Chapter 36. The Plan in Motion

She woke to the touch of his hand brushing her shoulder. The light was pale and cold through the curtains, and she was still wrapped in the duvet like a cocoon.

“Wake up, fiorellina,” Ezio murmured. “It’s time to get ready.”

She blinked, half-asleep, half-aware of his voice. He was already dressed, crisp shirt, dark slacks, coat waiting on the chair. For a moment, she thought she’d dreamed the night before—until she saw the faint smile tugging at his mouth.

“There’s someone waiting for you,” he added. “Renata. A friend of mine. She’s here to help you with everything. You’ll find her in your old room.”

Margherita sat up, the blanket falling around her waist. “Do you have any preferences?” she asked quietly. “Should I look like your girlfriend or your whore?”

Ezio’s brow lifted, but his voice stayed calm. “Neither,” he said. “Just look like yourself. That’s enough.”

That answer disarmed her more than anything else.

She stood, pulling th