Alessia Mancini
Without waiting for his response, I ducked under his arm and sprinted through the corridors. The plush carpet muffled my footsteps as I raced past ornate oil paintings and antique vases, my heart pounding with exhilaration. The scent of polished wood and expensive cologne lingered in the air, a reminder of the opulent world I now inhabited.
I dodged a startled maid, calling out a breathless "Scusi!" as I flew past. The rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins was intoxicating, a heady mix of desire and playfulness that I hadn't felt in years.
As I reached the grand staircase, I could hear Giovanni's heavy footsteps behind me. How had he caught up so quickly? I took the stairs two at a time, my fingers barely grazing the smooth mahogany banister.
Halfway up, strong a
