#sidecvr

new orleanians talk about the vincelli mansion like it’s a lion’s den but, for hugo, he feels more akin to fox set loose in the henhouse. more theft than rampant violence - though the night is young yet and these are vincellis and he’s considered shoving one unobservant member of their family overboard for a comment about his beloved - but a fox nonetheless. the bet he’s willing to make is that they, clearly trying to impress their guests, think no one’s reckless enough to cause any trouble here of all places. whether he makes it off the property with any of their personal affects hardly matters when disturbing their peace will bring him as much joy.

it’s clear by the body language of vera she’d been hoping for a moment of quiet when she walks onto the otherwise empty terrace. hugo, sat on the railing and back braced against a column, grants her a cheeky smile with zero effort made to excuse himself. “i hope i’m not disturbing anything.” he thumps ash over the railing. “there weren’t any menacing italians guarding the doors.”