Page 19 of Days Of Valentino

“I know. But I’m ready,” she says.

“I fucking love you.” I slam my lips down on hers.

Episode Eight

This girl is my whole fucking world. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my children equally. But there’s just something about being a girl dad. Aurora is different from the boys. Most times, I actually think she can take care of herself better than Lorenzo or Enzo can.

Knowing how capable she is doesn’t make it any easier to not grab her, throw her in a room, and lock her in. Keeping theoutside world far away from her. Of course, my wife would never allow me to do that. I’ve suggested it more than once over the years.

I’m sure if my wife knew what I just found out, though, she might be swayed. Our precious little girl just made her second kill. It was a shock—although, knowing Aurora, it probably shouldn’t have been as shocking when she killed someone a few months back to protect her cousins.

When I look at my daughter, I see my wife’s beauty and my devilment. Which makes her one hell of a lethal combination. Aurora is probably ten times more dangerous than her brothers, and I’ve seen my boys at work. Let’s just say they’re both making a name for themselves in our world.

Savvy tells me that I shouldn’t treat Aurora different from the boys—all that equal right bullshit she likes to educate me on. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about equal rights. Aurora is my princess. Nothing will ever change that. I remember the day she was born. Holding her in my arms, all wrapped up in that pink blanket. I swore then that I’d never let the darkness of our world touch a single blonde hair on her head.

Guess I failed on that count. As much as I try to drag her away, to keep her in the light, she’s fucking determined to plant her feet on the dark side. I’m just not sure she’s ready for the consequences of what that truly means.

Sitting here watching her sleep, I thank God that she’s capable of defending herself, of protecting her family. But, fuck, I wish she didn’t have to be. Wishing for things that will never happen is a waste of time, though. Pointless.

I watched the tape. I saw my niece take a bullet, and then I saw my daughter stab the shooter in the neck with a knife. It’s not so much what she did that haunts me. It’s the look on her face as she did it. She didn’t hesitate. She didn’t flinch. Her eyes were focused, but it was her smile that got me.

When she pushed the tip of the blade into his neck, she fucking grinned. Aurora likes the kill. I shouldn’t be surprised. The women in my family seem to inherit fucking psychotic tendencies. My Zia Angelica and her daughter Izzy are the craziest people I’ve ever met. And now, it seems Aurora is following in their footsteps.

I’m torn between being proud and fucking worried about her. Even now, watching her sleep so damn peacefully after such a violent event is worrisome. Why isn’t she having nightmares? Reliving the event?

Not that I want her to be stuck in that kind of torture. But, fuck, a little bit of remorse or a glimmer of fear would be normal to see on an eighteen-year-old girl after she’s stabbed someone to death.

Aurora stirs. Her eyes open and land on me. “Papa, is everything okay?” she asks while pulling herself upright.

“It’s okay. Go back to sleep,” I tell her.

Aurora smiles and I swear the whole room lights up. “Something is on your mind. You only watch me sleep when you’re worried about something,” she says, bringing her knees up to her chest. She rests her head on top as she waits for me to respond.

“How are you?” I ask her.

“I’m good, Papa. Promise.”

“I saw the tape, Aurora. What you did…” My words drop off.

“I’m… I’m not sorry. I wish I could tell you that I was but I’m not. You shouldn’t have watched it.”

“You don’t ever have to be sorry for protecting your family, sweetheart. I just wish you didn’t have to.” I run a hand through my hair. “I wanted to keep you away from this life. I failed.” I sigh.

“You didn’t fail me, Papa. This life, our family, it’s in my blood. I’m a Valentino. Just like you. Just like Nonno and ZioTheo. I’m a Valentino.” She repeats our name, as if this explains why she is the way she is.

“I know.” I smile at her. “But you’re also my princess. You’re my little girl and I’m supposed to be protecting you better than I have been.”

“You protect me just fine, Papa. You’ve done better than that. You’ve given me the skills to protect myself. To make sure I can survive anything that comes at me. And you gave me two overbearing big brothers. Do you have any idea how hard it is to date with those two around? I thought it’d be easier with Lorenzo in Australia. But, no, Enzo has picked up the whole scary big brother routinetwo-fold.”

I frown. “When did you start dating? You’re not serious. No, I didn’t sign off on you dating.” I shake my head.

“I’m eighteen, Papa. I’m going off to college next year. I’m almost finished high school. Do you really think I don’t date?” She laughs.

I don’t join in. Aurora dating is no laughing matter. “There isn’t a boy in this world worthy of you, sweetheart. You should just stop looking for one now. There is nothing wrong with being a spinster and living with your parents forever, you know.”

Aurora raises one eyebrow at me. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She smiles. “I really am okay though, Papa. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“I will worry about you until I take my last breath, Aurora.” I stand and walk over to her bed. Bend down and press a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “Ti amo,” I whisper.

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