Changing into my thief attire, I climbed out of the same window, but going up, instead of down. I sprinted across Florence's buildings, the smile never leaving my lips. I felt as if I flew with each leap, the joy in my heart carrying me further. As I joined with my father and the rest of the guild, I stopped grinning crazily but I kept my slight smile.

"Ciao, Bambina," my father greeted me, kissing me on each cheek.

"Ciao, Padre," I replied.

"Someone's in a good mood, did you steal another 600 florins?" He asked, noting my obvious smile that lit up with every thought of Federico.

I opened my mouth to speak before one of the thieves, Nazario, stepped forward. "Probably because she's been off fucking the Auditore stronzo!"

"What?!" Were many of the response from the thieves, including my father who gripped me by the shoulders.

"Of all the men of Florence, and you choose to fuck the Auditore brothers?"

"Not both of them, Papà, just one..." I trailed off guiltily.

"Don't you, 'Papà', me, Bambina! This could get you in serious trouble! Don't think that public executions are a distant thing, if someone found out-"

"There's nothing wrong with me sleeping with Federico Auditore, everyone knows that Ezio frequently visits the brothels," then I turned on Nazario, "and you! How dare you watch us together!"

"But Ezio isn't promised to someone."

I stopped. I slowly turned back to face my father, afraid to see the truth in his eyes.

"Federico Auditore is promised to Jolanda Terriani. If you were caught, a beggar girl like yourself... Let's say that you wouldn't get off as lightly as Federico."

"He... He didn't tell me." I felt the happiness fleet away as a crushing pain replaced it. I trusted him, I even trusted Ezio to tell me.

"Let him go, don't see the boy again. There are other Florentine men that are less risky to court. Ones that don't have powerful fathers that take their daughters dowry extremely seriously." He lifted my chin up to look at him. "Bambina, I don't mean to hurt you, I just want you to be safe. Sì?"

"Sì, Padre." I sniffled slightly, refusing to cry. I could feel the dark eyes of Nazario burn into the back of my head and I dared not turn around.

"Eccellente." He smiled and stroked my cheek. "Now, I have a present for you which is deemed perfect now, good for you to keep safe." He pulled a small copper dagger from behind his back and handed it to me. "Try it out."

It was light in my hand and had a beautiful, intricate design on the handle. Just before the blade, there was a small, glass gemstone sticking out, it looked like a button-

As I pressed it, the dagger extended to a sword, just missing my father's right ear.

I squealed, "mi dispiace(sorry), Padre, mi dispiace!" I clicked the button again, the sword retreated back to a small knife and I grinned as he let out a heavy breath, shaking his head as he checked his ear was still intact.

"Mille grazie, (thank you very much) Papà, it's perfect!"

He smiled. "Now that should keep you at arms length of trouble."

For the rest of the day, I practised parrying and reposting with my father and various other thieves. Despite the constant appraisal of my technique, my mind was far from the fight, in a fight of its own, in fact. Touseling between the betrayal of Federico, the fact he had put my life on the line, and my desperate longing to be back in his arms, filling our nights with powerful passion.

"Concentrato, Bambina!" My father snapped as his sword whipped at my arm, creating a small cut in both my shirt fabric and my skin.

I apologised and continued the fight, but my movements were becoming lazy, sluggish as my mind kept wandering, away from there, to Federico...

As the sword drew a second cut, just below the first, my father sighed. "Get that cleared up and take some rest, we're done for today."

"Grazie, pPdre." I said and pocketed the blade, hopping down to the streets below to visit the nearest doctor.

While I was there, I bought some medicine and with the exasperated tut from the doctor, I left, thanking him and returning to the streets. Walking around, I noticed how out of place I was. Of course, it wasn't uncommon to see a thief on the streets, but it was uncommon to see one alone, and a girl at that, not expertly hidden as my long brown hair hung down my back. A thief alone was watched constantly, people held their hands over their purses as I walked past and kept a look out for the rest of my group.

I jogged back into the brothel and decided to heed my mother's instructions and train in the art of disguise. I pulled on the courtesan apparel, tied my hair up and added some light make up. Wandering back into the streets, I saw how invisible I was. It was completely normal for a courtesan to stroll the streets alone and the only looks that were sent my way were those of lusty men whose pockets were bigger than the bulge in their pants. Breezing past a tailor, I stopped. On the front mannequin was a beautiful red gown, the fabric glistening in the late afternoon sun, the bodice laced with delicate stitching and the skirt a modest length but countered by the low cut neckline. I asked how much it cost and was not surprised at the answer.

"Seven thousand and two hundred florins, signora" the tailor responded, equally unsurprised when I told him I'd return later.

Smiling wickedly, I thought to myself, I can steal that much.

For the continuation of the afternoon, I darted to and fro, man to man, showing a little leg, exposing more of my cleavage, distracting them long enough to relieve them of their purses. Mother taught me well, I thought passing by the tailor again, making sure the dress was still there. With the betrayal of Federico, I was sure he'd rather spend his florins in his precious, little Jolanda, I hissed bitterly under my breath.

Soon, just before closing time and just as the golden light of the sun nearly ended, I reached my target. Arriving at the counter I smiled.

"Seven thousand, two hundred and four florins, keep the change."

"Keep your change ragazza(girl), the dress has already been bought." The tailor said, pointing to the empty mannequin.

"Merda!" I exclaimed, gathering up the money.

Not looking back, I stormed away, angry at myself, the tailor and the stupid bastardo that bought the dress. Returning to the brothel, I slammed the money down on the table, attracting the attention of the Madame, Paola.

"Bambina, what's wrong?" She asked, endearingly holding my shoulders.

"Nothing. Share this out, buy something nice." I handed the purse to her, rather roughly, and ran up the stairs, taking two at a time. I hoped no one else came to speak to me since the knife hidden on my thigh might find itself in their belly.

Throwing open the door my room, I was taken aback by the sight that received me. A dress, no, the dress, lay on my bed, a note resting upon it.

I snatched it up and read it.

"Bella,
This is almost too beautiful to take off, but I think we'll manage.
See you tomorrow,
Federico."

So he was the stupid bastardo that bought the dress! I couldn't help but smile. I lifted the dress up and held it in front of the mirror. It was beautiful.

I'd better wear it for a while now since I won't be wearing it long tomorrow, I thought, climbing into the gorgeous garment.

As I stood, draped in luxurious fabric, I frowned again. I'd be defying father's wishes, if I was discovered, I could die, and that judgement could just be my father's alone.

I shouldn't go.

No, I should.

No, I shouldn't.

I cried out in exasperation and threw myself on the bed. I picked up the note. There was writing on the back.

"My love, you have my heart.
I just hope that you can give me yours."

Fuck it. Even if he was lying, I'd sort it out there and then.

I'm going.