“It’s a pleasure to see you again, too, Miss Harper.”

Violet felt a shiver run the full length of her body. How could a man who’d seemed so warmly charming the first time they’d met now be so glacially chilling?

He lifted an eyebrow, though if he was remotely concerned by her lack of response, he didn’t show it.

“Your father’s will made me responsible for you,” Lance said.

“I can take care of myself!”

“Really?” His eyebrow lifted again. “Have you ever done so before?”

“No.” Violet stiffened at the insinuation. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t.”

“True, though apparently your father thought otherwise. He made me your protector.”

“He meant your brother, not you!”

Amber eyes blazed with some powerful emotion, quickly repressed. “Nonetheless, it’s me you’ve got. Your father wanted an Amberton to look after you, and I appear to be the only one left.”