ARYA’S POV
I woke to an empty bed and a hollow feeling in my chest that I refused to acknowledge.
What had I been expecting? That Giovanni would still be there, holding me like he had last night?
I swallowed hard against the hurt that threatened to surface and climbed down from the massive bed, my feet hitting the cool floor.
The bathroom was a welcome distraction. I turned the shower as hot as I could stand it, letting the water wash away the confusion of the night before.
By the time I dried off and dressed in a simple sundress, I had almost convinced myself that I didn't care that he left without a word.
Almost.
A sharp knock on the door made me jump. "Miss Arya? Are you awake?"
Claire burst in before I could answer, her eyes bright with barely contained excitement. She looked
