I have always been the one who maintained control, protecting my brother from the social ruin my late blooming could bring if anyone discovered it in these court records. The dust-filled aisles were supposed to keep my secret safe.

But Simon Osborne's arrival after hours changes that. He moves with commanding grace, his old fencing scar twisting his smile as he offers the alliance I need, all while his eyes promise the dominance I both dread and crave.

His fingers cover mine on the key, steady and unyielding, and the alliance he offers has a price he does not name aloud. I should pull away, but his protection is the only thing standing between my brother and ruin. My secret keeps only as long as Simon wants it kept.