CHAPTER 17: LUCIA

It's way past breakfast time now, and I'm in my bed fighting for my life.

It really sucks. Breakfast is mostly the only time I get to see Ivan throughout the entire day because he gets back really late at night when I'm asleep. Last night was the first time he ever got back that early.

I decided to use the pool when everywhere got quiet; the gardeners had retired for the day, and the few guards outside had moved to the other side of the house.

It was something that I'd wanted to do for a while, and yesterday just seemed like the perfect time for it. I didn't get into the pool since I and water aren't exactly friends. But I did have a good time soaking in and enjoying the fresh air of the night.

Until I felt that familiar - not so discomforting - prickle that happens when Ivan looks at me. I turned to see him looking at me, those eyes boring into my soul. He was dressed so casually in black and white like he was ready to retire for the night.

I looked away as quickly as I could so