Chapter 4

Giorgia’s POV

I couldn’t breathe for one second. His eyes stayed on me. I tightened my fingers around the tray.

“I use scented oils. The children are sensitive to strong smells, so I make my own balm.”

Alessandro said nothing. His gaze dropped to my throat. The balm was burning under my skin.

“I should check on Matteo and Sofia.”

I stepped sideways. He moved aside. I walked away without looking back, kept my pace steady until I reached the servants’ corridor. Then I hurried.

My hand went under my sleeve. The heat had spread farther up my arm. The balm was failing.

I slipped into an empty room and locked the door. The bottle came out of my pocket, the liquid inside gone cloudy. I touched a drop to my wrist. A weak warmth spread, then disappeared. That was all I had left.

I needed to leave tonight. Wallet, keys, phone, enough money for a train. I could reach Celeste before morning. I just needed to get out without anyone noticing.

A knock. I shoved the bottle back into my pocket. “Giorgia?” Mrs. Bianchi, with another tray. “Take these to the ballroom. They need more servants.”

“I thought my duties were finished.”

“They need help.”

No room to argue. I took it.

The ballroom was louder than before, more guests, music, laughter, the sharp scent of blood. I kept my head down. I’d almost reached the far side when I heard my name.

“Giorgia.” Alessandro, near the fireplace. His eyes dropped to my hands. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m tired, my lord.”

“You should be careful.” I couldn’t tell if it was a warning.

A man approached him before I could answer. “My lord, may I speak with you?” Alessandro looked away. I took the opening and walked toward the servants’ corridor.

I was almost at the back entrance when voices stopped me. “Move.” I stepped against the wall. Two servants hurried past.

“I have a message for Lord Russo.”

“About what?”

“The nanny.”

My breath caught. “Are you certain?”

“They described her. Blonde. Blue eyes. Works with the Valentino children. They want to know how long she’s been here.”

Someone was looking for me.

I turned toward the ballroom. Across the crowded room, Alessandro stood near the fireplace. A servant leaned close and whispered something. His eyes found mine, we held each other’s gaze for a long time.

Then I heard his voice .

“Find out who has been asking about her.”

My blood ran cold. He was looking for answers.

So was someone else.