Page 48 of Original Sins (Dark Odyssey 6)

This is all part of a different life than what I’m used to.

Since I don't plan to sell myself again, I breathe past the constriction in my lungs and push the rules to the back of my mind. The only thing I need to focus on is what Cordelia told me, which was:be careful. Forget who I am. Forget my problems. Forget that I’ve sold myself and pretend this is my life for the next month.

After all, it's not like I don't have the biggest crush on Georgiou and Henry.

Take the need for the money out of the equation, and this would be a dream come true.

As we walk through solid oak doors, I take in the beauty of the interior of the house.

Like the hotel last night, the house also has a rococo design and a European feel that reminds me of Italy.

Unfortunately, that also reminds me that I might not be able to go back to Italy.Ever. And that’s sad.

I adore Italy.

My parents are both from Sicily, and when they took Dante and me, it was the most magical experience I'll never forget.

I haven't been since Dante died, and I was hoping to go next year after my first year of college.

Neither is going to be happening—college or my trip.

John leads me up a wide set of marble stairs with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

The faint scent of roses lingers in the air, and when we get to the top of the stairs, I see a massive bunch of white roses in a vase.

“They’re from Georgiou’s mother,” John tells me. “She grows them and makes it her duty to provide fresh flowers every week.”

"That's cool. My mother liked roses too."

“He’ll like that.” He grins.

"Thanks." I'm guessing he probably does know I'm here for sex, but there's something more welcoming in his tone that makes me feel more like a guest, which is better.

We continue down the corridor to another large oak door that he opens. As the door swings open, I see Georgiou standing by the balcony.

He's dressed more casually than I've ever seen him. Today he looks like a regular guy in a pair of black jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt rolled up his thick forearms. I'm surprised to find a line of tattoos on both arms.

I didn't think he had any. There's also what I think might be the tail of a dragon peeking out from the edge of his neck. Usually, he's wearing a dress shirt and an Armani suit.

His hair is also ruffled with that just-got-out-of-bed look everyone would find sexy as fuck.

He grins when he sees me, and I smile back.

"Thank you, John," Georgiou says to John, who dips his head. "Please take Evie's things to her room."

My room?

“Of course,” John replies and bows his head to me too.

“Thank you,” I say to him because he was nice to me.

With that, John leaves us and closes the door behind him.

I look back to Georgiou and make my way over to him.

“Hi,” I breathe, bringing my hands together.

“Buonasera, Duchess.”

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