ve still got two weeks with Mr. Bordeaux, and in September, Pax will have his turn.”

He winces, as if he knows exactly what I’m talking about, because it’s obvious the keeper of the dungeon is a psychotic sadist.

“Pax won’t be a problem.”

“How can you say that? You have limited power as the chancellor, remember?”

“I’m aware of my finite capabilities, but my brothers often underestimate me. I need you to trust me on this. Can you do that?”

“I can try.”

“It’s a start,” he murmurs, grabbing my hand and pulling me further into the library. I spot a game of chess on the table where, six weeks ago, a contract awarding my life to the Brotherhood awaited my uncle’s signature.

That first day within these walls seems like a lifetime ago.

“I’ll give you the first move,” he says, gesturing toward the side with the white pieces.

I slide into the seat, and after he settles in across from me, I push a pawn forward. “Ladies first, is that it? We both know you’re going to win.”

“How about I let you have this one so I can get back to worshipping your mouth?” He follows my lead and moves a pawn, but his attention stalls on my lips.

My heart skips a beat. “That sounds tempting, but when the day comes that I do beat you, I don’t want there to be any question of your defeat.” I slide a bishop out, eyes locked on his from across the table.

“I can respect that.” A grin threatens at the corner of his lips.

Several moments sneak by as he contemplates his next move, and my mind wanders to what I saw in Mr. Bordeaux’s private quarters. My keeper’s relationship with Loren is something he’s obviously hiding, but is it because he’s protecting himself, or the manservant?

And from who? His parents?

Sebastian admitted he’s under a lot of pressure from his family to marry me, and I imagine that is also true for the other members of the Brotherhood. Is that why Mr. Bordeaux wants to win the auction?

Because he needs a wife to cover the truth?

“The wheels are spinning over there, but I highly doubt you have chess on the mind.” Liam shoots me a speculative look as he pushes another pawn forward.