NICHOLAS'S POV
The dining room was filled with natural light when I arrived for lunch. Simone sat at the place I'd indicated, her father's book beside her plate.
She'd changed into a simple blue dress that brought out her eyes.
"Better?" I asked, taking my seat at the head of the table.
"Different." She picked up her fork and then set it down again. "The staff... they're not what I expected."
"What did you expect?"
"Criminals. Thugs." She gestured vaguely. "People who'd treat me like... like what I am to them."
"And what are you to them?"
She was quiet for a moment. "I don't know anymore."
Maria entered with the first course....a light soup that smelled of herbs and sea salt. As she served Simone, she patted the younger woman's shoulder gently.
"Eat, cara mi
