I turn around slowly.
Luigi is standing a few feet away from me. He's stroking a black cat with iridescent green eyes. I press my lips together and gaze at him. He smiles politely, but there's a darkness in his eyes that I've come to know all too well.
"I'm waiting, my dear. It is very rude to not greet the owner of the house."
I lick my lips. They're numb all of a sudden. I force them to move and look at the carpeted floor. "Hello."
He seems pleased with my greeting. "Are you enjoying your stay? It will be temporary, of course, just until Alessandro resolves some personal issues. He asked me personally and how could I refuse?"
I don't say anything to him. He takes a step closer to me and without looking at him, I take one back. I meet his eyes briefly, and his face is expressionles
