*ADELINE*
I couldn't quite wrap my mind around it. I stood in my spot unmoving, while everyone vanished behind a door I hadn't noticed before. I had thought I'd be dragged back to the villa, chastised for my reckless escape, yet here I was, practically waved off like an errant child. Vinvenzo had simply let me go.
"Is it too easy?" I muttered to myself, a frown creasing my forehead. The uncertainty gnawed at the back of my mind. He had to know—everyone knew how to keep tabs on everyone in this world. So why hadn't he ordered me back?
"Adeline?" The deep voice sent a jolt through me, and the world snapped back into focus. It was Marcus, the bodyguard, whose presence had been ominous yet strangely reassuring. He seemed to appear as if summoned, as if he'd sensed the turmoil bubbling ins
