Page 21 of Brighter Than Gold

We came around to a tall building and Lazio dismounted, tossing his reins to the waiting hostler who gave him a warm smile.

“Welcome back, sir,” the boy said.

Indeed, all of the men were happily welcomed here, and the look of confusion on Callan’s face must have matched my own, because Lazio shouted to us, “The trick is not to shit where you eat.” He winked at us before leading the way inside the well maintained building.

We entered a mudroom where our jackets were taken, and a young woman led us through a set of double doors to the back.

My jaw hung open as I stared into the beautiful room.

Leather couches, velvet divans, and stunningly crafted oak tables furnished the room. Fires roared in the many hearths, giving the space a warm and inviting sense, as black and red chiffon curtains dulled the day light attempting to pierce through the windows. There were two enormous brass bars at either end of the room with suited bartenders working behind them. Black iron lamps hung from the ceiling illuminating the room just enough to keep it dark and mysterious. Along one wall there was a grand staircase, and through an atrium I could see dozens of numbered doors, some closed, but others were open enough to make out colourful wallpapers and carpets, and four-poster beds.

The men we had travelled with were warmly greeted by a throng of barely-dressed women who hurried excitedly over to them. “My Rats are home!” one of them exclaimed happily.

“Welcome back,” purred a voice from the landing above us. I trained my eyes upward as I watched the elegant woman descend the staircase, only her fingertips brushing the banister beside her. She had luminous dark skin and shockingly blue eyes.

“Verosa,” Lazio beamed and lowered his head into an amenable nod.

“You’ve been gone a while.” Her voice was deep and rich.

“I’m touched that you missed me.”

“And you’ve brought guests?”

Lazio turned to us. “Get the key for room six please, my darling.”

“Ah,” she nodded, giving us a suspicious glance. “As you wish.” Verosa cocked a brow and regarded us before turning away.

Some of Lazio’s men hurried off immediately towards private rooms, willing partners skipping close behind them. Others made themselves comfortable around the fireplaces or tables.

“You… live in a brothel?” Callan risked asking Lazio.

“Quite the opposite,” he replied with a cocksure smile. “All of these beautiful women live inmybrothel.” Lazio chuckled as he watched Callan and I try and figure out exactly what he meant. “What do you think I do with all the gold? Bury it like a squirrel? Of course not! I built this place.” His tone was tinted with pride. “The alluring Verosa runs it for me when we’re away.”

“How do you get away with all this?” Callan asked repugnantly.

Lazio tossed his head back with a hearty laugh. “This is a completely legitimate business my friend! We pay our taxes to the Realm every quarter, no one comes sniffing around. Ever. I’m very generous with the amount of gold I pay to keep any Realm officials away, including the military, so you’re safe here.” He winked at Callan. “In fact, I’m extremely generous with the whole town. We have a mutually beneficial accord.”

A nasty hole burned in my stomach. The chance of seeking out help here had flown out the window on corrupted golden wings.

Lazio stretched out in a chair by the hearth as attendants began to bring over food and drinks.

“Please! Sit!” he said sweeping a hand out graciously. “You must be starved.” He leered at me and my skin prickled in disgust. But Iwasfinally hungry, and the platters smelled delicious.

A corseted woman handed Callan a cup of wine. He accepted it with thanks, and the woman brushed her hand along his shoulder and gave him a lingering smile. He stiffened at the touch.

“You should have seen your husband last night, Reyah,” Lazio said, tossing grapes into his mouth. “What a fucking animal!”

I didn’t acknowledge him. I’d noted the dark stains on Callan’s boots and trousers, the caked blood that still clung in his hair and under his nails. The blood of innocent men that he had killed in order to protect me. I didn’t know how I was going to reconcile the guilt of that.

“Magnificent,” Lazio continued, smacking the arm of his chair excitedly. The quick clip of heels on the floor behind him snagged his attention.

“Room six,” Verosa said smiling as she handed the man a set of keys.

“Thank you, my darling,” Lazio said, taking her delicate hand and kissing it.

“Can I take her and clean her up, boss?” she said nodding towards me.

Lazio stroked the soft skin of Verosa’s hand with his thumb.

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