~SIMONE'S POV~
I counted the steps as I walked. Thirty-seven from my bedroom to the grand staircase. Twenty-two down to the main floor. Information was power, and I needed every advantage I could get.
"The west wing is off-limits," Nicholas said, his deep voice echoing against the marble floors.
He moved like a wolf, confident, measured, and aware of everything. "As is the basement. Try to enter either, and the consequences will be... unpleasant."
"Threats before breakfast? How charming," I replied, keeping my face blank despite the tiredness weighing on my limbs.
I hadn't slept more than an hour last night, too busy remembering every detail of my luxurious prison cell and plotting escape paths that likely didn't exist.
Nicholas's mouth curved into that angering half-sm
