Page 22 of Brighter Than Gold

“She is looking a little rough around the edges, isn’t she?” He cocked his head and stared at me. I felt even dirtier for the way he leered.

“Yes, clean her up nicely and find her something decent to wear. This sweet couple is on their honeymoon!” He cackled and reached for his wine.

“Come on, dear,” Verosa’s smooth voice purred.

Gods I wanted a bath, to feel clean and human again. But I stayed rooted to Callan, too nervous to leave his side. Verosa noticed my delay.

“The baths are just through there,” she said pointing down the hallway adjacent the hearth. “If you leave the door open you can see right inside.” She crooked a tiny grin, full of promise.

Callan looked up at Verosa, then towards the door. “Go on,” he whispered. “I’ll be right here.”

I rose shakily and followed my hostess down the hall and into the bathing suite. Again, I found myself impressed with the beautiful room, slate grey tiles lined the floors and the walls. The room was already warm and humid as steaming water jugs sat ready along the wall.

Verosa set to pouring the heaping jugs into the tub as I began to peel away the layers of clothing. I darted a quick, shy glance out of the doorway, opened only an inch to make sure Callan was within sight. I felt humiliated at the idea of him needing to watch me bathe, and simultaneously terrified of being too far away from him.

I hopped quickly into the tub once I was fully undressed. The water was far too hot to get in that quickly, but I didn’t want to be standing in front of the open door stark naked any longer than I had to be.

“Lavender or chamomile?” Verosa asked holding out two bars of soap.

“Lavender, please,” I said politely. I wanted the strong floral scent all over me, to wash away the horror of the last two days.

“Your husband is very handsome,” Verosa said, handing me the soap.

“Umm, thank you,” I whispered.

“Where did you find such a catch?”

I sighed. I just wanted to be alone. “He stayed at the inn I was working at.” I lathered the soap between my hands and set to scrubbing my arms.

“Well, the ladies here are going to be all over him. You’ll have to mark your territory,” she said with a chuckle.

I glanced up through the cracked door. I felt a sudden twinge in my belly when I saw Callan was already looking in, watching me. He turned his head away the instant our eyes met. I sunk lower into the bath to shield myself.

“Is he your first?”

“Pardon?” I asked confused.

“You’re still so shy around him!” Verosa teased.

I bit down on the inside of my lip to keep from scoffing.

“It gets better you know. Would you like me to give you some tricks?”

I cleared my throat, both uncomfortable and highly amused by the irony of her conversation. “I think I’ve got the gist of it.”

“That’s fine. Maybe I’ll go givehimsome tricks foryou…” She winked at me as she sat on the edge of the large white tub.

I busied myself again with the soap. “You run this…establishment?” I asked.

“I run many of Lazio’s enterprises.”

“Many? He has more?”

“Lazio is King around here.”

Something about her use of the word ‘King’ stung, and I had to hold my tongue from lashing out at her. “How? How has he gotten away with it?”

“My dear,” Verosa said turning her head towards me. “Lazio is the smartest man I’ve ever met.”

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