The words left his mouth before he could think twice.

“Is there anything you’d like to distract yourself with in the meantime?” he asked stonily. “Books, perhaps? Or some pen and paper? An easel? A chessboard? Say the word, and I will give it to you.”

Cassy raised an eyebrow. “Are you attempting to be hospitable to me right now?” she said unkindly.

“You are going to be living here for three months, after all,” he answered simply. “It would not be gracious of me if I don’t ensure that you’re treated well.”

“That’s surprisingly nice of you to say.”

Mikhail did not miss the sarcasm in her voice. He...