Claiming His Princess: Duty at What Cost? / A Throne for the Taking / Princess in the Iron Mask. Kate Walker

gaze was intense when it connected with hers. ‘I didn’t want him touching you.’

      Ava swallowed at the raw admission.

      ‘Just another mistake on my part.’ He blew out a breath and turned away from her, his hands knotted into fists on his thighs.

      ‘Do you think any of Monique’s paintings survived?’

      He looked at her as if she’d grown another head, but then his expression softened. ‘Unlikely. Your fire door sent most of the explosion inward instead of outward. It tells me that whoever set it was more rank amateur than stalwart professional.’