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Victoria returned her gaze to the books and started going through them one by one. “Where and when did you get these titles?”

“I knew you’d come to live with me eventually, and I prepared myself the best I could for that eventuality.”

Victoria stilled, her heart racing at that thoughtful gesture. She hated that she was so easily won over. A few books and she was melting at his feet. Except it wasn’t just about the books.

He listened. He remembered. And he worked hard to give her what she wanted.

More than that, he did it all while not knowing whether they would ever be reconnected.

Victoria twirled around between the shelves, taking in the entire library. It was nothing compared to the library her family had in the St. Petersburg palace, but this tiny piece of her motherland brought her immense joy. “I don’t think I’ll be able to finish all these books in three months even if all I did was read all day.”

William’s voice was an octave lower when he said, “Then perhaps you’ll stay longer.”

Victoria whipped toward him as this innocuous phrase lit the fire within her veins. “I knew it!”

William looked confused. “What exactly did you know?”

“Everything! For a brief moment of weakness, I contemplated that you were selfless, but you were never more self-serving. Everything you do is for your benefit. This little tower to keep me in close quarters with you. A larder of food so we never have to leave the house. A horde of books. All you’re doing is trying to trick me into staying with you!”

William arched his brow and crossed his arms. “What gave it away?”

“We have a deal,” Victoria enunciated clearly. “I spend three months with you, and then I go back.”

William casually stepped closer. “And what makes you think I won’t do everything in my power to make you stay?”

“To trick me into staying, you mean? Because I will never willingly stay with you.”

William shrugged. “You said the same about coming back to me, and yet here you are.”

Victoria was so flabbergasted all she could do was open her mouth to speak and then close it repeatedly like a fish out of water because the words escaped her. “That was not willingly,” she finally found enough wits to say. “I had no other blasted choice!”

William, bless his dark, infernal soul, frowned in utter confusion. “I didn’t force you to come to me. You made the deal all on your own.”

Victoria let out a chuckle, but not in humor, rather in defeat. The blasted rogue really did not seem to understand the difference. “Out of desperation!”

“You entered this house on your own two feet. I did not abduct you.”

“You might as well have. I can’t believe you argued the difference between lying and deceit, yet you can’t see the difference between consent and coercion!”

“I didn’t coerce you into doing anything.”

Victoria scoffed. “You didn’t directly coerce me into it. But your actions resulted in my need to make a deal.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Is that also how you justify blackmail? As if you’re not threatening people into doing what you want, you’re just giving them a choice?”

He snorted. “Blackmail is such a dark word. I prefer… reminding people of their past immoral actions and possible outcomes that may follow if those actions were to be revealed.”

Victoria threw her hands up in agitation. “That’s exactly my point! Your perverted logic and the bizarre justifications for your terrible actions are exactly the reason why I will not be staying with you a day longer than I have to.”

She turned to walk away and even made a few steps toward the door when William spoke again. “And I am willing to wager you’re wrong.”

Victoria whirled around, her finger in the air, ready to argue, but her anger turned into defeat. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why in the world do you think I would choose to stay with you? Ever?”

“Because, my dear Victoria, despite all your bluster and declarations, I know you still love me.”

“How?” she cried. “How can you think that I still love you? After everything.”