Enzo, holding a glass of wine, sp

you," added Dante, laugh

like an artificial pulse. Through the window, the backyard shone under the moon. The mansion was quiet, a

can make her talk?" said Luci

ised an

ho mops as if she owes he

, slightly tilted, like som

it," Enzo jumped in, pulling out

his hand, watching the whi

for free. Ju

the homes of the rich have. He walked down the marble stairs, hands in his pockets. He didn't care

, next to the library clo

ied back, worn gray uniform, face as s

leaving it like a mirror. Luciano walked unhurried

t bothe

?" he said, feigning a jovial tone.

mop. As if he weren't there!

licked hi

k a crumpled bill from his pocket. He held it out elegant

dred-thousan

a sto

etween th

l floated for a second and

lence thickened. The whole worl

t seemed like an insult, she

. Three

ked, dirty, tra

o didn

in a low but sharp voice. "This is

thout hatred. Without fear. Just that stubbo

first time. Her voice was firm, calm, without servility

it. That damn way she stood as if he meant nothing. As if he were jus

you are?" he snapp

n't for sale,"

er. A drop fell from the mo

heap perfume, feel the steam from her work clinging to his skin. His heart was beati

mn p

She didn't even apologize for speaking to him like that. She just

ent. The bill was still there

k. He smiled, though it

guts, I'll g

d up the wet bill,

ver, doll. It

e was

the hall. He didn't sigh. He didn't break down. She just

ll of stupid games. But she w

, something had rum

in years, she'd felt worth