Proserpina

When we stopped to refuel and where I have no idea. All I recall is the landing on American soil and groggily getting out of the car in front of the large house I had visited once before—the night Lucien had seduced me so thoroughly.

My heart pounding, I studied the house in the twilight. It was as large as I remembered and as grotesque.

The wide pathway, the well-maintained gardens, the swimming pool in the distance, glistening invitingly in the evening sun, everything bespoke wealth. Spanish arches, wide verandas and wrought iron balconies completed the look of extravagance. And the entire sprawling estate was bounded by on all...