"Forget it. You're too kind and innocent for your own good. I'll just have to protect you more."
Then he looked at me. Something complicated flickered behind his eyes before settling into cold impatience.
"Brooklyn, you scared her. I should've known you wouldn't just leave quietly. You've had your little scene. Happy now?"
The accusation hit me without warning, and my mind went blank.
I hadn't said a single word since I walked through the door.
This villa was our marital home.
I was his wife. His legal, certificate-holding wife.
Yet for the sake of his kept woman, I wasn't even allowed to lay eyes on the person who'd destroyed everything.
When he saw the bitter smile pulling at my lips, something shifted in his gaze. He let go of Florence, walked toward me, and softened his voice.
"Enough. You're both important to me. You're both mine. From now on, the three of us will live here together."
"There's a gala this afternoon. Come with me."
I was about to refuse, but Noel cut me off before I could speak.
"Florence is coming too. It's her first time at one of these events. You'll carry her train and help her make a good impression."
I froze. The absurdity of it almost made me laugh.