It was a gloomy day in the red-light district of Waterside. Weeks after the youngest Whitacres had left New Paris in search for their new happiness across the borders, the wildest rumors about their sudden disappearance finally subsided.

Only a few of the citizens knew what had really transpired when Annabelle Whitacre found her husband on the grounds of the Drysdale Plantation. Griffin Carmody, Joane Boudrot, Farah Demaine and Cilia Drysdale were sworn to secrecy. Should a bad word about the whole situation leak to society, many families would be threatened with the same fate as councilman Banner and Ernest Boudrot.

It was only a sign of how weak and powerless four women were against a society that was founded on secret pacts and promises.

Cilia Drysdale was staring over the poor view her window offered. In the open window across the street a young man, a writer, was staring absentmindedly out of his window. She knew that when a costumer would come, he would shut his shutters. If it was a case of respect for her or disdain for her profession, she would never know.

After Annabelle and Reed had left, she had tried to change her ways. She knew she could never forgive her parents for what they had done to her friend but neither could she taint the reputation Joane had built by forcing her company onto the young woman. It only took a week for her to return to the Garden of Eden, a brothel at the border of Waterside and Quarell Quarter.

She took a long pull from the cigarette that was dangling between her fingers. How quick had she accepted things to fall back into the way they were before. She hadn't even heard from Joane, assuming the high end socialite was glad that Cilia had called off their unusual friendship.

A sudden breeze made her pull the sheer black dressing gown tighter against her pale skin. Her vibrant copper hair dangled in thick curls across her shoulders.

The sight of her mother's surprised expression at the recognition that it was indeed her daughter standing on the other side of the trigger would forever stay with her. How shocking it must be to banish a scrawny mousy brown seventeen year old only to be reunited with a fierce redhead six years later. A mocking smile painted her fiery red lips.

A sudden knock brought her back from her musings. With a sharp turn, her dark brown eyes latched onto the simple golden watch a lover had once used to pay her services with. The visitor standing behind the door was early for her company.

Without waiting for her reply, the door opened revealing an intimidating figure in the shadows of the dark hallways of the Garden of Eden. Frozen in place, just in time to paint a seductive smile on her face, Cilia watched the visitor entering her chamber. 

At the sight of his familiar face, the smile froze, her eyes losing all of their fake lust and passion.

"So it is true that the fallen Drysdale daughter can be found in a simple brothel in Waterside." A deep voice twirled around her, rooting her instantly onto the dark wooden floor.

The man, a familiar sight for Cilia, stepped further into her room, eyeing it curiously. His eyes lingered over the royal double bed with the vibrant red cushions and sheets. Thin veils hung from the ceiling hiding the possible user of the bed into a fogged mystery.

As if suddenly pinched, Cilia awoke from her daze. She had to force herself not to turn hostile, her brows fighting to turn into an angry frown. She had had the awful experience of acquaintances of her father to seek her out, by surprise or on purpose. Never before had she felt the sudden urge to push her visitor through the open window as fast as she could.

"What an honor that the infamous Theo Archer has finally decided to grant my chambers with his presence." She spoke decidedly, measuring every word with a slow turn to face the man who was now standing in the middle of the room. He tucked his hands casually behind his back before he finally looked at her again. Wonder shimmered his vibrant blue eyes underneath thick, straight eyebrows.

"Look who learned how to speak." Theo said amused. He took measured steps towards her. Cilia couldn't deny he was still looking devilishly handsome although his face had grown rougher, more angular than when they were nothing but teenagers.

Ignoring a pang of panic at the sudden rush of memories clouding her brain, Cilia bit her lip and took a deep breath as soon as Theo's gaze was directed to somewhere else.

"What are you doin' here, Theo? Don't tell me you have to pay for your women nowadays." She muttered, letting the facade of nightly companionship flutter away like the lonely bird who abandoned her windowsill.

Theo backed away, faking a broken heart by clutching his fist over his chest. "Can't I visit an old friend anymore? Cilia, that hurts." His mocking tone said.

Before Cilia could throw any foul words in his direction, the dark haired visitor stalked away from the window and looked back at Cilia.

"But you're right. I don't need to pay for my women. They still come to me." A hidden shimmer graced his blue eyes. "I did come, however, to ask you for a favor."

Irked, Cilia turned around, tightening her see-through robe tighter around her waist. Goosebumps were forming on her bare skin, where it was left untouched by the delicate black fabric of her detailed lingerie.

"You see, dearest, I am aware of your delicate situation with mother and father Drysdale." Theo continued, keeping his eyes glued on Cilia. She didn't respond except for shifting her weight onto her other slender leg. "As you may know, your sudden friendship with Miss Boudrot had New Paris in quite a stir recently."

"You are not telling me anything I don't know." Cilia spoke slowly, faking disintrest by observing her oval shaped nails.

"Patience, dearest." Theo said, comfortably taking a seat on the chaise longue in front of the window. From across the streets, Cilia caught the eye of the writer who instantly blushed and reached for his shutters.

"What I come to offer you is a way out of this brothel." Theo continued, unaware of their leaving spectator.

Confusion spread across Cilia's face. "I thought you needed a favor. The only offers I make, are those between my sheets." She said, nodding her head towards the bed. 

Theo quickly followed her gesture, glancing at the bed that had led many a man to the highest pleasures. He shook his head, smirking. 

"I don't think that will be necessary. However, if you prove to be so kind to fulfill my favor, I am willing to show my gratitude." Theo said, lifting himself of the chaise longue. With a few steps, he was standing closely to Cilia. So close, his cologne wafted over her, indulging her in teenage daydreams of what it would be like to be embraced by the rich man.

Cilia cleared her throat, taking a few steps back. 

Theo chuckled at her reaction, "I need you to accompany me." he explained, following her movements with his endless blue eyes. 

"I don't know what you've heard about my current situation..." Theo started, his eyes lingering on the ornate pillows.

"My clients do not bring up other men whilst their here. They've got other things on their mind." Cilia fired back. She felt as if his presence here was humiliating. She had never been embarrassed for the way she had carried her banishment from the Drysdales. She had been furious at her parents, but never with herself. 

Theo Archer, a man who belonged to her past, should've stayed there.

The devil in a suit grinned at her reaction, interest sparking in his features as he slightly tilted the corner of his mouth. 

"I am currently in a very important trade and I need someone who could help me convince my clients." Theo said thoughtfully, as if he still considered someone else instead of Cilia.

"You need me to sleep with your clients for you." Cilia simplified the vague description Theo provided her with. An amused smile lingered on his face.

"Time has done you well, Cilia, both in brains and in looks." He said with a combination of lust and pride coiling in his gaze. 

"You help me and I'll make sure you never have to set foot in this establishment ever again." Theo said, turning away from her. Cilia watched him stride towards the door. "If you agree, meet me at my estate in Paradise Grove. I am sure you still know the way?" He said. 

Before Theo could shut the door, Cilia managed to get out a final thought "Don't expect the poor girl abandoned from Drysdale at your doorstep, Mr. Archer. You might burn your fingers if you do." 

Theo paused and seemed to consider her words. 

"One would almost look forward to such a promise."