Julian caught Francesca by the wrist.

He held her gaze, his expression solemn, and said carefully, "It’s not what you think. Crowncrest Court was never a lover’s haven. I never crossed that line with her. I never had that kind of relationship with her."

Francesca wrenched her hand away, retreating a step.

The truth hit her with such merciless clarity that she couldn’t—even if she cared to—mask the wreckage it left behind. Tears trembled on the ...