Page 19 of Tainted Ties

“Your presence is requested downstairs. Anything you should need is in this room.”

Ignoring her command, I asked, “What’s your name?”

A warm smile adorned her aging face. “Gianna.”

I nodded, giving her the cue to leave and when the door clicked shut, my eyes wandered around the room.

It was bigger than average, and dimly lit by small twinkling lights in each corner.

Dark colors and rich textures with vintage décor covered every surface, creating a surprisingly welcoming environment.

I got up from the four-poster bed, made my way to the dark gray curtains and pushed them open. I put my hand up to my face as light seeped into the room.

There was a small opening across the room, with two doors on either side of it. I hesitated before walking toward it and opened the left one. It was a walk-in closet.

There were racks of clothing on each side with columns in the middle. I dragged my hand across the fabrics, touching the rich material of each item.

I stepped outside of the closet and took a few steps toward the other door.

Once opened, the first feature I noticed was the black marble floors. It was a massive bathroom with two sinks, a huge bathtub in the middle, and a shower next to it.

Both the closet and bathroom resembled the main room with neutral off-white shades mixed with earthy tones.

After going through my hygiene routine, I settled on a green dress with a square neckline. It was the most appropriate attire considering the summer heat.

The dress fit me like a glove, and it should’ve been a little alarming that Roman knew this information, but it was instead unsurprising.

Taking a last look in the mirror, I noticed despite my dampened mood, my cheeks had a healthy glow, and my lips had a natural tint to them.

Not bothering to put on makeup, I turned on my heel.

I almost backed out of going downstairs, knowinghewas the one who summoned me, but I remembered I had made a pact with Enzo. I needed to be obedient until we found a way out.

Closing the door behind me, I stepped into a long hall. The only source of light came from cylindrical lamps hooked on each side. A double staircase cascaded down to the main floor and I slowly descended from the right, one step at a time.

My palms grew clammy, sticking to the rail. The thought of seeing Roman during the day seemed far more terrifying than seeing him at night. At least in the dark, one could conceal things they didn’t want to be seen.

The main floor was magnificent. Chandeliers dangled high above, shining as the sun came through the tall windows that were decorated with velvet curtains draped to the side. Wooden bookcases, ornate gold frames, black leather couches, and bold marble tables decorated the space beautifully.

I didn’t expect someone as cold as Roman to live in an environment warm and inviting.

Crossing the corridor, I entered an arched doorway to my right and stopped in my tracks when I spotted him.

Luckily, my bare feet against the solid floors didn’t elicit any sound to make my presence known.

Roman’s blue-back hair glistened as a ray of sunshine came through a window on our left. While his back faced me, I wondered if it was too late to walk back up to my room.What was the point of eating when I would surely hurl it back up from this encounter?

There were only two chairs, one of which Roman’s large body occupied. His broad shoulders laid back against his chair, power rippling off him. The second chair was to his left.

I cursed myself because it was one thing having breakfast alone with him and another having breakfast alone with himwhilebeing seated that close in proximity. With a huff, I diverted my attention to the main attraction.

A long oakwood table had all manner of breakfast foods laid out: pastries, fruit, poultry, and dairy. My mouth betrayed me as it salivated at the sight; I was famished.

“I don’t mind you staring at me all day, but the rumbling from your stomach is quite irritating. Sit and eat, Aurora.”

His voice startled me, causing me to jump at his amused but demanding tone.

Pursing my lips together, I entered the dining room.

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