BEFORE THE FALL
{Flashback: Two weeks before the warehouse fire}
SIMONE'S POV
I'm losing my mind.
That was my first coherent thought as I stormed down the marble hallway, my bare feet slapping against the cold stone.
Another argument with Nicholas.
Another reminder that I was his property, his responsibility, his problem to manage.
"You can't leave the villa without an escort," he had said, his voice that annoying blend of authority and concern that made me want to scream.
"I'm not a prisoner," I had shot back.
"No. You're something more valuable than a prisoner. Which makes you more dangerous to yourself."
The memory of his words, the way he had said 'valuable' like it meant something beyond money...made my chest tight with clashing emotions.
I pushed th
