Cortigiana (A Vamp Life Prequel) by Jez Strider Page A

hung out, the fat
exposed. He looked nothing like my father, except they both had
green eyes.
    “ The police may come for her
yet. It will save us the trouble. Then again…” Aunt Regina paused
and stared at me thoughtfully. The best way to describe her would
be to compare the woman to a ratty little shrew.
Emotionally exhausted, I lifted my head to
meet her curious gaze. Luca crossed his arms and leaned back in his
chair before throwing his feet up on the table, nasty boots and
all. My endless tears failed to draw any sympathy.
Regina smirked at me and I didn’t like it.
“Evelina, dear. Your mother must have taught you about her…
lifestyle before marrying your father.”
    “ I do not know what you are
talking about.”
    “ Avoid being coy with us.
You are an adult now, whether or not you behave as such. Surely,
your mother taught you dancing, how to walk, or even seduce?” She
chose her words carefully.
It was true. My mother had taught me some
unorthodox skills. Her advice had always been to know everything
you can. At the time, I hadn’t thought much about the dance moves
or the strange books she had me read describing the acts men enjoy
most. It seemed like I was preparing for when I would finally be
married.
    “ I… can dance and know about
things, but I am sure this will all be worked out and I can go home
soon.” I told them.
Uncle Luca let out a cackle of a laugh.
“They’re gone. No more mamma and papa to coddle their precious
child. I bet those men will take them to Poveglia and toss them
into a mass grave with victims of the old plague.”
I shoved my chair back and stood up. “I do
not need you. Either of you. I can take care of myself.” Without
waiting for a response, my uncle grabbed me by the hair and jerked
me back. The sudden pain made me cry out.
    “ You will do what we say.
Maybe your aunt can doll you up enough to get you into Sanuto’s
party.” He shoved me roughly toward the stairs. “Get upstairs. Give
her a place to sleep, Regina.”
Fearful, I did what I was told. My uncle was
a horrible man. He was nothing like my father. It was no surprise
they never associated with each other. Aunt Regina followed me up
the stairs and led me to a tiny room to sleep.
    “ Worry not. Do a good job
and we shall all be living more comfortably.” She said before
leaving me alone.
I lay down on old covers piled in the floor
and hugged my pillow. There wasn’t even a bed. The linens smelled
musty, not fresh like they did at home. There were no familiar and
comforting sounds. No books. None of my favorite things. Not even
the music box my father had brought me when he had returned from
one of his long trips. I longed to hear the delicate, soft music.
It always helped me sleep.
Then, I did hear a sound. Not one familiar
or reassuring, though. Quietly, I moved toward the window and
searched for the source of the grunts and groans. A common
prostitute was servicing her client in the alleyway. This was not
one of the respected courtesans I had heard so much about, but a
poor woman doing what she had to survive. For a moment, I couldn’t
turn away from the scene. Was this what would become of me if I
failed to impress? If my skills were not of a high standard? I
turned away and returned to my meager bedding. No. I would not be
reduced to a street whore. If I was going to have to do it, I was
going to do it right.

The nobleman, Dante Sanuto, often held
prestigious parties that rivaled the festivities of the Carnival of
Venice. One of these masquerade balls, my Uncle hoped to gain me an
invitation to. How he was going to do so, I had no idea. Aunt
Regina and I focused on our own tasks.
My relatives were putting a hefty amount of
faith in abilities that I had never used. Regina and I bought the
best dress and mask that we could afford. It had taken what little
savings they had and I was reminded of this constantly. With a bit
of sewing and flourish, we were able to change the dress into
something