VICTORIA

When I walked out of the room, he was waiting for me, leaning against the wall.

"I'm ready… sir," I muttered through gritted teeth.

"Let’s go, then," he replied, and without giving me time for anything, his huge hand closed around mine.

My traitorous heart skipped a beat.

I admit I didn’t expect him to keep me at his side.

This was improper in every possible way, especially for the master of these lands.

When we reached the entrance, the innkeeper was already waiting, and his eyes dropped to our joined hands.

But being a wise man, he said nothing about it.

"Your Lordship, here’s the cloak you ordered from the shop," he said, handing over a beautiful red cloak made of soft fur.

"Good. The bill’s been paid. We're leaving."

The man poured out words of praise as we headed toward the stables.

Still, his relieved face gave away how glad he was to be rid of the grumpy boss.

At the back, the stable boy was already bringing a beautiful black horse closer.

"Come, let me put your cloak