Chapter 8

Chiara

Alessio . . . So that's his name. Sounds harmless and innocent, but the person is the opposite.

Panic seizes my heart like a fist, but I force a smile and turn to Marie and Kana with a smile. "Of course."

They both smile as though this is the answer they're waiting for, but I can't shake off the feeling that I didn't have a choice either way and their invitation is just for formality.

I get up, expecting them to drop the things they got and leave me alone, but they just point at the door in the corner that I didn't notice the night before.

"Here, Miss Chiara," Kana says happily. "We shall prepare you for the Master."

"What do you mean prepare?" I linger by the door while Marie opens it, revealing a beautiful bathroom with tile mosaics and a claw-foot bathtub. "You can just leave these things and wait for me outside. . . ."

"Master's orders, Miss Chiara. We are to assist you."

The sudden firm tone in Marie's voice makes me stop. It feels like these women are mandated to follow v