Cain had just walked into his quarters, Violet trailing after him and shutting the door behind her. She barely had a chance to open her mouth before Cain spoke first. His hands moved deftly to unbutton his outer coat as he strode toward the bed.
"Take off the band. You're not to put it on anytime we're alone together... in this room," he commanded without looking back, his tone leaving no room for debate.
The calm authority in his voice sent a chill down Violet's spine. Her hands trembled slightly as they moved to the band around her arm. Even as she untied it, her frustration bubbled to the surface. She couldn't stop herself from speaking.
"Promoting me is fine," she began, her voice edged with defiance, "but there's no reason why we should be seen as lovers. I can continue to act as—"