“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Loren says after closing the door behind him. He takes a spot on the other end of my bed and stares out the window at the twilight mural streaking across the sky. “You were quiet during dinner.”

“I guess I’m still processing.” I shift on the mattress, drawing my feet underneath me, and take in the pensive slant of his mouth.

“What you saw today…” With a jittery sigh, he meets my gaze. “Does it change how you look at me?”

“What?” The word comes out sharp with surprise. “Why would it?”

“Because you barely said two words to me during dinner.”

“I was upset, Loren.” Tentatively, I place my hand on his arm. “Not at you, but at him. He threatened to cut out my tongue if I told anyone.”

His brows furrow over stormy eyes. “He’s very protective of me. And what you saw…it opens old wounds.”

“How so?”

“Did you know we went to college together?”

I shake my head.

“We became very close, and when my father found out, he went ballistic.” Hurt bathes his face at the memory. “He said he’d rather see me dead than with a man.”

“How did he find out?”

“The same way you did.”

My heart aches for him. “I’m so sorry, Loren.”

“My father couldn’t accept it. He threatened to disown me if I didn’t stay away from Master Bordeaux.” Crossing his arms, he lowers his head. “So I told him to cut me off, and Master Bordeaux took me in as his employee.”

“But he’s much more than that,” I say, softening my tone, “isn’t he?”

“Yes.”

Several seconds go by as I consider asking what’s on my mind. “Why does he want to keep your relationship a secret?”

“If his parents find out, they’ll make sure I disappear from his life.”

My eyes widen. “Disappear how?”

“Have me banished from the island. The legacy members of the Brotherhood are too powerful to go up against.”

“Does Mr. Bordeaux know you’re here confiding in me?”

“He sent me in to talk to you.”

“Isn’t he worried I’ll tell someone?” Though I have no plans to, since I want to keep my tongue. A huge part of me is certain Mr. Bordeaux will follow through on his threat if I dare speak of what I walked in on today.

“My banishment will accomplish nothing. It won’t negate his need for an heir. It’s in your best interest to keep this secret.”

His words sink in, weighing down my spirit because if the House of Taurus wins my hand in marriage, it won’t be a partnership.

I’ll be the third wheel in a secret affair, only worthy because of my uterus and my status as Mr. Bordeaux’s wife.