SHE IS SINKING, HE IS DROWNING, AND TOGETHER, THEY BURN.
Ekaterina Sokolov has always been her older brother's concealed gem. Hidden away from the public eye, her brother always made sure to protect her from the dark and perilous world they lived i...
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11 am - Rome
I was soaked from the heavy rain, walking alongside Anna towards the imposing mansion. The rain had me looking as if I'd just taken a shower with my clothes on.
As I was reaching the mansion, I headed straight for the kitchen door. The raindrops hitting the ground sounded like a symphony around us. Anna closed the door behind us, and the storm's noise faded as we entered the elegant house.
I turned to Anna and asked, "Where's his office?"
"Go up the stairs on the left side," Anna pointed to a grand staircase, "and it's the first door on your right."
I nodded and followed her directions. My wet feet left marks on the shiny floor as I climbed the stairs. The atmosphere inside the mansion was calm and quiet, a sharp contrast to the chaos outside. It felt like the walls themselves held secrets.
Arriving at the designated location, I stood before a massive oak door, its grandeur hinting at the importance of what lay beyond. I knocked on it, the sound echoing in the hallway.
"Come in," a calm male voice called from behind the door.
I opened it and found Armando sitting in a large black chair in front of an even larger dark oak desk. A small glass with what seemed like scotch and a pile of papers were in front of him.
Closing the door behind me, I raised my eyebrows, ready for our conversation. He looked at me with a familiar expression.
"Why are you always wet?" he asked, sounding unimpressed.
I glanced up for a moment, keeping it simple, "Rain."
"And why are you still in your pajamas?" he inquired, clearly annoyed.
I shrugged, "I don't wear purple," remembering the outfit he had the maid's layout for me.
Armando shook his head, looking at me like I was a child. He pointed to the chair in front of him, commanding me to sit.
I rolled my eyes this time, thinking he should treat people better. I pulled the chair back and sat down, water drops rolling down my neck. I was freezing, but I tried not to show weakness.
Facing him, I saw the storm in his eyes. "Tomorrow, Booth is taking you shopping. You need clothes," he stated.
I looked at him unexpectedly, "Okay."
"You can't keep running around in pajamas forever, right?"
Of course, he had to say something belittling. Armando always seemed to make me feel small.
"What if I want to?" I challenged.
Armando leaned back, his neck resting on the top of the chair. "This comes back to our conversation from last night, doesn't it?"
