Fifty Nine

Isabella

Gabrielle comes in a few hours later. I am glad to have him join me because my thoughts were getting suicidal.

"I'm surprised you aren't sick of him yet," he says, pouring himself a glass.

"Who said I'm not? What is this place we're about to go to?"

"It's called Eclisse. Dante's favorite club. He keeps an eye on all the comings and goings personally. It's a pretty classy spot. Only politicians, businessmen, and…" He trails off, making me all the more curious.

"And who? Their whores? Like Lucia?" I spin on my heel, facing him.

Gabrielle sends me a probing look, as if checking my bluff. I don't allow my face to show any emotion, instead focusing on rummaging through my clothes, pretending to look for something appropriate for the evening. Once in a while I press the bottle to my lips, sipping.

"Maybe not exactly like Lucia, but yes. It is a place for people who cannot act as freely anywhere else."