Chapter 53 : A Deal With the Devil

The inside of Abel’s fortress didn’t match the plain gray stone and basic shape of the exterior. I was hit by the scent of vanilla and spring roses as we entered the main foyer, the entire area bright, clean, and painted in muted purples and violets.

A large stone staircase forked to two separate wings of the house, and art in thick, intricate gold frames lined almost all of the wall space spanning two sweeping stories. I stifled a gasp as Abel shut the door behind us, rocking on his heels with a boyish grin on his face.

Two pretty maids rushed over to us, bobbing their heads in greeting.

“Have their things brought upstairs,” Abel began, stepping between me and Scarlett with a casual air as he addressed the maids. “Run a bath for–well, I don’t know either of your names.” He blinked at us expectantly.

I cleared my throat. “Eliza,” I said, then motioned to Scarlett. “And Scarlett.”