Elena's POV
"I forgot something at my desk," I said, turning to find Victor standing closer than comfortable, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, that same easy smile in place despite the lateness of the hour. "I thought some air might help me think."
"In the courtyard. Alone. At nine o'clock." Victor's eyes moved over the hedge behind me, then back to my face, something calculating flickering behind the pleasant surface of his expression. "How thoughtful of you to pick this particular spot."
"Is that a problem?"
"Not at all." He smiled wider, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I simply didn't expect company tonight. I like to think I'd have noticed you watching from the window, if I'd known to look."
My stomach dropped, though I kept my expression carefully neutral, drawing on
